R129 vs. W124 Differences

[Richard Moakes]

I did a 400 mile journey in my 500SL this past weekend, normally I would have used my old faithful W124 300E, but as I got the SL into roadworthy condition, I thought it would be nice to use it.

The differences between the vehicles are amazing, the amount of fatigue per mile in an R129 is so much less than that in a W124. It seems to be a subtle combination of NVH reduction, better seating and ventilation which makes all the difference. Some of it may be down to just weight of the vehicle, heavier cars are always more stable and comfortable, but I can't imagine thats the only reason.

Given the awful weather I drove through, my stress levels were reduced by knowing I had ABS, ASC and ADS to keep me safe during those torrential downpours. I don't like too much technology on a car, but during a strong crosswind and a heavy downpour, it does make me feel as if the car will take care of me.

One complaint though, the headlamps are a joke, it's like having candles to see the road ahead. I am not convinced that HID's are a good idea in this car unless I do the full upgrade of lamp units to the later factory HID type, so I have ordered some of the latest Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for the car, which are totally legal, and if they improve on the Osram Silverstars I fitted to the W129, then it should improve the lighting to 'acceptable' from 'downright awful'

All in all, I am delighted with the S class experience, its been worth all the effort so far

 

[Bolide]

What's the mileage difference between the two?

I've noticed on W124s that the difference between an 80,000-mile car and a 180,000-mile car is subtle but it's all about ride, noise, handling and fatigue. If you own one for a long time you don't tend to notice the deterioration

With 180,000 miles they're about on a par with a new Ford...

;-)

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[television]

The 124 does share many steering components with the 1224, and the same goes for the electrics.

The 129s are very much like one of the Citroen CX cars where they drive themselves and you just correct

 

[Richard Moakes]

What's the mileage difference between the two?

I've noticed on W124s that the difference between an 80,000-mile car and a 180,000-mile car is subtle but it's all about ride, noise, handling and fatigue. If you own one for a long time you don't tend to notice the deterioration

With 180,000 miles they're about on a par with a new Ford...

;-)

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

The W124 has 150K+ and the R129 has 130K+

Both cars need lower control arm bushes and lower balljoints, but I don't yet have a Klann spring compressor, its only a matter of time, but right now I can't bring myself to spend that much money on a tool Mind you I have said that about numerous tools in the past, and they are now in my tool cabinet

....or does anyone have one of these tools they will loan me ?

 

[100%Bitch]

One complaint though, the headlamps are a joke, it's like having candles to see the road ahead. I am not convinced that HID's are a good idea in this car unless I do the full upgrade of lamp units to the later factory HID type, so I have ordered some of the latest Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for the car, which are totally legal, and if they improve on the Osram Silverstars I fitted to the W129, then it should improve the lighting to 'acceptable' from 'downright awful'

They have a test in this weeks Auto Express for headlight bulbs. The Osram Nightbreaker bulbs :idea: outperformed everything else out there. Silverstars performed really badly in comparison.

 

[kth286]

Richard

It has probably got to do with the TORQUE of the engine in the 129.

Just a wiff of accelerater and you are past a stream of cars, whereas in the 124 you have to rev the car to get the same effect, and therefore not so relaxing.

NOW, the 320 version of the 124 of course is a completely different kettle of fish.

Very relaxing with peak torque produced at only 3750 rpm and with 220 bhp verses only 188 bhp in your 124, the difference is significant.

Very quiet engine and with variable cam timing it can really scream to high revs if required, and the performance is really good.

With the extra weight penalty of the 129, I guess the 124 (320) would perform very closely in normal UK driving.

 

[Lordjellybelly]

I`ve just done my first long trip in my E320 cabby...1000 miles to and around Scotland and back to dear old London town and apart from some whistling through the very slight off side window gap it was a treat. ....just under 6 miles /litre overall at 80MPH which was more or less the same as a similar trip in my 98 W202 C240. New P7000 Pirellis felt good in the monsoon rain and cruise control didn`t let me down. Having re proofed the hood after recommendations on this site completely repelled all rain although being outside every night.