W124 E Class

[julesg007]

Hi all,

Was looking at getting an E class estate and from some of the advice I received, it seems that the W124 is a car worth getting hold.

I have been looking around and it seems that even late registered versions, M,N and P reg cars have very high mileages and still go for good money.

That said my mates G plate 230TE estate has covered 141K and seems fine, the engine pulls well and seems to have plenty to give and no probs with the auto box.

Are high mileages on W124's a problem or are they bullet proof? I have seen a late registered model with 151K on the clock for very reasonable money and am seriously giving it consideration.

I know servicing is vital so if the car has been regularly serviced to MB guidelines should the car be able to go for another 150K?

Also are there any specific issues I should be discussing with or asking the seller?

Is rust a major issue, my mates car doesn't seem to have a problem apart from what I understand is a common rust area on the front wings forward of the wheel arch.

Any other info concerning the mark when buying would be extremely helpful.

Thanks and regards

Jules

 

[stumpy]

The 124 rightly has a very loyal following as it is one of the last MBs before the drop in quality occurred. That said, it is not immune to problems. Because even the youngest car will be 12 years old history and provenance is everything. Rusty wings and tailgates are common. Other points to consider are the wiring loom on the 6 cyl cars which will need repairing if not done already. My 280 has 127K on the clock and has had the loom repair, new Headgasket, gearbox and TC overhaul, ECU repair. It is now in fine fettle and should soldier on nicely now. It cost me 1900 a year ago and I've spent 3 grand on repairs, so call it 5 grand all done. I still can't think of another car for 5 grand I'd want as much as this. (I spent more than that changing the Headgaskets on my Bentley!) So I guess the moral of what I'm saying is that the 124 is great, but try and find one with an enthusiastic owner who has got some of the known repairs out of the way first, or budget that into your running costs.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

I recently bought a 1990 300 TE estate for £750-full history, and starship mileage at 224,000 but it still drives like a new car. Oil pressure is still textbook, and when I changed the plugs, no oil fouling or other problem indicators. Some rust on one front wing as usual, otherwise rust free. I think I am right in saying that it is only the later 6 cyl multivalve cars (91 on) that suffer with the wiring loom problems-mine seems fine and as far as I can tell, has never been changed. I should add that it is my daily driver and I have no qualms about driving it for any distance.
I dont think you will regret buying one. I certainly havent yet-I still drive it with a smile on my face!!

 

[w123robbo]

They are great cars ,I've had 4 and currently have a 60000 mile E200 bought by me 4 years ago with only 30000 miles on the clock from its first owner.Its economical cheap to service and still nice to drive even though its only a 2 litre 16valve. Build quality is great and so long as you service it on time they go on forever.Its a good day to day car and depreciation now nil. I'll keep it till it dies whenever that is!!

 

[julesg007]

Hi All,

Thanks for the help.

For looking at advice, will have to give the seller a bell and get some more info.

Don't really know too much about the mark but would an 1995 M reg 280TE be one of the models that would have a wiring loom problem?

Am still a little worried about the mileage, but I've seen W210's with even higher mileages and they are younger, but I suppose this happens when you have a load lugging estate as that is what I am now after.

My problem concerning the mileage is that my own car (Alfa 155 97P) has just died with head gasket failure at 115K, so getting something that is older and with more miles is just a bit scary.

I presume that W124's need timing chains replacing and if they do what sort of mileage should this be done?

Was actually looking for a W210, but my budget of about £2500 - £3000 wasn't really getting me something that I was really happy with. I suppose if I keep at it I may find something but really want some wheels so thats why I started looking at W124's.

I understand they are better built and still cost shed loads when new, comparably in cost to a modern W211 and as there are some late registered models kicking around at pretty low prices I think they represent very good value for money over early W210's and without having that much more depreciation in the future.

Any other comments or help with be appreciated.

With thanks and regards

Jules

 

[stumpy]

A 95 280 will have the loom problem but it may have been repaired and is quite easy to check. Mileage isn't a huge issue with these cars but as I have discovered, they can still have problems with headgaskets. Timing chains only need changing when they become noisy. A late 124 is a much better bet than an early 210 imo.

 

[SilverSaloon]

dont worry about the mileage.

Also, recent bills/reciepts etc of work done is much better than a FSH. Go for a car that has been looked after and had money spent in recent years, rather than one that has had nothing done on it, but has a lot of service stamps in a book.

Good luck. The estates are fantastic. I spent quite a lot of money on mine earlier this year but havnt regretted it.

 

[julesg007]

Thank you once again for the advice.

What a valuable resource this forum is - actually I'd go far as to say vital when buying a Mercedes.

The car to which I refer is quite some way, nearly 130 miles from me so that is why I am trying to get as much info as possible as to see it I will have to use that wonderful thing public transport just in I actually go and buy it?!?!

Sorry to be a pain but how would you I tell if the wiring loom has problems and needs repairing? Or is it the case none of the electricals don't work!!!

Is the loom repair something I could attempt or is it a case leaving it to the professionals or even going so far as having to changing it?

Regards
Jules

 

[kth286]

Jules

It is quite likely we know the car if you put the ebay link up.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Its not this one, is it ?
http://tinyurl.com/5hfx8m
I'm puzzled why it needed a cambelt change though !

 

[julesg007]

Hello,

Actually it's not an eBay car, I found it in Autotrader.

The link is;

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...EDES-BENZ&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=


If this link does not work it is the car that is for sale is advetised as; 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS 280 TE 5dr Estate for £995.

Regards
Jules

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Very nice-exactly the same colour combination as mine !

 

[julesg007]

Sorry but forgot to mention that at this stage I haven't contacted the seller, so there is of course the possiblilty that it has been sold, especially as there are a number of W124's being sold by the trade which are older and have equally high mileages for considerably more cash.

