W124 E Class, how good?

[Morzine]

Hi,

Have thought about the idea of picking up (if possible) a low mileage last of the W124 estates. I would like to find a large engine version, E280, E320.

Am I correct the engine versions in these models is the same as the W210's at launch?

It's well documented that these cars were the last of the MB quality cars, but how have any current owners handled higher mileage 100K - 200K and what if any reliability issues?

Thanks in advance,

M,

 

[mjtray]

The W124 is in my opinion the last truely well built Mercedes....much better built than the W210 that replaced it and I've run both models.

You should be able to do 200,000 miles without breaking sweat and many W124 owners in the US have significantly higher mileages than that.

The diesels are bomb proof and are capable of huge mileage's.....there's a taxi that goes to my local indi for servicing that has over 500,000 miles on the clock and has only ever had a head gasket replaced. If you were to look at the car, you would not believe it had done that sort of mileage.

The petrols in the later models are all strong engines, albeit that the M104 2.8+3.2's can suffer from head gaskets blowing from 100k+ miles.....the replacement head gasket does have a redesign and is subsequently much stronger. The 2.8's +3.2 were used in the W210 until 1997......great engines by the way!!!!!!!!

Many MB technicians reckon that the 220 engine is the strongest engine that MB has ever made and is capable of huge mileages for the size of engine...bottom ends never wears out apparently, although you may need a head overhaul at some stage.

Personally I find the 220 with 150bhp just a bit too slugish in a big car like the W124, especially an estate......but its all down to personal choice at the end of the day.

If you decide upon an estate, just make sure the rear suspension is working correctly and is not too soft and bouncy or rock hard with no movement at all......this indicates that the suspension spheres need replacement, which is not cheap.

Rust.....again W124's are very good and way way better than the W210 replacement. Check front wings above bumper line, jacking points, rear arches, tailgate on estate.

Go for one with full history and check to see if the autobox oil is a nice light pink colour and not a nasty muddy brown. Check expansion tank for oil and that it has coolant in the system....if you just see clear water, it indicates that the car is loosing coolant somewhere and the owner can't be bothered to mix up new coolant....not a good sign.

All in all.....great cars.....just wished MB still made them or at least made their new cars as well as the good old W124!!!

 

[Apial]

The petrols in the later models are all strong engines, albeit that the M104 2.8+3.2's can suffer from head gaskets blowing from 100k+ miles.....the replacement head gasket does have a redesign and is subsequently much stronger. The 2.8's +3.2 were used in the W210 until 1997......great engines by the way!!!!!!!!


All in all.....great cars.....just wished MB still made them or at least made their new cars as well as the good old W124!!!

Could I add that my M104 300CE24 head gasket started leaking oil at 52K miles. They also sometimes leak oil from the horse shoe gasket at the front of the engine, and leaks from diff seals are not uncommon.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

For trouble free motoring....w124 estate, 300diesel or turbo diesel....beats the W210 for reliability.

 

[andy_k]

we've got a 1989 230TE with almost 225,000 miles on the clock which has given us absolutely no trouble in the two years (and 35k miles) we've owned it.

Keep on top of the servicing, use genuine Merc parts when you fix them and they'll last forever.

Unless you are towing, don't discount the 4 cylinder models. They are more than adequate for most people, less prone to head failure and more economical - ours regularly turns in 35mpg plus at motorway speeds

Andy

 

[Morzine]

Thanks for the replies,

Research carries on.

 

[S500al]

Right now I have a 2000 W210 V8 estate and although I have no doubt the engine will go until the next millenium the actual body may not go the next 6 months. The 210 is a beutiful car to drive and has every creature comfort but I would lose almost all of those and the dreadful electric problems to have a 124 again TBH.

 

[teddycatkin]

My first one 230te I owned 6 years and sold it at 130k miles--its stil going now currently on 260k miles-Replaced it with the later facelift model white 220te is only on 79k miles but is a just as good if not better -I do not find the 220 underpowered and it will cruise effortlessly at high speed all day long on the motorway.

 

[prwales]

Early cars seem to be much better protected in terms of corrosion by early I mean the first couple of years, the facelift 1993 onwards is ugly more rust prone and the 6 cylinder petrol engines in particular have crumbly wiring m104 280 & 320. Petrols will have a better spec than diesels 603 engine is adequate but the 606 24v is much better. The condition of the jacking points should tell you all you need to know about the overall rust and maintenance of the car.

 

[syncropaddy]

Best car ever made!

Loads on www.mobile.de ..............

 

[nyx]

as above the early one without the panels are lovely and drive like an old school mercedes should do.
i love driving my 124 and from 1988 and no rust at all and the interior is still as new