W124 advice update

[David M]

Hello all.  Further to my post about E300D or E280, can anybody advise  as follows, as I'm feeling totally indecisive!

The majority of my driving will be on the motorway, some, but not much in town.   Can anybody advise what the real world fuel consumption (not the car magazines figures idea of it) will be for an E280 auto and an E300D auto, when cruising at 80mpg max.  Also, how will these figures compare to an E220 (there's a nice one for sale - Chris!!).  Does cruise control make a difference?  And, is it worth hunting an E280 with the optional 5 speed auto?  I just want to choose the W124 that's right for me, so any advice much appreciated.

Thanks,
David.    

 

[DougE280]

I have a four speed auto W124 E280.  I achieve a consistant 26.5mpg on my normal commute 50/50 motorway/urban crawl through north London.
Constant motorway use at around 70 to 85, it  uses fuel at just under 30mpg.  This is much better than I at first expected, despite the relatively low gearing which gives really good (instant) throttle response at these speeds.  Cruise control would be a very useful addition as it is very easy to unwittingly find yourself going well over 100mph - it being so quiet and smooth!!!
I would recommend an E280 as I am delighted with mine.
5 speed auto?  I looked at about a dozen six cylinder W124's and never came across one with this option.
Buy one and enjoy - you could easily spend as much on fuel and live your life sitting in a Mon**o or Vec**a.

 

 

[David M]

Thanks Doug.

That mpg sounds not half bad, considering the performance.  Don't want to sell, I suppose???

I had a Vectra once.  Good motorway cruiser, very smooth and quiet, but terrible handling and useless, uncaring dealers when it went wrong.  Which it did, rather too often.

Was cruise control standard on the E280, or an option?

Cheers,
David.

 

[DougE280]

Sorry, the car's not for sale.
I've got the original bill of sale listing all the options selected.  All the bits that now come as standard on a mid range Pro**n were charged as extra's!!!
Cruise control was a cost option, alas not selected by my car's first owner.
Amazingly, metallic paint/alloys/air conditioning were not standard on a car that cost someone  £32k.   Still, you're paying for the quality - not tinsel!!!

 

[David S]

David M,

I too have a E280 W124 1994. Currently it has done just short of 130K and is still running beautifully.

In terms of MPG expect around 25MPG overall, this is however thanks some what to driving in central London.

Another way I look at it, petrol will cost around 15p/mile. Not bad really, and when you throw in servicing and insurance... It should work out cheaper than a new Fiesta!

When buying always buy the best spec you can for the money. Try to at least get, leather, cd, air con, sunroof, alloys.

David

 

[David M]

David - thanks for that advice.  Actually, (as you seem to recommend) my plan is to go for as late a model with as high a spec as  my budget allows.  Aircon is essential (will not do without it having had it for a few years), leather not far behind in the essential stakes, together with cruise control.  Did I hear somewhere that there's a big expensive service at 115-odd k miles?

Anyway, anyone got a nice W124 for sale, be it a 280 or 30D (still waiting for somebody to put me off that model!), please get in touch.

Thanks,
David.

 

[mrgeoff]

I had a ride in some diesel model, bugger, I had to ask about 4 times "this is a DIESEL????" when we were in it, you could not tell....

Dont know if it was a C or E class, but it was d*amn
impressive.

 

[David M]

Cheers Geoff.  Yep, that's my (albeit slightly drunk) memory of my ride in an E 300D taxi.  It felt smooth, quiet and solid.  Not diesely at all on the inside.

David.

 

[David S]

Also forgot to mention:

Make sure it is an auto!

With regard to the big service 108K if the car you buy is near this service make sure you get a good deal. Expect to pay around £750 - 1000 at the main dealer. An independent will be far cheaper.

David

 

[David M]

David - thanks for that too, very useful to know.   What happens at the 108k service to make it so expensive?  

David M

 

[DaveT]

I have recently bought a 1996 C250 turbodiesel auto and am well pleased with it. I would have liked my mate's E300TD but he was messing about.
 They are both good machines IMO. I get around 36-38 mpg on mixed driving without any effort.
I suspect the W124 is better built but maybe others  will advise on that (Andy?).
Autotrader is useful for prices; also Mercedes Enthusiast mag has a fairly good small-ads section.
Best of luck in your quest- I also think the left hooker was too dear (later post).

DaveT.

 

[captain beaky]

Dave .The E300 diesel (W124) is not a bad lump.Ive a 94 E300 24v estate with a mere 228000 miles on the clock , she never does less than 30 to the gallon (with the AC switched off) and still feels fresh.A good 124 will outlast you , they just dont build them like this anymore.

Steve