What are W124 300 Diesel estates worth?

[deejaybee]

I am looking to replace my '93 220TE that was stolen recently and have decided to have a serious look at diesels. I know I will pay a premium for a diesel compared to a petrol car but with fuel prices going the way they are and the possibility of saving a bit of money by using veg oil it seems to be worth thinking about.

I Have been to see a few at dealers recently and also missed several that looked like good examples. I know there are some quite different opinions among forum members about how much older W124s are worth, but the bottom line is that there aren't many diesels around and of those that are up for sale they are certainly not all good examples.

I have come across a '94 L-reg 300D (not multivalve) which is in very good condition with just two owners (current owner for 13 years) and good service history, it has done 160K. For a private sale I think the price is a bit high as he is trying to get 3000 for it, but if I can knock a bit off it looks like the best value for money diesel I have seen for a while.

What do other members think?

regards,

Dave

 

[mattsurf]

I looked at an E300D last year (multivalve) one family owner, bit scruffy, but little rust, 113k miles, 7 seat estate. Aircon with invoice for nearly 500 to replace compressor and full overahaul. Full SH - car drove beautifully, sold on E-Bay for £2750

These cars can sell for between £2 and £8k - I would look around and go for a well maintained car.

In the end, I decided to go for an E320CDI, as it was a similar price to a W124 300D, whilst being considerably more modern, much quicker and more economical... however, I do understand the appeal of the W124 - In terms of design and quality it is nearer the S class than the later W210 E class

 

[k langdon]

The prices for these (multi-valves) vary wildly which doesn't help anyone who's looking for one.

At one end of the market you have top quality, low (ish) mileage examples with good service history, etc from the likes of Nick at 124.co.uk or Charles Ironside or other specialist sellers. These tend to go for somewhere between (£5-9K) depending on condition, etc.

In the middle is private sales from people who look after their cars, have them serviced regularly and realise the general rarity of multi-valve diesel estates. Average (£2-5K) depending on mileage and condition.

Below this can be a real mixed bag ranging from some real rubbish on the likes of Ebay where you are probably going to have to spend big money putting various problems right to a potential bargain from an owner who maybe doesn't fully realise what they've got or can afford to sell at below market value. (£1-3K)

In the past I've had both 300TD and E300 multi-valve estates. There is a noticeable difference in mid-range pull and driveability in my opinion. Plus, the multi-valves have the newer and more modern interiors/colours, etc. I also find a multi-valve if driven sensibly can produce 35-38mpg on a run (sticking to 70-75 on a motorway, etc) which is better than the 32-34mpg I found I returned with my previous 300TD.

A lot of 300TD's that you see for sale (especially Ebay) are a bit on the tired side and need TLC. But on the plus side if you find a good one, they are always marketed at a lower price than an equivalent multi-valve.

As an owner of a multi-valve estate, I try to follow the market of these cars closely. I don't know if it's me, but I think the prices in the middle and bottom sections of the market have fallen in recent months. I was hoping to sell mine at some point for a newer vehicle but I think I'll realise less then I was originally looking for.

The great thing about them is the longevity of the engines and the general lack of wiring loom or head gasket problems that seem to affect the other 6 cylinder Mercs of this era.

The only other thing I would say is that you should budget to spend some money on whatever vehicle you choose to replace some part or other no matter how well it's been looked after. These cars are getting old now. I used to own an E300 with a FMBSH with 155k on the clock but I still had to shell out a fair bit on maintenance and upkeep, etc.

 

[fletchf1]

you mentioned possibly parting with your mercedes- please sell me your multivalve estate, i have money waiting - christian 01295 780838

 

[Naraic]

you mentioned possibly parting with your mercedes- please sell me your multivalve estate, i have money waiting - christian 01295 780838

That post is more than 2 years old!! Welcome to the forum.

 

[telletubby]

I bought a fully loaded (sunroof, leather, electric windows, aircon) lhd 1994 E300 diesel estate in Germany two years ago with 280,000km for €4500.
I sold it two weeks ago in France with 330,000 km for €5800. Now that's cheap motoring as in all that time I never changed anything except tyres and she scrubbed up like new.

 

[kth286]

wow - excellent !

 

[Bolide]

W124 estate prices are on the rise. Decent E300 Diesels are like hen's teeth now

The downside to E300 Diesel ownership is that every car I have bought in the last two years has needed engine mounts. Most have also needed a front prop doughnut (£115!), ARB Bushes, and some have needed balljoints. They all need tyres when you buy them, without exception

IMHO the E300 Diesel is the best W124 estate if you're in the car for the long term. A good example is lovely to drive and will ride beautifully but all the cars I see need work to bring them up to speed

Caveat Emptor

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[syncropaddy]

Would you not think that an E220 estate would be every bit as good as an E300 diesel? Similar performance and possibly cheaper to maintain but maybe not capable of 300,000 miles but then not many diesels get to that ..... ?

 

[dieselman]

A 220 petrol and 300 diesel are poles apart in the driving experience. The 220 is revvy and gutless, the 300 is quiet and feels unburstable.