What's the deal with the W124 Cabriolet?

"E. Julius" (soonerfrommi)
02/24/2015 at 19:16 • Filed to: W124

Anybody know if these things are any good? I quite like the look of them, but I don't think I've ever really seen anybody talk about them online. Are they reliable enough to DD? Exceptionally expensive to maintain? I won't be buying a new car for a few more years, but I'm doing some preliminary research on 80s/90s convertibles (my target category) and I'm having a hard time finding much about these. Should I even consider it or is this just an older person's weekend toy?

Edit: I know an old MB is going to cost more to maintain than a Civic/Miata/whatever. I just want to know if it's bad compared to comparable cars.

DISCUSSION (16)

AMC/Renauledge > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 19:31

CLASSIC Benz body. I've always loved the look of it. I think the only issue with these are the biodegradable wiring harnesses.

As I recall, these were stupid expensive back in the early/mid-1990s. Like, 50-75% more than the sedans.

E. Julius > AMC/Renauledge
02/24/2015 at 19:34

Thanks for the info! According to some quick googling, MSRP for the sedan started at $43k, for the convertible $78k! 180% the price of the sedan!

505Turbeaux > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 19:34

Fantastic cars, as long as the engine wiring harness has been done. Everything good about the 124 in drop top flavor. I suggested one to a friend over an s5 vert. If he wasnt so vain he would have listened and saved 50 grand. Super reliable, totally dd material. I would take one over an r129 all day

E. Julius > 505Turbeaux
02/24/2015 at 19:38

Excellent, thanks!. This is definitely going on the short list.

As of right now it's between this, E30 'vert, C4 'vette, or a Miata. Tough choices, although I think they're different enough that the circumstances of my first job out of school, namely commute length and salary, will determine which one I eventually end up buying.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 19:39

The convertibles have the 5 speed auto which isn't that reliable compared to the 4 speeds.

JeepJeremy > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 19:40

That's a gorgeous vehicle!

E. Julius > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
02/24/2015 at 19:42

Really? On Edmund's and all the listings I've seen they've said 4 speed. Was it just some years? http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/…

E. Julius > JeepJeremy
02/24/2015 at 19:42

I know, I love it!

Louros > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 20:30

They hold their value much better than the 124 sedans and coupes. You would be hard pressed to find a clean one for south of 10 grand.

E. Julius > Louros
02/24/2015 at 20:31

As long as it wasn't going to turn into a complete money pit I think I'd be willing to go well into the 10s. Good info though, thanks.

RallyWrench > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 20:37

Really good cars. A customer of mine has a lovely dark blue top/frost blue paint example for sale, 77k original miles, just put a bunch of money into it to make it nearly perfect.

E. Julius > RallyWrench
02/24/2015 at 20:55

Thanks for the info! I won't be in a position to buy for some time, but just of curiosity what is the asking price? Or a listing if it's online somewhere.

TotallyThatStupid > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 21:41

Ditto all of this, but add the head gasket to the list of things you want someone else to have paid for, especially on the M104 engine. A 124 drop-top is on the short list of cars to replace my 124 sedan. They are really marvelous cars, and bank vaults bow down in reverence to their rigidity.

TotallyThatStupid > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 21:42

My understanding is all of the M103/M104 W124 cars had the 4-speed; V8s got the 5-speed.

Party-vi > E. Julius
02/24/2015 at 21:48

I looked at a 1995/6 320E convertible for sale before I got the E46. It was sweet, too. Gorgeous car. Good luck finding one in good condition under $10k.

E. Julius > Party-vi
02/24/2015 at 21:51

I'd definitely be willing to save up a little longer for a car this gorgeous : )