"Dunnik" (dunnik)
04/01/2014 at 16:24 • Filed to: None
6
14|
"Dunnik" (dunnik)
04/01/2014 at 16:24 • Filed to: None | 6
| 14 |
So I've decided to buy a 20 year old German car, gulp!
Ah, but this is no ordinary 20 year old car. This is the legendary Mercedes-Benz !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
I already know the basic info on this car, but obviously if I'm going to be in the market for one I need to know much more than basics. So I need to educate myself and take a W124 101 course. I've never had the pleasure of driving one, so I'd welcome comments on how it feels. I have driven an early W202, so I have that at least as a basis of comparison.
Realistically, I'd be looking for a 300E in sedan form, the most common model. I'd sure love a 500E (pictured) but they're very rare and more expensive to run. I'd also love a wagon, and am willing to deal with its self-leveling rear suspension, but they're pretty rare too.
So I'm wondering if any Oppos have any good links, especially recommendations on a good enthusiast forum, ideally one that specialists in W124's, and not just a sub-forum on a larger site.
And I don't suppose any fellow Oppos in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area, not Grand Theft Auto, heh) have any connex with independent garages, and good intel on parts. And what about clubs? Is the official MB club too aristocratic for a humble Oppo with limited means in an old Merc?
jkm7680
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 16:26 |
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Here Ya Go.
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Dunnik
> jkm7680
04/01/2014 at 16:29 |
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Thanks!
505Turbeaux
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 16:31 |
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stay away from the update e320's, unless a wiring harness job has been done (94-95). Google the biodegradable engine harnesses. 400E is a nice balance of rarity and oomph. Wagons are sweet and not as rare as you think (rear leveling service is a breeze). If it says 4matic on it stay away. If a diesel of the early variety and it has a head stamped with a 14, have it compression checked or walk.
If you buy a gasser, get a multimeter with a duty cycle setting for adjusting the CO2.
OK there you go, 124 in a nutshell!
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jkm7680
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 16:32 |
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That place is strangely deserted though.
This one is a subforum, but there actually are more than two users, Haha.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-…
LeadfootYT
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 16:47 |
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Had a 124 wagon for some time. Loved it. A W124 and a BMW E24 will make the perfect fleet for a lifetime - both are what I consider to be the best vehicles ever made (the W124, particularly in wagon form, technically fulfills this requirement much better, but I have a soft spot for the old Sixer).
Watch out for biodegradable wiring harnesses (generally, 1990 and above). If you're buying in those years, find out if/when it's been replaced (and if it doesn't run or has "electrical issues," that harness is why). The transmission will also die, particularly as it gets closer to 200k. This is why I sold mine, and I regret it daily - it would have been a $1200 fix, and to get the most comfortable and versatile car ever made running again, that's a small price to pay. Certain E320 engines have head gasket issues as well (not as familiar with the 300E, but do some research), but like the wiring harness that could have been repaired at some point in its life.
Best of luck, and I hope you find a good one. They're legendary.
Jon-o
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 16:51 |
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Only because I pass it everyday on my way home from work. I would post their website but its blocked at work. Check out Forli Motors on Parliament and Richmond in Toronto seems like they not only know this vintage of Mercedes they sell plenty of them too (and usually have some wagons!) That Alfa is still on the lot just for kicks. Might be worth a look for a car some Richmond Hill family replaced with a GLK
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Dunnik
> LeadfootYT
04/01/2014 at 16:55 |
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Thanks for the tips! Biodegradeable harnesses, wtf. Greenwashing ?
Manuél Ferrari
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 17:04 |
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I support this decision
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LeadfootYT
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 17:07 |
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Perhaps, but there is talk about those harnesses being the fault of the German government at the time (although that wouldn't make sense given that E34s and indeed any non-Mercedes during the early '90s was free of that problem). Regardless, it's a disappointing Achilles heel for a car that is otherwise spectacular.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 17:35 |
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If you have general W-124 questions you won't be taking to a specialty forum, feel free to ask them on Oppo. In addition to those who've posted already, I DD one (diesel).
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Dunnik
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
04/01/2014 at 18:08 |
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So how well has it held up after almost 2 decades?
Do you find the diesel slow at all? No problem passing, merging? Or have you modded it? I'm primarily looking for gas but I'm willing to hop on the diesel train.
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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 18:29 |
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It's a bit slow, but mostly because the vacuum (thus turbo) and fuel systems are a little decrepit after over 350,000 miles. I could get it back up to more of a solid performance level if I spent a little money and time on it. It has a hideous dead spot in the torque curve that in no way should be factory, but in general does about as well as the W-123 300d does. I need to make sure I've got the boost I need when I need it, and that the ALDA valve is operating properly, but I just haven't had the time.
Outside that, and having had a transmission messed up somehow in the past, it's mostly pretty solid. Doors close well, windows operate properly, most of the electrics are groovy. I did have to dash-dive to fix some of the A/C vacuum servos for the flappers, but all in all, it's been a good beater.
Agrajag
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 21:30 |
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These will be your go to places for parts.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/Mercedes-Benz/…
-also has great forums
https://mercedessource.com/
-not always the best brands here, but they are very helpful and have a great youtube channel.
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Dunnik
> Jon-o
04/02/2014 at 01:14 |
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Actually, I've driven past, walked past, biked past that place for, like, 20 years (theyve been in business for over 50 years, according to their website) and ever single time I look at that lot. It's like walking distance from where I live now. I'm definitely going to pay them a visit. Usually I'd be leery of buying from a mechanic's shop - I'd be primarily interested in them as an independent garage - but a solid W124 doesn't grow on trees. I think I'd definitely check out their inventory at least.