W124 2.5 Turbo - What to look for for when shopping? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JeffreyNMemphis · #1 05-15-2009, 12:12 AM

Hello Friends,

I usually spend my time on the Vintage section of the forum with my 73 280SEL 4.5. It gets about 10 miles to the gallon. Which is not a problem since it has 60k miles and driven for pleasure only.

I am looking at a W124 2.5 turbo diesel with 200k on the clock. The guy is asking 4,750.00. The car appears to be well kept. The value that I got on Edmunds.com and NADA site is about $3000.00. Is this pricing reasonable?

The diesels have always intrigued me. My Dad had a 1977 that he drove for 15 years with no major issues.

I need something economical that I can use to make sales calls that has good airconditioning. I have been using my Porsche, but I am suffering now that it is getting hot and it is not even summer yet.

I did a search about the various years to consider and read the discussions about 123 vs 124; and six vs. five cylinder. I would love to have a car that will get great mileage and not last forever. The W124 seems modern enough to pass for a reasonable recent car (not vintage).

If you can share some links to more discussion and share your experience I appreciate it.

Jeffrey

Biglex · #2 05-15-2009, 04:33 AM

you can buy mine for around 3500.

awsrock · #3 05-15-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffreyNMemphis

I would love to have a car that will get great mileage and not last forever. The W124 seems modern enough to pass for a reasonable recent car (not vintage).

Do you mean WILL last forever?

I have an 87 124, and it's great. The worst mileage I have gotten with it was in the winter, short trips, bad alignment...23 mpg. So far, my best recorded mileage is 32, but there was one tank that was half highway half city that I am pretty sure I got close to 34 with on the highway (it was 30 after filling up)

The newer models will get slightly better mileage, with the penalty of having less power. I guess it depends on what your use and desires are. Overall, the 2.5 can be arguably more reliable that the 603, however I hear some horror stories about bad timing chains and throwing rods every now and then.

Some 87s can look pretty modern, while others can look older. I depends on the condition and color..there are various things you can do to make it look "updated"
The 95 would be the newest looking, and it's a gorgeous car, but those are non turbo engines. However, from what I hear, they are about as quick as the 2.5 turbo.

As for pricing...it depends. 4750 seems high though. I've seen some 92 300Ds for sale around here for nearly $6k, but, low and behold, they've been for sale for quite some time now

I'd say no more than $4000, unless it is in mint, mint condition. I bought mine for $3000 with about 200k, and I have probably put almost $2k into it (mostly just upkeep..unscheduled maintenance was probably only $400)
If I had known then what I know now, I'd gladly have paid $4000 for an example that had new suspension, brakes, tires, etc.

JeffreyNMemphis · #4 05-15-2009, 09:14 AM

Here are some pictures of the car...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74578517@N00/sets/72157617973703551/

What are the expensive repairs that probably should have been done by now? When I look at the maintenance records, should I see that X has been replaced?

awsrock · #5 05-15-2009, 09:44 AM

Wow, that's a nice one. Leather too!

Hmm. Well, make sure the suspension is ok, especially the rear suspension links. It would be pretty obvious if they were bad (swaying under acceleration, loose rear end)

Make sure the A/c works too, if you want to use it. That can be very costly.

Hmm, what else...I suppose keep an eye on the vacuum pump. I think this applies to all 60x engines, but I could be wrong and it's only for the 603. I don't recall. Anyway, I'd doubt that he would have the updated one, but if he does, that's $300 you saved would you have done it yourself. Also, radiators don't last forever, so if it's original, you might need to replace that at some point in the future.

I'm sure others will chime in. It looks like it was taken care of though, so you might be pleasantly surprised. Ask for records if you go to see it!

A lot of it depends on how much you are willing to work on your car yourself. Parts aren't that expensive (if you ask me)..it's labor time that really makes maintenance costly if you take it in, especially at the dealer!

bigblockchev · #6 05-15-2009, 11:46 AM

I have a greymarket 124 from japan with the 603.960 engine (6 cyl 143HP) & it is great. The 2.5 turbo has around 129Hp the 2.5 NA only 93HP. The biggest thing that you are likely to encounter as far as expense goes is the transmission. , some may comment otnerwise but as far as I can see , Once in the life of the car it will go. If this has already been done then you are in luck if not then give this some consideration. If you can get a good mercedes mechanic to go over it then the price is not as important as condition. With 200K on it it still hs lots of life left. Cheers Dan

matthias08 · #7 05-15-2009, 02:53 PM

I love my 124 6 months into owning it.
the ride is second to none (or a W140, but thats not what we're talking about now is it...)

that looks like a minty fresh 200k car...

see if you can come to a reasonable financial grounds....
....sometimes you get what you pay for...

AC work done yet?

klaus kallas · #8 05-15-2009, 03:04 PM

Timing chain, timing chain, timing chain!!! With 200k, make sure it has been replaced or checks o.k. for stretch. The 2.5 turbo seems to be the only 60x series engine that has any problems with the chain as my old 2.2's will just putt along forever. Also, the chain that I removed from mine was "Made in Japan" and I can assure you it was original! Nothing against Japanese parts, as a Toyota is probably the best thing on the road, but seemed an odd choice for a Diesel Benz. I put a nice, new IWIS chain back in it.

Also, the wastegate set-up on the turbo is pretty nasty bit of work. Make sure it functions properly!

Good luck and enjoy! I'm going back to the garage to finish up the 5-speed conversion on my '93.

Klaus

WhoWhat · #9 05-15-2009, 07:57 PM

Wiring harness and AC evaporator...those are both big ticket items. If they've been replaced, that's a good start.

babymog is the man when it comes to 124 diesels. Hit him up with some questions...maybe he'll respond to your thread.

sixto · #10 05-15-2009, 08:07 PM

Here's a buyer's guide courtesy of Dave M/gsxr. Most of the 6 cylinder stuff applies except for the propensity for the head to crack if the engine overheats -

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/articles/124.1x3_buying_tips.txt

Sixto
87 300D