1st merc

[PGD]

Hi,

I need to buy a second car and don't want to spend too much. I was thinking of getting a W123 early 80's. But now I'm thinking of the W124, late 80's.

What are the pro's or con's of each? I am think that the W124 would likely be more reliable and the late 80's is still old enough for it to be considered a classic if I keep it for a while.

In both cases I would like a saloon and a 2.3 as the largest engine.

Finally, how much more expensive are W124 coupes over the saloons? and what engine did they have?

Thanks.

 

[jaymanek]

Both Cars were built like tanks. You will get a few modern things like abs etc in the 124, but i prefer the classic styling and simplicity of the 123.

You will have to beware of rubbish examples on both series, as with any other car, check for history etc.
If you go for a 190, ive heard that the Carb model is more reliable and has more power than the injection.

124 Coupes werent made till the 90's (i think) and are quite a bit more expensive. If you want a good example, look to pay over 3K for an early model with reasonable mileage.

 

[Russel Weston]

PGD, I have 2 x 123. 230E 1981(300 000km(200 000m)) and 280E. 1982 (113 000m). The 280 is UK spec, leather, electrics and ABS. The 230S SA spec, manual everything but has aircon. Both are nice easy cars to drive, reliable and very easy to work on. I change oil every two months, and filters only cost £3.75 other than that I leave well alone.

 

[andy_k]

we switched from a W123 to a W124 and would never go back, the W124 is a much nicer car to drive, it feels more solid/precise on the road.

Worth considering as well is the fact that W123s have the simplex timing chain in them which is much more prone to snapping at high mileages than the duplex one fitted to post '87 (I think) W124s.

Either car is great, at the end of the day we prefer the W124

Andy