Alright, alright...if not a w124, then maybe a w126... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WhoWhat · #1 11-16-2009, 09:09 PM

So, my search continues for a nice w124. However, in the meantime, perhaps I would take a look at a w126.

What are the known issues with that chassis - for example, the wiring harness on the w124...

My same criteria apply here, as did with the w124: no rust, diesel preferred (will consider a gasser), records.

I'm thinking that I'd like to get the latest model possible in the w126, because I want the most modern car possible (and it's conveniences), while still keeping it in the realm of DIY.

TIA.

pawoSD · #2 11-16-2009, 10:13 PM

All the latest W126's will be gasser with the exception of the quite rare 350SD/SDL W126.....very few of those were sent here....and probably even fewer still exist...due to the rod bending. I have the interior from one in my '82 SD....its quite nice.

hey_allen · #3 11-17-2009, 05:01 AM

I think one of the few annoyances I've found in the w126 cars is that the rear tends to squat a little over the years.
I've noticed it on both of my cars to some extent, as well as other people's that I've seen out on the highway. It ends up causing a little camber misalignment, but from what I've been able to find, it's just a matter of a few bushings to repair it. (Not that they're particularly *easy* bushings to replace, as one on each side is 4-5" diameter, but...)

Otherwise, little maintenance items that can get neglected, much like any older vehicle. Vacuum was definitely the favored toy with the engineers of the time, so there are loads of things that might have started leaking. That being said, it's not hard to trouble shoot if they are, and easy to fix when found.

Most of the parts are easy to work on, even the electronics. MUCH easier to re-solder something that may have gone wrong after the all the years, rather than pay through the nose for a new electronic module in one of the newer designs where even the windows are computerized.

Overall, I don't know of any particularly noteworthy "known" issues with the 126's. I've seen a number of others refer to them as the last of the well engineered MB's before they went downhill with all the gadgets in the early 90's, and the increase in random issues of the later models.

Brian77 · #4 11-17-2009, 10:23 AM

I currently have or have owned both a w124 and w126. A few years ago, I bought a'93 300E (3.2) that I purchased with 75K on the odometer. Probably more safe than the older ones and had a Lexus-like smoothness to it. However, it was definitely more complex than my current '85 300SD with ASR, various sensors and an annoying alarm system, and, in my opinion, although very solid, may not ultimately be as durable as the '85. Unlike some of the early '80's ones, never envisioned it getting to 400K. It had an amazing ride and precise steering that I found missing on some of the older boats. However, I went through both the evaporator and seeping head gasket problems with it. The head gasket was bad enough at $1500 but the evaporator was an outrageous pain at $3K. As it was my primary vehicle and I didn’t want to suffer without AC or with a blown head gasket, I paid the dealer to have the jobs done quickly. Few solo mechanics around my area could complete one or both jobs in anytime less than a few weeks. Also, seems like the dealer could only round up to the nearest $500.00 when it came to servicing it. Still believe that it can be a relatively inexpensive vehicle if you get the parts online and do the work yourself.

After a bad experience with a newer one, I went old school and now have an '85 300SD, purchased in May, in which I have done much of the work myself and farmed some of the other stuff out to a good independent. Doesn't have airbags but at least has ABS. It came with pretty much every service record, including 2 stamped factory service books, since new. However, it looked like it fell into a bit of disrepair over the past couple of years. Probably only several months away from becoming a parts car. At this age and mileage, anything rubber, plastic or auxiliary to the car tends to go first. As a result, the car has recently had its oil cooler lines replaced; radiator (leaking plastic tanks); water pump; tie rods, steering shock, drag link; belts and coolant hoses; most of the exhaust; its GM a/c compressor and various a/c switches; transmission vacuum parts; rear shocks; motor mounts; driver's seat spring; glow plugs; fuel filters; and starter. The transmissions back seem, on average to last about 150-200K (rebuilt at 160K on mine). It's not perfect, and having owned several older ones, know that, as a 25 year old car, will likely never be--most of its smoke silver paint is original, it's definitely a 10' car. However, it now feels solid at 80+ mph on the highway and is reliable enough for me to drive hundreds of miles at a time. Will never steer or ride as well as the 300E. I have spent money on it, but have gotten by on the cheap by internet surfing for parts and doing much of the work myself.

tjohn · #5 11-17-2009, 11:49 AM

Chassis really only has one problem - the rear window delaminates and must be replaced. It starts in the lower corners and works its way across. Make sure you get one with a dry trunk. A starting point for rust is the trunk-side of the rear package self. It's easiest to see if you open the trunk, slide half in on your back, and look up with a flashlight. I love mine, but make sure you ride in one. The 124s suspension/ride is a generation ahead of the 126s. They are wonderful DIY cars, and they respond very well to the TLC. For the diesels, the most modern version that I'd recommend is the 86/87 SDL with the OM603. Their is a newer version that appeared in 1990/1, but the engine was problematic, plenty of information about it here. If you like older, less refined, but durable, you can consider the 85 and earlier models with the OM617. Truthfully though, the gasser versions are nearly as robust.

E150GT · #6 11-17-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjohn

Truthfully though, the gasser versions are nearly as robust.

yeah they are! Its not the engine in the gasser to worry about, its the rest of the car!

