This is purely antecdotal, but I haven't seen any 124's for sale with blown valve timing, nor can I recall any (?) guide-related issues here. If you are determined to spend money, replace the CIS pieces ( air flow sensor, idle air valve, hoses, coil, injectors, temp sensor, OVP, etc.) that seem to plague these cars (my former car included) as they approach 200K.

And don't forget the valve seals.

And save some money for the head gasket replacement!

And if you still have some bucks, go after the climate control so you have heat on your feet! And dependable AC!

My $.01.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe