W124 Coupe

[Seeker_UK]

I took one out for a test yesterday a 1992 220CE with 160K on the clock and I was gobsmacked - it didn't drive like a 160K mile car at all and nor did it look like one (bar some minor rust around the aerial hole). I guess that's the inherent quality of the W124 so many people remark on.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of oomph the 4 banger could muster however, having had a succession of straight 6 cars and V8s, it did confirm that I want to look out for a good 300 which, if I'm lucky, shouldn't take too much time at all.

 

[FOZZY]

Hi seeker just to let you know the 220ce 1992 t0 1993 is the best bet the quality is out standing but after 93 all down hill take a look around
Regards fozzy 3x300ce 1x320 but back to the old ce220

 

[Bolide]

Post 93 quality poorer?

Hi seeker just to let you know the 220ce 1992 t0 1993 is the best bet the quality is out standing but after 93 all down hill take a look around
Regards fozzy 3x300ce 1x320 but back to the old ce220

I don't think I'd agree with that, Fozzy. There was a small change in interior quality at around 1991 but there's not a huge quality difference between the old & new cars I've seen

From a buying point of view I think the later cars are a better bet as they're newer, have fewer miles on them and paintwork is generally cleaner. For fuel consumption I'd recommend a 280 or 320 over a 300

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[andy_k]

I'd totally disagree with that Fozzy

there's no real difference in quality right up to the '95/96 cars it's the next model down the line where the problems start. As long as you go for leather or MB Tex over the cloth interior then the later cars are a better option. Generally they had a higher spec and as Nick says the mileage is usually lower or at least the number of owners is so the chance of it being well maintained are higher.

I'd agree with Nick, the 320 is a far superior engine to the 300 and can easily manage 30+ mpg if you drive it sensibly (equally they can easily manage 14 mpg when you start really enjoying yourself )

Andy

 

[FOZZY]

300 V 320

OK gays i just think ther changed it after 93 i seam to have only good cars before 93 any cars after 93 just let me down sorry

BEST REGARDS
FOZZY.

 

[Apial]

OK gays i just think ther changed it after 93 i seam to have only good cars before 93 any cars after 93 just let me down sorry

BEST REGARDS
FOZZY.

Fozzy, if you get a 300-24, you will have the good quality wiring loom and a more powerful engine. There are still good well looked after low mileage cars about, but all the best ones often don't get sold until their owner passes away! Arguing the difference between the performance of the 320 and the 300CE24 is like arguing the difference between a flea and a louse on the sofa.

I predict plenty of barn finds in 20 years time.

If you do find a good one you will pay according to its condition. The best always cost disproportionately more than a well used tired example, just like many other classic cars.

If you are going to drive the car everyday it won't be cheap. Fuel consumption is high, road tax ,high, servicing, high, parts cost, high, if anything major breaks, catastrophic! Running a car that cost £50k new 15 years ago was never going to be cheap. However these cars are not as bad as running a classic italian exotica, and you will at least be able get all the parts easily.

For these reasons many cars are being stored away for light classic car use. The owners are terrified of breaking them. Their almost new condition is testimony to the workmanship and care given to them. Some of these cars have led a cosy pampered existence, not that they have needed it really.

I have seen 300CE24s sell from anywhere from £1k-13K. This is from one extreme to the other, but I do think prices for good examples have risen over the last year. Some of these cars are in better condition than many present day 2 year old cars, and as such are selling for a still low price considering what they originally cost, even the £13k one.

 

[E320C]

Which W124 Coupe

Well IMHO U can't beat a good smooth 6 pot motor. I say go for a E320 Coupe.

We currently have the pleasure of owning 3 W124 Coupes. I have a E320 Coupe, my dad has a E320 Coupe and a 300 24V Coupe.

IMHO I think the E320 Coupe's are better cars. Much more torque and faster with it, better mpg, much better brakes (big 4 pot rotors up front), nicer quality interior and with the slight change of lights and body panels look better. Overall a much more refined and better car.

