New member - advice please.......

[mike220]

Hi, just joined as I'm looking to purchase an E220 coupe at the moment. Could someone please give me some info on what to look out for on this model ? Or if anyone knows of a good one for sale ?

I'm not a novice when it comes to cars - just these ones (and mercedes really) but thought it was time a brought some quality and class to my life !!

If anyone can provide any useful information, I'd be really grateful.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Keith]

welcome

you're certainly going for a classy model , you dont say how old and since there are near perfect examples at anything up to 20 years old and more you would need to be more precise before any advice could be offered that was relevant.

One general comment would be that (IMHO) four cylinder models are a little under powered so I would suggest something with a 6 cyls. again it depends how old the model is you are looking for as to what engine options were offered.

there are lots of useful threads on this forum if you use the search tool. Also once you have pinned down the age and precise model you are looking for I would recommend a visit to Benzworld.com which although is a world wide forum (not UK) does have lots of discussion neatly organised by model.

good luck in your search (its part of the fun) Benz's are the biz 8)

Keith

 

[mike220]

Thanks for you response Keith. I'm looking at 1994-1996, but am struggling to find one with both the right mileage and right history / owners etc. I have found one to look at this weekend, but it has 109,000 mls with full MB history. Do you think that the mileage is too high ? Its a 1996 (on the autotrader website) 2 owners, spoke to the guy and it looks like it was a part ex at a main dealership somewhere.

I'd appreciate any comments as I don't want to buy something which is a lot of trouble.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Keith]

E220 Coupe

I had a quick look at Autotrader but couldnt see the one you are referring to. Saw a couple of beauties of 96 vintage a 320 with 80k miles and a soft top 220 with 40k but not yours.

The mileage I would not be unduly concerned about in fact the fact that they are advertising it at that mileage is a good sign, any clocking is usually to below 80k , my E class is at 145k and runs like new. 2 owners is a good sign but make sure you scrutinise the log book to verify this information and also see how long each owned. If they both owned it for a good length of time then thats good but if the last one is selling within 12 months I would be wary.

Make sure its an auto, manual mercs are not popular and resale is tricky. I assume its a coupe (ie hard roof) if it is a soft top then scrutinise the condition and make sure it goes up / down easily. They are £££ to replace.

I am sorry but cant comment much on the engine as I only have experience of 6 cylinder models. The W124 body (which it will have) is arguably the best Merc ever made so should present few issues other than its visual condition .

Finally scrutinise the service book (it must have one or walk away) make sure each service was done and stamped up by either a Merc dealer or Merc specialist (the odd 1 somewhere else is ok but no more) at the appropriate mileage, you should be able to check the mileage with the service book. Dont accept any 'stories' about lost service manuals, just walk.

finally price, there are plenty of fish in the sea so if you cant get it for a parkers guide sort of price then walk, push hard its only business to them but its lots of dosh to you. Sit on it for a week or so if need be these cars are wonderfull but there are relatively few buyers so they need your business.

Of course you need to drive and not hear any wrong noises and steering and brakes should feel good. try everything electrical, check or get someone to observe if it smokes as you go through the gears, bad sign but if it does and would indicate a £500 head job.

if you want to report back any thoughts after viewing before buying feel free to ask more questions on the forum.

good luck 124s are great cars, I expect to double the mileage I have on mine.
Keith