What is the best old series to drive

[Mercia]

I have a 1996 124 E280 and she is a lovely car. Was thinking of getting myself a E320 next year.

 

[jberks]

Id say - what you already have - 124s are the best cars merc ever built.
I don't know what the difference is between the 280 and 320 engines aside from the cc.

 

[Mercia]

Thanks so i think i will just fix my merc and keep her forever.
There are a few things i need to fix on her thats going to cost me a few bucks, like wheelbearings, hubs and rust

 

[silverhorse]

If you do change go for a 98 300E diesel or 320 petrol . I have diesel and they are fantastic all round.
The later ones have a different gearbox and can be a problem

 

[Juddian]

Yes i really enjoy driving my 320 coupe, having had 3 124 series cars at one time, saloon diesel, 320 estate, and the present coupe, i much prefer the brakes etc on the 320, and the ASR on the estate was worth having, the estate had the 5 speed option box and would take off like a scalded cat.

I can't remember if the 280 had the large 4 pot calipers that go with the 320, but compared to the 300 diesel which had the usual sliding caliper fronts, the extra braking power is very useful, if the 280 has the larger brakes, i'd get your present one up to scratch and keep it, having said that the 320 does still shock a few modern hatch drivers.

Maybe rosy glasses, but i am still convinced that our 1990 230E saloon was a better built car and rode better than all of our subsequent facelifted models, would laugh at speed humps and pot holes where the later cars get more upset by them.

I still from time to time see the occasional 126 based 500/560 saloon and coupe around, and i still get tempted to buy one, especially the 560L.
Was so tempted by one a few years ago, silver, absolutely beautiful with oxblood colour leather and wilton carpets, like a gentlemens club inside.