W124 Buying advice

[smu95rp]

Hi, I will be looking to replace a company car in a couple of months and am considering the W124 E-class models, probably the 3 litre turbodiesel models.

I am just wondering if anyone has one of these and could offer any advice, what to look for, what to avoid, etc. Having driven a manual one I know that I need an auto, I'm just wondering if there are any major falts to be aware of, or any good bargaining tips.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Rich

 

[echo200]

Diagnostics and the 124 Series

Diagnostics on the 124 Series can be a problem.

When my SRS warning light failed to extinguish, I took my 1995 E200-124 (auto/petrol) to a normally reliable independent MB specialist who could not trace the fault. A Mercedes-Benz dealer then took three attempts to narrow down the possibilities using;

1. Star Diagnosis (standard dealer kit).
2. Analogue test.
3. Hand-held scanner.

The last of the three could not obtain a readout from the SRS control unit, so they thought that this might be the source of the problem (it wasn't).

To cut a long story short, I had to agree to have the SRS control unit replaced, because it was the only way to obtain a fixed price (£850) for the repair work. Had I not elected to accept this offer from a sympathetic dealer, I could have been looking at anywhere between £1500 and £2000, i.e. virtually a 'blank cheque'. Even so, with the diagnostic bill, the final total was nearly £1000.

When I pointed out to Mercedes-Benz U.K. that there is clearly a compatibility issue with the 124 Series and the Star Diagnosis system presently employed, they refused to accept my argument. In fact, they were about as much help as a chocolate fireguard. :evil:

Note that had my car been a 126 Series (1996 onwards), I was told that the fault would have been easier to trace.

One final point. Whilst manually checking the wiring on my car, the technician found evidence of corrosion. I think that this related to the terminals, although I?m no expert in these matters.

This is my only serious fault in 6 years of ownership. Otherwise, earlier this year, I replaced the front wings due to wheel arch corrosion. The rest of the bodywork is sound (almost looks like new!).

 

[mjtray]

I could be making a big gaff here, but I thought that the W124's were never fitted with a Turbo Diesel here in the UK and that this was mainly a US model.....the UK just having an unblown 3 litre straight 6 with @ 136bhp

Although there are W124's in the UK badged up as TD's I thought that these were the estates. ie the petrols being TE and the Diesels TD.

As I understand it the 300 and the smaller 250 five cylinders go on for absolutely ages as long as they have been serviced correctly.

My local garage services a 250 taxi with over 500,000 miles on it and its only major expense has been a gearbox overhaul.

Cheap, but slow motoring, which maybe is not such a bad thing on these camera infested roads.

 

[smu95rp]

Yeah I think you're probably right. I had misunderstood the 'T' badging. Can't imagine you'd really need a turbo with 3 litres.

The slow motoring is part of the appeal. I currently have a company Alfa 147 which eggs me on somewhat. Looking for something more relaxed that would calm my driving style down.

Thanks for your help both of you.

 

[simon paynter]

as you say no RHD 124 desiels are turboed , reason being the turbo and associated manifold would foul the steering box on a 124
I have a left hand drive 300TD Turbo 4matic this is a 4WD estate, this has the turboed 603 3 litre diesel lump and gives 146 HP according to the book and I think a fair bit more torque too

124s of the year 90 or older do develop wiring niggles, something to watch for is contacts that show a voltage across but will not pass amperage, a dry contact window switches, seat switches and the like, dismantling the switch and cleaning the contacts works

 

[Akers Ridge]

Ok...
If you wanna avoid some inconvenience:
1. Obviously, take her for a spin, preferably at night to check all lights and stuff, and it's quieter, so you can hear your car.
2. Try E V E R Y T H I N G!!
3. Check the fuse box for blown fuses.
4. check service history..
5. ....some other stuff... i forget...sorry..