Opinions sought on "de-Tangoing" a W124

[S80]

It seems fairly common for people to 'upgrade' their pre-star-on-bonnet W124s by replacing the amber indicators with the clear versions - so-called 'deTango-ing', I believe :roll:

To me, however, the W124 is now of 'a certain age' such that it should stop pretending to be a more modern car, and rather bask in an aura of 'elder statesman'. To this end, I think the amber indicators suit it rather well - particularly if they are not faded or cracked. I've even seen 'Lexus -style' clear rear lamp clusters which - to my eyes at least - look particularly naff;-)

Even the earlier 'star-on-grille' front seems somehow more in keeping.....

I'd be interested to know what others might think!

Regards,
David

 

[television]

In my eyes David most cars look best as they came from the factory. Ist face lifts are often OK, but the 2nd like on the new SL things start going pear shaped as the sides do not match the front or rear

 

[simon_wall69]

It seems fairly common for people to 'upgrade' their pre-star-on-bonnet W124s by replacing the amber indicators with the clear versions - so-called 'deTango-ing', I believe :roll:

To me, however, the W124 is now of 'a certain age' such that it should stop pretending to be a more modern car, and rather bask in an aura of 'elder statesman'. To this end, I think the amber indicators suit it rather well - particularly if they are not faded or cracked. I've even seen 'Lexus -style' clear rear lamp clusters which - to my eyes at least - look particularly naff;-)

Even the earlier 'star-on-grille' front seems somehow more in keeping.....

I'd be interested to know what others might think!

Regards,
David

I agree.

There is somebody by me who has a three series that he's decked out to look like an m5, it must have cost him a fortune and then he starts it up, and the black smoke pours out the back and you can hear the unmistakable clatter of a diesel.

It also seems a waste of money on the w124 as it's going to still look like an old car to anyone who knows nothing about cars, and will look like a pre-facelift 124 with clear lights who does know anything about these cars.

The only thing I don't really like about the pre-facelift is the black bumpers.

 

[DougCLK320]

I agree.

The only thing I don't really like about the pre-facelift is the black bumpers.

...and, the black trim/handle across the boot lid, resulting in a non-rusting bootlid - Brilliant!!
Sadly, the post facelift ones, with their nice shiny chrome handle rust. Nearly every one you see (mine included) has rust bubbles on the boot lid around this trim.
Doug

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Interesting timing. I have just bought a set of clear front indicators and side repeaters for my TE as I think the later cars look FAR better than the ones with orange. Fitting them tomorrow as it happens, so can do before and after photos.....
I DO think that they make the cars look more modern, and I feel that just because a car is a classic design, it doesnt have to look like an antique. I feel that the 124 series still look very modern when compared with most other cars of a similar vintage.

 

[stumpy]

Interesting timing. I have just bought a set of clear front indicators and side repeaters for my TE as I think the later cars look FAR better than the ones with orange. Fitting them tomorrow as it happens, so can do before and after photos.....
I DO think that they make the cars look more modern, and I feel that just because a car is a classic design, it doesnt have to look like an antique. I feel that the 124 series still look very modern when compared with most other cars of a similar vintage.

Mine nearly failed its last MOT because the orange bulbs weren't orange enough!

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Here you go-I think it looks superb...... (Compare to my avatar)
It also has clear side repeaters.

 

[100%Bitch]

I think the clear ones look miles better.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

And another one....

 

[Dosco]

And another one....

Far better and by the way the car looks superb

 

[S80]

Hmm - not bad at all

I think a lot depends on the body colour. Silver/grey/black-ish shades look much better. My 280E is 'almandine red', and pics I've seen of this colour with clear lenses don't (to me at any rate) do it any favours.

Beauty, as always, is in the eye of the beholder

 

[doversole]

I think the clear ones look miles better.

Me too, a worthwhile facelift IMO. Time to update your avatar!!

DoverSole

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Done !

 

[doversole]

Done !

Smokin!!

DoverSole

 

[television]

Yes one has to admit that the clear lens take years off the car, the make over is almost as good as Helen's avatar