Thinking of having a change

[MissyD]

I'm thinking about getting a W124 coupe, have always loved them. I've seen a couple on Autotrader and ebay.

Any advice before I buy anything

 

[st4]

The same advice about getting any 124 applies. Condition is more important than age/milliage with these cars. Price plays a huge price and a test drive will reveal the condition its in. Remember to look out for rust.

 

[television]

You should have no problem in getting a member to take a peep at one with you

 

[Juddian]

Same as any 124's, they can be a great motor and jolly expensive when they go wrong.

Are you looking for a 220 or 320, i assume you will go for as late a car as possible?

I ask as i have noticed that its much easier to buy a low mileage 220 than the larger engined model.
If you are going for a 320, try and find a car that has had the engine wiring loom replaced, and any sign of a misfire on test drive walk away, if it hasn't been replaced get it done immediately (you can get a part loom replacement now, much cheaper than the whole loom you would have to get before).
And look carefully at the coolant header tank for stains, open the top and check the water surface too, it wont be the first time someone selling a car with cyl head issues has cleaned out the header tank and flogged it quick.

I'll let you into my little secret of used car buying, not the only criteria obviously.

Check the tyres fitted to the car, are they good quality and in good condition?
If so its probable that the rest of the car is equally cared for, the converse is true, if its got the cheapest Chinese rubbish fitted, expect the servicing to be equally cheap too.
Thats my own opinion, but is the result of many years of observations.

 

[jibcl500]

Sarah

220 is a good engine but look for oil leaks at the head, they tend to leak on the lieft front corner, there is a shelf above the chain tensioner which will be covered in old engine oil, only fix is head off new gasket.
Chain tensioner was replaced with an updated version due to premeture wear, new one should have a red ring around it. Can be heard as the engine growls.
Engine loom is a massive issue but an easy fix, I have one instock and its a great bargaining tool if you find a duff look, £500 from MB + fitting !!!! just look for exposed copper on the connector for injectors, also the connector from the MAF has 4 wires inside one sleave, if you handle the sleave with the engine running and the RPM wavers then that loom is also toast, might need a new MAF as a result too.
Rust front wings, rear wings look for fresh repaint as it could be a tart up job for a profit sale.
gearbox will be 4 speed, suspension knocks at the front, checks disks for wear and pads if visible, Exhaust Cats are expensive on these and coil springs if heavily rust they will be mentioned on the MOT and they can break.

jib

 

[Jay Gee]

I'll let you into my little secret of used car buying, not the only criteria obviously.

Check the tyres fitted to the car, are they good quality and in good condition?
If so its probable that the rest of the car is equally cared for, the converse is true, if its got the cheapest Chinese rubbish fitted, expect the servicing to be equally cheap too.
Thats my own opinion, but is the result of many years of observations.

Excellent advice.Quick,easy and non-technical.And I thought that this was my personal secret! :lol:

 

[d215yq]

Sarah

220 is a good engine but look for oil leaks at the head, they tend to leak on the lieft front corner, there is a shelf above the chain tensioner which will be covered in old engine oil, only fix is head off new gasket.
Chain tensioner was replaced with an updated version due to premeture wear, new one should have a red ring around it. Can be heard as the engine growls.

jib

Have a 220 coupe myself and its been a good trouble free car and awesome for my 400 miles a week of mainly motorway driving. However, it has leaked oil from the from the left corner of the engine as mentioned above all the time ive owned it (18 months and 20k miles ago). I've just presumed this is ok and topped it up every 3 months (loses very little). Is there any reason this should be a problem as you say to look out for it?

 

[100%Bitch]

Sarah

220 is a good engine but look for oil leaks at the head, they tend to leak on the lieft front corner, there is a shelf above the chain tensioner which will be covered in old engine oil, only fix is head off new gasket.
Chain tensioner was replaced with an updated version due to premeture wear, new one should have a red ring around it. Can be heard as the engine growls.
Engine loom is a massive issue but an easy fix, I have one instock and its a great bargaining tool if you find a duff look, £500 from MB + fitting !!!! just look for exposed copper on the connector for injectors, also the connector from the MAF has 4 wires inside one sleave, if you handle the sleave with the engine running and the RPM wavers then that loom is also toast, might need a new MAF as a result too.
Rust front wings, rear wings look for fresh repaint as it could be a tart up job for a profit sale.
gearbox will be 4 speed, suspension knocks at the front, checks disks for wear and pads if visible, Exhaust Cats are expensive on these and coil springs if heavily rust they will be mentioned on the MOT and they can break.

jib

You should be offering to check it for her.

 

[television]

You should be offering to check it for her.

My thoughts too Helen

 

[doversole]

Hey MissyD.

I'd be more than happy to 'vet' one with you, so if you need to take a look at a local car let me know.
I can spot most things and it should be fairly easy to recognise an example that has been looked after.
I also have a good 'mechie' friend, i'm sure he could be persuaded to take a look at the 'oily bits' for you.

DoverSole

 

[MissyD]

Thanks guys for your advice and offers of help, will let you know when i find one (if anyone comes across one, please let me know)

 

[100%Bitch]

Hey MissyD.

I'd be more than happy to 'vet' one with you, so if you need to take a look at a local car let me know.
I can spot most things and it should be fairly easy to recognise an example that has been looked after.
I also have a good 'mechie' friend, i'm sure he could be persuaded to take a look at the 'oily bits' for you.

DoverSole

That's very kind of you DS. Well done.

 

[doversole]

That's very kind of you DS. Well done.

Thankyou Helen,

IMO, buying any car involves a great deal of careful inspection.
I personally looked at six before settling on mine (including taking two for MoT's!)
The ultimate reward is yours, hassle-free motoring and the notion you absolutely bought the right one.
We all know there is much to trap the unwary, however the right car will stand out head and shoulders above the others.

I'm a big fan of the CE too, so rest easy MissyD. I'm as pedantic as they come.

DoverSole

 

[television]

Thankyou Helen,


I'm as pedantic as they come.

DoverSole

So is Missy D

 

[doversole]

So is Missy D

I know.

Worth scoring a copy of this for starters.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mercedes-Benz-W124-1985-1997-Sedan-Convertible/dp/1841556521

DoverSole

 

[doversole]

Also, save a few bob for one of these!

http://www.newreg.co.uk/search/info/M155YDS.html

Now, that would look smart!

DoverSole

 

[MissyD]

Thanks for that Doversole, really like that, trouble is I read the small print and it said -

'The rule is; you cannot make a vehicle look newer than it actually is by transferring a younger year letter. M155 YDS can only be assigned to a vehicle first registered as new on or after 01.08.94'

and mine was 1993

 

[television]

Thanks for that Doversole, really like that, trouble is I read the small print and it said -

'The rule is; you cannot make a vehicle look newer than it actually is by transferring a younger year letter. M155 YDS can only be assigned to a vehicle first registered as new on or after 01.08.94'

and mine was 1993

Well the other rule is that you cant make some one really look younger than they are, and you have no problems on that score

 

[doversole]

Thanks for that Doversole, really like that, trouble is I read the small print and it said -

'The rule is; you cannot make a vehicle look newer than it actually is by transferring a younger year letter. M155 YDS can only be assigned to a vehicle first registered as new on or after 01.08.94'

and mine was 1993

Bummer, never even considered that. I was sooooo pleased at finding it too!
You could always buy it (before someone else does) and keep it on retention.

Agree with Malc, btw!!

DoverSole