That said, if another car of a similar age/mileage/specification came up for sale, the information given would be very useful.

Thanks again
Jules

 

[stumpy]

You might want to remove that link as it shows your postcode. One other thing with 7 seat cars is to check under the rear seats as sometimes they get damp and mouldy under there, particularly if the sunroof drains are blocked, or the rear wash wipe hose is leaking.

 

[julesg007]

A bit new to forums and will heed the advice concerning the link in futre. Don't seem to be able to remove - any guidance would be appreciated.

Sorry to harp on about it, but trying to get my head around the wiring loom issues. As it is likely to have the problem, how can I tell, or is a case of the electrics in the car not working or that the wires under the bonnet are just falling to pieces and therefore very easy to see.

Is the fix DIY or Professional or even a replacement loom?

From first impressions the car seemed to a fair price for what I could potentionally get, what do you all think? Or is it too cheap and potentially could be a bit of a money pit (and that isn't something I can really be throwing around unfortunatley).

Thanks and regards
Jules

 

[stumpy]

A bit new to forums and will heed the advice concerning the link in futre. Don't seem to be able to remove - any guidance would be appreciated.

Sorry to harp on about it, but trying to get my head around the wiring loom issues. As it is likely to have the problem, how can I tell, or is a case of the electrics in the car not working or that the wires under the bonnet are just falling to pieces and therefore very easy to see.

Is the fix DIY or Professional or even a replacement loom?

From first impressions the car seemed to a fair price for what I could potentionally get, what do you all think? Or is it too cheap and potentially could be a bit of a money pit (and that isn't something I can really be throwing around unfortunatley).


Thanks and regards
Jules

Where is this car based? Perhaps a local member would pop along and apraise it for you. The loom issue is a potential on this car. Chances are it has been done already but you need to ask the question. You can spot it easy enough as the wiring will be crumbly and in poor condition. Normally this would be seen as an engine misfire. I believe the new loom bit is available for about 500 quid, but some people repair their own ones.

This car does seem quite cheap and maybe for a reason. People often sell cars at this point because they know there is a big bill coming. Like I said, I paid 1900 for mine and have spent 3k more on it. At least I know what has been done, and what (if anything) still needs doing. Bolide on here is the guru on 124s and has some of the nicest stock you will find, but I'm sure he spends lots on them bringing them up to par - which is reflected in the price you pay.

 

[julesg007]

I think I need to phone someone!!!

 

[Bolide]

You'll find a list of common W124 problems here:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=242

I wrote this a couple of weeks ago. It looks a bit scary but it includes all the common problems as well a few rarer ones

My best advice is to look at lots of cars, learn the options and the models and then go looking for the exact model you want. Even if you are very fussy - and I recommend you are fussy - you can still find excellent cars at reasonable prices

That done, you'll need to figure in the costs involved in getting a W124 "right". Once it is right it'll be wonderful to drive and simple to maintain

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[julesg007]

Good evening Nick,

Thank you for the extremely useful information. As this is my first attempt at being an MB onwer I have found the forum fantastic and a must visit site no matter what model you are interested in. I will use the info when looking at the cars available.

I haven't definately set my mind on a W124 as I was actually trying to get something newer than my P reg Alfa which has just died on me - not worth spending more money to fix than will be worth after the work is done.

My mate has a 1989 G reg 230TE est and I was very impressed with it's load carrying capacity, internal space and the car overall. Not having wads of cash to splash I wanted to see what £2500 - £3000 gets you into with what I now know as a W210. Yes I can and it seems that a face lifted version is possible but I really wanted to try to get something a bit newer (seems that I was being a bit optamistic) as I want to take abroad when I depart blighty fairly soon somewhere in the next 12 - 24 months.

I don't know if I really want to get W210 from around 99 - 01 as I think it is a little too old to come with me and will continue to slide in value if I sell it. It has been suggested that the W124 is generally a better car and I don't think it'll depreciate in value as they are still very much sort after.

So,it seems to be a case of a newer car that is possibly not as well built as its older sister and likely to continue to loss value or the older sister that'll probably not loss value. It also seems that you can get very good value with the W124 - a car that probably cost well over £25k for about £1k (private sale).

If you can give me your opinion that I would be very grateful.

Thanks again and with kind regards
Jules

 

[deejaybee]

Hi Jules, I have owned two W124 estates ('95 E280 with 175K miles and '93 220TE with 121K miles) and also a '97 E320 W210 with 95K miles. I would say that both models are both good value for money for cars that cost just a few thousand (or less), but in different ways. The W210 has a more modern feel and is still a luxury car, but it isn't as well built as a W124 and you definitely need to know about the rust issues and where to look for this. On the other hand the W124 does have it's own problems (the guide on W 124 is very thorough), but a good one is a very nice car, however you will be buying into a car that is at least 12 years old, or possibly nearer 20 years old.

I think with either choice you need to be realistic. A W124 car for around £1000 is only a starting point and is bound to need quite a lot doing to it to bring it up to a good standard and to run for several years. It might be better to buy one at the top of your budget for around £3000 that is in better condition in the first place, but even so you should still budget around £1000 / year for running costs unless you are able to do all the maintenance / repair work yourself.

You could also get a fairly good W210 for £2-5-3K, but you may have to look at quite a few before you find a good one without too much rust. You can probably find a 98-2000 one for this money but it might be streatching it a bit to find a facelift model unless it has done a very high mileage.

Which ever way you decide to go, I think realistically it will "cost" you around £1000 a year in either depreciation or in higher running costs, unless of course you go for the "banger" route and get an older car for less than £1000 and hope to run it for a bit before something expensive needs fixing.

Anyway, good luck with finding the right car, I'm sure it's out there somewhere!!

Regards,

Dave