Is a 124 practical?
 

I'm looking at 123 wagons. But I found a nice 1987 300TD with reasonable miles,no trap oxidizer, and within my price range. And it's almost impossible to find a nice 123 wagon. Aside from the head issue, do 124s hold up as well as the 123s or will I be diving into a money pit no matter the condition of the car? Thanks.

I think they are pretty reliable....can't really go wrong with any of the older MB diesels.....the only real risky one is the 350SD/L

The 1987 W124 diesel wagons are very rare, if you can get a nice one at a good price I'd snatch it up as fast as possible!!

The w124 has many more eletronics, so there is more room for error than with a w123. IMO, I had rather put money in a W123 rather than a W124, W123's have more style and class.

Gotta take what you can get sometimes.

As an 11 year MB tech, I drive a 124 wagon, and when it got totaled (hit and run) I refused to replace it with anything but another 124 wagon. The electronics in the 124s are not prone to many problems, and are even less of a concern in a diesel. If anything I would worry about the 603 engine, but NOT the 124 chassis.:cool:

Even if it's not a diesel, our 1990 300TE has been superb. We've had my mechanic diagnose what needs to be done and have a list of it, but they're not critical to the operation of the car. I guess that also requires some good maintenance by the previous owner, which I got copies of from his mechanic. We use the wagon for long trips, hauling stuff around, as the babymobile (my nephew), etc. since it has the larger space for the stroller, etc.

My only gripe about it is its thirst for fuel compared to the diesel. I've gotten 26MPG last time on my trips, while the wagon made 22MPG, surprisingly. Both with the use of A/C and on similar routes, and just by myself. I'm certain the diesel w124 should get comparably higher than mine since it has a newer engine and is more efficient. The ergonomics scores higher than my W123 as well, but the W123 has such a character that the W124 lacks. Just me though I guess...

To answer your question, yes the W124 is practical provided the necessary items have been gone over and of course, finding the right one also helps.

Comparing 123 -- 124 -- 210
 

I will pretty much agree with the previous posters. As the owner of a 123, a 124, and a 125 -- oops, 210 -- I am qualified to compare. The 123 with the 617 diesel is the last "classic" Mercedes. It looks "old" regardless of its condition (and I do not mean that as a negative thing). It is less automated than the later models -- less electronics, potentially easier and less expensive to maintain. Fewer creature comforts. Less powerful engine.

The 124 is the first "modern" Mercedes. The styling set the mark for all future cars from all manufacturers. A 124 looks as "new" as the 123 looks "old." The 124 has better suspension and rides better than the 123, IMHO. It has more creature comforts and more electronics. The chassis reliability issues are almost identical to the later 123 cars -- climate control, power windows, cruise control -- and for the same reasons. The wiring from the "B" pillars to the rear doors tends to break and make the rear windows inoperative or blow fuses or both. The 124 had an early version of the pop-up sunroof (in addition to sliding, the back will pop up to make a nice vent) that is less reliable than the later version in the 210.

The OM603 engine is a superior engine in spite of its tendency to crack the head when overheated. If you keep the cooling system in good repair and don't try to "make it home" when the temp gauge shoots up, you will not have problems. Later versions of the head also reduce the risk. In a 123, you always know you're driving a diesel -- you can feel it in the sound and the vibration and at 80 MPH the engine definitely lets you know that it's there, working hard. OTOH, the 603 is so quiet and smooth that it's easy to forget it's a diesel. I often find myself going much faster than intended, because the car is so powerfully smooth. The 124/603 is more fuel efficient than the 123/617. For these and other reasons the '87 300D is my favorite and currently my daily driver. It was also the last year for a diesel Mercedes station wagon.

The 210 with its 606 engine is in some ways similar to the older 124 but the suspension is "sportier" as that is what marketing said the customers had asked for. It is a little too "bouncy" for me, even with new Bilstein shocks and new Bridgestone tires. The NA version of the 606 engine is less powerful than the 603 and the later turbo engine is more powerful. The 210 would be a great car with a manual transmission in the twisties but a stick was never offered, at least not in the US of A. The 606 engine does not have the head-at-risk problem of the 603 (although you can overheat and damage even a 617 if you really work at it). A T-sedan was available in the 210 with a gasoline engine but not with a diesel.

In the end, however, it may come down to what you can find to buy. The best car is one with a great set of service records so you know exactly what you are buying. That is probably more important than any other single consideration.

Keep us informed.

Jeremy

IF you don't buy it PLEASE post it's location and condition, pics if ya got em, here.
really, the 124 TD's are very rare, and sought after always.

Based on the practicality of my w123, the w124 should be at least, if not more, practical. I was open to either a w123 or w124 wagon. My main search criteria was to find the nicest available, which most likely means a w123 as there are many more out there compared to the 124 diesel wagon.

I am familiar with both the W123 and W124 since my mom owned a 1981 300D (W123) sedan which she bought new, and I own a 1987 300TDT (W124) wagon. I would pretty much have to agree with Jeremy's post on the W123 and W124. The 1987 300TDT was the last diesel 300/E class wagon imported to the USA.

Finding well maintained vehicle is the most important. If the vehicle has been properly maintained there will be fewer surprises in the long run. Please also keep in mind that the 1987 300TDT is 20 plus years old so there will be continuing maintenance. My 300TDT was not maintained as well as I would have liked, but I suppose it could have been worse. The biggest issue I am dealing with is the overheating engine on long grades in hot weather.

As mentioned earlier, W124 diesel wagons are rare so they command a premium usually.

My personal preference is the W124 since I like its modern appearance, and the refinement the chassis offers. The engine also is very powerful for its time, and it moves the wagon along adequately.

-Steve

Thanks for all your responses. You guys gave me the gumption to buy the car. I'm now the very proud owner of a 1987 300TD. I did my first road trip last night, and I can't believe it. What a great and relaxing experience! I haven't driven a RWD car since I had a 2002tii back in the 1980s. So much better than FWD. Thanks again everyone for your time in answering my post.

Congratulations on your new old benz the more you drive it, the more you'll come to love it.
My wife and I have been driving her '82 300SD and my '84300CD since they were new off the showroom floor- we just think that MB hasn't built a better car since - but the 124's are very nice cars, there's no doubt about that!!!!

One thing overlooked is the better MPG you will get with your 'new' car, I don't have a wagon, but i just got back from a trip, chicago-to-detroit...37.1 MPG, at about 67 mph. I don't think a w123 ever got that...

No OM603 can get that kind of mileage either, well maybe a couple on EBay. Expect to get 23 around town and 27 on the freeway depending on how fast you drive. The OM602 in your car has less power, but better fuel economy.

Even though you already bought the car, if you haven't read it already you may want to read this buyers guide. Then you may want to read about the rear sub-frame here.

Chris

Congrats, the 1987 is an excellent vehicle. It will surely have higher maintenace cost as compared to as 123, but nothing in life is free. My 87 300D has over 275k on the clock and I still find myself cruising at 95 - 100 mph if I dont pay attention. All this with the pedal down about 1/2 way. Great cruiser, more stylish than the rounded 123, but alot more expensive when it breaks. Although in all these years mine has only had a few pretty minor problems and the last 25k have been running on WVO.

Post some pics!