Want to understand the M-B Model Range

[simontaylor]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and it's a good forum too.
I'm looking to change cars and need to understand the M-B model range.
I suppose I want to see a big table but can not find one so far.
My previous cars were a Vectra TDi (nice to get 54mpg average from it) and a Rover 800 (introduction to a lazy Auto) and for the last 2 years I've had a Lexus LS400 (super value for a 10 year old car and I love the ride and luxuries).
Now I am after a car with Vectra economy and Lexus Luxury and was hoping an MB could provide it, or at least something close.
I'm happy to use a Diesel and run it on biodiesel or even Straight or Waste VO. I have room for tanks and filtering in my double garage.
So, I think I'm looking at a E-Class as it's bigger than a C-class, unless I can get an S class Diesel. Oh and budget, I enjoy budget motoring, do all my own servicing and mechanical work, so it's only 2-3k to spend and I'm not affraid of high millers.

Any advice, guidance, suggestions or points would be great, but I need to understand the difference between model numbers (eg W124, 606 etc) and classic, elegance, avantade etc etc. Perhaps these are in a previous post, but I can't find it, so far.

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

Hope you only mean close with the MPG, because it will go beyond in the luxury.

 

[Hibbo]

For that money you'll get a really nice late (up to 95/96) w124 E-class.
The w124 is the older looking one, with the big square headlights. They are also regarded as the best cars Merc ever made. The w210 that followed it (with the bug-eye headlights) suffered HORRENDOUS rust problems right up until about 2002. I'm not sure if your budget would stretch to an early w210, and personally I wouldn't touch one with a bargepole (unless you MUST have a turbodiesel)

The E300D (turbodiesel w124s weren't available in RHD) uses the 24v om606 engine which is excellent. You won't win any races and it is sluggish compared with a modern common-rail diesel, but it is effortless on the motorway. These engines also take very well to veg.

S-class diesels weren't available till the CDI engines where introduced (around 2000) so you won't find one for under £11k.

My advice; buy the best, latest w124 E300D estate you can find. But then again, I would say that!

Just search the general discussion section for '124' and you'll see what I mean.

 

[simontaylor]

Thanks Hibbo,

Is the E300D much better than an E250D.

Also how does the trim range work, I guess Classic is the base line.

Thanks.

 

[lakeside]

Classic, Elegance, and Avant Garde only came in with the W210 E-class. W124s have no trim designation - just a long list of extras.
The OM606 250D is the same basic engine as the 300, just one cylinder less, and slightly less power.

 

[Bolide]

My advice; buy the best, latest w124 E300D estate you can find. But then again, I would say that!

I can't argue with that

You have a choice of saloon or estate (they made a cabrio and a coupe as well but I don't think you'll find diesel versions). The 606 Multivalve diesel engine arrived in 1993 and is much easier to live with than the earlier diesels

The multivalve diesels hold value well. A late W124 is more expensive than an early W210 which tells you all you need to know about the W210

The W124 stayed fundamentally the same from 1985 to 1995 (saloon) and 1996 (estate) so there are lots out there and you can afford to be fussy. Unfortunately the mutivalves are rare so be prepared to wait for a good one - they are worth waiting for

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Flying Scot]

I can't argue with that

You have a choice of saloon or estate (they made a cabrio and a coupe as well but I don't think you'll find diesel versions). The 606 Multivalve diesel engine arrived in 1993 and is much easier to live with than the earlier diesels

The multivalve diesels hold value well. A late W124 is more expensive than an early W210 which tells you all you need to know about the W210

The W124 stayed fundamentally the same from 1985 to 1995 (saloon) and 1996 (estate) so there are lots out there and you can afford to be fussy. Unfortunately the mutivalves are rare so be prepared to wait for a good one - they are worth waiting for

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

is that the one with the vent on the F/R/H wing?

thanks

 

[Hibbo]

is that the one with the vent on the F/R/H wing?

thanks

Yes it is.

It's the easiest way to spot them - I saw a burgundy w124 estate from a trader on the autotrader website, it was advertised and described as a '96 E300D (had an N plate on it) but I immediately noticed it didn't have the vent. The picture from the back showed it was a 300TD, so pre '93 at least. They were asking about 3 grand for it too!



I'm trying to think of a witty enough response deserving of your post on the meet thread... bear with me (I am still here though!)

 

[simontaylor]

so, apart from the vent in the front wing, HOW else can I tell if the 300 6 cylinder motor is a multivalve engine?

Did the 250 come with multivalves, does it have any descrete distinguishing marks?