w123 v w124

[mike65]

I'm quite possibly going to re-enter the world of the 3 point star, after the w201 I'm going for something bigger and automatic. There are plenty of w124s around but fewer w123 which you'd spend money on.

I suppose its a form of madness that I might consider a 22+ year old car as my daily hack but I kinda like the old buses.

So I'm after some practical feedback on the relative strengths and weaknesses of owning a late w123 (230 prolly) as against a mid-90s E200 or E220.

Mike.

 

[Seeker_UK]

The E220 16V is a better motor than the 230 ad is probably better on fuel and a bit nippier.

W123s also suffer a bit more from rust (mostly due to age).

 

[Ian B Walker]

Agreed with above. On a 123 its the rust that you cant see that is going to kill the car. Given a choice I would go for a 124 E220. A car with class

 

[television]

Driving the 124 just has the edge over the 123, a more refined ride

 

[mike65]

You're right of course! Prolly going to check a couple out on Tuesday.

Mike.

 

[rdm555]

Depends what you are after, the 124 would be a better, smoother and cheaper option, but I just can't resist the looks of the W123 coupe. I love older car they are much easier to maintain yourself without having to use a dealer.

 

[Old Hat Shop]

I agree with the above comments. I looked at both models and would have preferred the 123 for its looks but settled for the better practicality of the 124. It is only a 200E but it's used as a daily hack by the other half and makes trips to France. I don't regret my choice one bit.

And if you do go for a 124 pick one before '91 as these (apparently) had a better build quality.

 

[robparker]

I would just have to disagree with that last comment about pre-91 w124's having better build quality, i would say the newset w124s are better, i have a pre-face lift 1990 260e and a post facelift '94 E280 and the e280 feels like a more solid car. The 260e is great and feels really good, but i think the 280 has the edge on it. Just my opinion. As for the 123 vs 124, i dunno, i have owned and loved both!

 

[julian dodwell]

julian france

I'm quite possibly going to re-enter the world of the 3 point star, after the w201 I'm going for something bigger and automatic. There are plenty of w124s around but fewer w123 which you'd spend money on.

I suppose its a form of madness that I might consider a 22+ year old car as my daily hack but I kinda like the old buses.

So I'm after some practical feedback on the relative strengths and weaknesses of owning a late w123 (230 prolly) as against a mid-90s E200 or E220.

Mike.

I have a 230 coupe that's 30 years old and runs very smoothly;
Its in very good condition and that's probably down to the great build quality and the simplicity of the design,
Feels great driving a car thats that old and still superior to the cars they produce to day.

 

[snowster007]

If you get a GOOD 123 (and there are a few still about, if you're willing to pay a premium) they are - in my opinion - far superior to the newer 124s. They are quite simply better engineered. Yes, there's plenty of rusty ones with 300k on the clock, but there are some low mileage beauties like my 123 280E that have always been serviced by MB, kept in a garage, and built like tanks. Perfect... if you can find one!

 

[supercharger]

i personally think the w123,s are a great looking car but love the drive and feel of a w124 build wise i dunno. last week i bought a w123 coupe 230e on ebay unseen and cheap it was delivered as it had a failed head gasket 2 owner car with 75,000 miles on the clock
it hasnt benn taxed since 1999. i can here the gasps from here lol.
yesterday i put in a complete engine (102,000mls) with the origonal box the fuel pump was siezed so changed that too, now i forgot to mention that the car had a full tank yes full tank of fuel i was obviously gutted at having to ditch this 8/9 year old fuel but i thought well i might as well turn the key. i did so and it fired instantly and ran at idle for over an hour on the old fuel. im amazed the w123 has the edge for me

supercharger

 

[simon_wall69]

My 124 is much faster, much more economical, more reliable, more practical, handles better, has a better ride, is more comfortable, smoother, quieter, has a better stereo, has a button to collapse the head rests and has air con and leather. However, unless I'm travelling a long way or need the boot space, I always pick the keys up for the 123.

 

[hardtop]

its hard to find a good 123 now so prob easy to go for a 124 plus parts are easy to find