Hip001 · #7 11-17-2009, 01:35 PM

I have had great luck with my car! I got it from the original owners and it has never been stored outside. Only 98k miles on the dial. Runs and drives like new! I never owned a 124 so I can not comment.
I am selling mine due to needing to thin down the fleet. It is awesome inside and out! Rust free and factory shiny paint. Never crashed or repainted in any way. Let me know if you'd like more info!
Hip

WhoWhat · #8 11-17-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian77

I currently have or have owned both a w124 and w126. A few years ago, I bought a'93 300E (3.2) that I purchased with 75K on the odometer. Probably more safe than the older ones and had a Lexus-like smoothness to it. However, it was definitely more complex than my current '85 300SD with ASR, various sensors and an annoying alarm system, and, in my opinion, although very solid, may not ultimately be as durable as the '85. Unlike some of the early '80's ones, never envisioned it getting to 400K. It had an amazing ride and precise steering that I found missing on some of the older boats. However, I went through both the evaporator and seeping head gasket problems with it. The head gasket was bad enough at $1500 but the evaporator was an outrageous pain at $3K. As it was my primary vehicle and I didn’t want to suffer without AC or with a blown head gasket, I paid the dealer to have the jobs done quickly. Few solo mechanics around my area could complete one or both jobs in anytime less than a few weeks. Also, seems like the dealer could only round up to the nearest $500.00 when it came to servicing it. Still believe that it can be a relatively inexpensive vehicle if you get the parts online and do the work yourself.

After a bad experience with a newer one, I went old school and now have an '85 300SD, purchased in May, in which I have done much of the work myself and farmed some of the other stuff out to a good independent. Doesn't have airbags but at least has ABS. It came with pretty much every service record, including 2 stamped factory service books, since new. However, it looked like it fell into a bit of disrepair over the past couple of years. Probably only several months away from becoming a parts car. At this age and mileage, anything rubber, plastic or auxiliary to the car tends to go first. As a result, the car has recently had its oil cooler lines replaced; radiator (leaking plastic tanks); water pump; tie rods, steering shock, drag link; belts and coolant hoses; most of the exhaust; its GM a/c compressor and various a/c switches; transmission vacuum parts; rear shocks; motor mounts; driver's seat spring; glow plugs; fuel filters; and starter. The transmissions back seem, on average to last about 150-200K (rebuilt at 160K on mine). It's not perfect, and having owned several older ones, know that, as a 25 year old car, will likely never be--most of its smoke silver paint is original, it's definitely a 10' car. However, it now feels solid at 80+ mph on the highway and is reliable enough for me to drive hundreds of miles at a time. Will never steer or ride as well as the 300E. I have spent money on it, but have gotten by on the cheap by internet surfing for parts and doing much of the work myself.

Thanks Brian. That's sort of what I figured, in terms of the differences. I'm not afraid of the work - all you listed on the SD, I've done on my 300D.

I'm really stuck on the idea that I want to buy a w124 for the more modern feel for good ol' dad. He's not used to driving these old cars.

I'm still looking for both, so I'll keep you updated.

WhoWhat · #9 11-17-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjohn

Chassis really only has one problem - the rear window delaminates and must be replaced. It starts in the lower corners and works its way across. Make sure you get one with a dry trunk. A starting point for rust is the trunk-side of the rear package self. It's easiest to see if you open the trunk, slide half in on your back, and look up with a flashlight. I love mine, but make sure you ride in one. The 124s suspension/ride is a generation ahead of the 126s. They are wonderful DIY cars, and they respond very well to the TLC. For the diesels, the most modern version that I'd recommend is the 86/87 SDL with the OM603. Their is a newer version that appeared in 1990/1, but the engine was problematic, plenty of information about it here. If you like older, less refined, but durable, you can consider the 85 and earlier models with the OM617. Truthfully though, the gasser versions are nearly as robust.

Perfect. Thanks.

WhoWhat · #10 11-17-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

I have had great luck with my car! I got it from the original owners and it has never been stored outside. Only 98k miles on the dial. Runs and drives like new! I never owned a 124 so I can not comment.
I am selling mine due to needing to thin down the fleet. It is awesome inside and out! Rust free and factory shiny paint. Never crashed or repainted in any way. Let me know if you'd like more info!
Hip

You're talking about the one in your sig, named "The Beater"?

TheDon · #11 11-17-2009, 10:42 PM

when quoting.. copy and paste them all into one reply.. keeps it clean looking

Hip's car is no where near a beater.. its just a joke. His car is incredibly clean.Even has the SOUND ENCAPSULATION PANELS!

JordaanDMC-12 · #12 11-17-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hey_allen

I think one of the few annoyances I've found in the w126 cars is that the rear tends to squat a little over the years.

Yes, that was one of the reasons I didn't really want a w126 before I started looking into them.. 70% of the ones around here (are neglected) and have really bad sagging rears... It looks pretty ugly and the owners just don't bother to fix it...

However now with my knowledge and insight from this forum the w126 looks like a great car, but I'm still with team w124! I'd be in 7th heaven if I could get a diesel w124, I love the chassis but hate the gasoline part

Both are awesome though.