Regards

E320C

 

[FOZZY]

Ce300 Or Ce320

THANKS ALL YOU GAYS

REGARDS FOZZYD

 

[Seeker_UK]

Thanks for the input guys. I'd love a 320 but the good ones are still out of my price bracket (perhaps I should be less choosy and go for a 320 saloon instead but that's another story).

I'm currently looking at a 91 H 300CE-24 with all the toys (leather, electric seats, cruise, air) with 85K on the clock for what seems a reasonable price so unless it's a totally knackered shed with the head gasket on the way out it's likely I will go for it.

I know the 24V has a reputation for being less smooth but, hey, they're all smoother than a 4 cylinder.

 

[Apial]

I know the 24V has a reputation for being less smooth but, hey, they're all smoother than a 4 cylinder.

Smooth? Who wants smooth? Just enjoy the "Back to the Future " experience as the back end squirms under the acceleration!

 

[Seeker_UK]

Smooth? Who wants smooth? Just enjoy the "Back to the Future " experience as the back end squirms under the acceleration!

Hopefully, it won't be like the vicious kick my old M635csi had - that was lethal.

 

[mercmonkey]

janspeed twin turbo capri was the most scary thing i ever owned

 

[turnipsock]

Well IMHO U can't beat a good smooth 6 pot motor. I say go for a E320 Coupe.

IMHO I think the E320 Coupe's are better cars. Much more torque and faster with it, better mpg, much better brakes (big 4 pot rotors up front), nicer quality interior and with the slight change of lights and body panels look better. Overall a much more refined and better car.

I'd go along with that.

 

[Seeker_UK]

IMHO I think the E320 Coupe's are better cars. Much more torque and faster with it, better mpg,

I've been doing a bit of digging around this forum on the subject of MPG and I have to say, it's worrying me a tad. Firstly, I can't imagine the 320 is going to be hugely better on fuel - OK it's newer but is a bigger engine than a 300.

With regards to the 300-24V CE, so long as it gives me 22+ around town and 28-30 on a long run, I think I should be OK. Are these figures too "pie in the sky"?

 

[andy_k]

it will all depend on how you drive but those figures sound about right - maybe a bit optimistic around town but that obviously depends where you live.

Andy

 

[bryanpatterson]

Your search may be over!

I think my brother is looking to sell his 300CE-24V factory sportline. Believe it's 1 owner plus him and about 70 odd thousand miles with FMBSH. If you give me a bell I can pass on his details - 07785 733771.

 

[Apial]

7 miles runs down back roads with a few hills=21mpg.
40miles runs down congested A roads=28mpg

In town traffic I hate to think. Thats for a 300CE24 with 205 width tyres, using a/c.

 

[stormtigers]

Hi Folks
As a new member to the UK boards and a new member to the MB owners club worldwide I have been savaging the internet lusting after any and all information about my recently acquired purchase.
I notice the discussion of which what and why - I have to say the 88 CE300 is absolutely fantastic and holding it's age amazingly well. That's not to say all 88 model cars are equally as good. I happened to have come across a "showroom dweller" that has been used to display lot's of after market goodies.
And whilst it shows it's age in certain respects, the technology contained in it whilst primitive in today's terms is absolutely first class for 1988 !
Vacumn operated door locking, ABS brakes - ye Gods - in 1988 ??

Anyway cheers to you all will be watching your boards as well as the US with interest.

Incidentally the registration is no longer as shown they belonged to the previous owner. 'FRITZ' is now "CE-1988" registered.

 

[prwales]

anecdotaly the facelift cars seem to have more rust issues as well as being not quite as pretty.

 

[stormtigers]

anecdotaly the facelift cars seem to have more rust issues as well as being not quite as pretty.

Well let's hope Australian conditions change the anecdotes ! Maybe our lack of snow and salt on roads might reverse that trend for me (I hope so anyway).

As to not looking pretty ? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
BUT really there is nothing pretty about the original front of a CE-300.
To my eye they look drab and uninteresting. The facelift front bought out the sport in the sports coupe and actually make it look less beefy and more aggressive. However that's to my undoubtedly prejudiced eye at present :lol:
Cheers