Old E class (W124 Series) - help needed in choosing best typ

[scotthope]

Hello, I am looking to buy a W124 automatic saloon but am a bit unsure on what to go for. I have definately decided that I would like a 6 cyl model so the 200E & 230E are out. As fuel consumption is fairly similar across the 6 cyl engines I suppose the 300E is the best to go for but mabey not ? Also, I would like to have colour coded bumpers not the standard grey - was this an optional extra on all cars or did it only come in at a certain date (My price range is up to £3000 for a good car, I suppose I would be looking at 1987-1990). Finally, is there anything in particular I should watch out for ?

Thanks,

Scott.

 

[steveperry]

Old E class (W124 Series)

I would suggest to go for as big an engine as you can afford.

I don't know about any quirks with the mid size inline 6 engines from MB, maybe some of the other members can comment.

As for colour coded bumpers these came in on a model revision in the early 90's. My father drives an '87 W124 and that has the dark grey bumpers but it doesn't look so bad as the car is metallic silver.

You could try looking at the Parkers guide for model history on the W124.

A very good car imho, even the 4 cyl models.

S.

 

[DavidBlake]

Old E class (W124 Series)

I did a lot of study on this some time ago, using a library of old road tests. My conclusion was that the 300 is the best buy. (mine is a 300CE). The 260 is slower but uses just as much fuel. The 320 is no faster in realistic road use, (it does have a higher top speed), but is significantly more thirsty. The torque at low revs of the 2 valve per cylinder 300 suits the auto box well. Best model I reckon is an older 300 with no cat, if you can find a nice one.