Which is better; w123 or w124 wagon? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cirrusman · #1 10-31-2010, 03:45 PM

I'll be replacing my '87 Caddy hopefully in the near future and what I want is a station wagon. I had always liked the w123 wagons and had my mind pretty much set on one of these, hopefully a later model. However, as of lately I've seen many members in this forum say really good things about their 124 wagons so I wanted to hear from the good owners of both wagons in this forum so I can make a more educated decision when the time comes to it.

W124 E300D · #2 10-31-2010, 04:08 PM

The Mk1 W124 before ECU's etc was a big improvement on the W123.

The Mk2 W124 and all later MB with ever increasing levels of ECU etc are junk.

vstech · #3 10-31-2010, 04:33 PM

if you want diesel wagon a nice 123 85 is great 84 & older til 81 if in great shape are wonderful. the 124 diesel wagon is just awesome to drive comfort & power. but they are quite rare & so pricey. ...

Skid Row Joe · #4 10-31-2010, 04:40 PM

123 hands down the better play.

junqueyardjim · #5 10-31-2010, 04:56 PM

If the wagons are in any way comparable to the sedans, I would take the W123 over the W124 for long term use I think the W123 has much better build quality, but it does not have the ride quality. They both rust, the W123 doesn't have any airbags.

Mark DiSilvestro · #6 10-31-2010, 05:00 PM

Haven't tested a W124 TD, but a few years ago, I test drove a W124 300D sedan and, compared to my tired 240D, it was awesome. Smooth, powerful, great ride & handling. I think it would compare favorably with the Euro 300TD I now own, but my research on the forums here suggests the W124 new-generation aluminum-head diesels aren't so tolerant of abuse. Cracked heads are common if overheated. That and the introduction of electronics on the 124 cars, kind of put me off of those models.

Happy Motoring, Mark

79Mercy · #7 10-31-2010, 06:53 PM

123, no doubt about it. Much stronger engine and transmission. Less electrical problems, even more so if you get a 81-84 TD. The 85's had more electronics but they never posed a huge problem.

DslBnz · #8 10-31-2010, 08:40 PM

Specifically what extra electronics are so much of a nuisance to deal with contending with the W123 vs the W124, anyway? I can't think of anything right off the bat that stands out. Other than the ACC, power windows and locks, they practically have nothing else to deal with.

aaa · #9 10-31-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DslBnz

Specifically what extra electronics are so much of a nuisance to deal with contending with the W123 vs the W124, anyway? I can't think of anything right off the bat that stands out. Other than the ACC, power windows and locks, they practically have nothing else to deal with.

I really hate my light failure unit. And the wonky alarms. And the OVP systems, admittedly on the 85 123s as well. Course I'm not a fan of the ACC in both either.

layback40 · #10 10-31-2010, 09:14 PM

I have not owned a w123 wagon but comparing my w124 with the 2 w123's I have driven for years, there is no comparison. The 123 build quality is miles ahead. The only electronics on the 123 are the GP & cruise units, on the 124 there are those plus several others. The quality of the electrical connections is cheaper on the 124, along with the wiring. the 61x motor, while not as powerful as the 60x is more like a truck motor, very forgiving. The rear suspension on the 123 is much more solid.

andrewjtx · #11 10-31-2010, 09:19 PM

Let me just tell you, that as I strip Betty of every screw and bolt, I find that the 123 wagon (and 123s in general) are amazingly built machines. The thought that went into how parts fit together and how solid most everything is on these cars is mind blowing.

I had to take apart certain areas of a 2002 VW GTI before and that car was sh#t compared to this '84...

DslBnz · #12 10-31-2010, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaa

I really hate my light failure unit. And the wonky alarms. And the OVP systems, admittedly on the 85 123s as well. Course I'm not a fan of the ACC in both either.

Definitely understand why the OVP can be an issue. I think it can be tricked and overridden, possibly. I don't know, I just think it might be. As for the light failure unit. Why would that be a bother? I rather like that feature. As well as the low engine oil indicator lamp (I think the earlier cars did without this feature).

1stbenznc · #13 10-31-2010, 09:25 PM

Everyone is going to vote for what they own - It's just how it is.

Buy what you like; they will all need work!

Oh- get a T124

layback40 · #14 10-31-2010, 09:29 PM

"Everyone is going to vote for what they own - It's just how it is.

Buy what you like; they will all need work!"

This is not the case at all, many of us have owned both !!

vstech · #15 10-31-2010, 10:20 PM

I thought the post was for answers from owners of BOTH vehicles. meaning only owners who have both vehicles in their stable should answer.
obviously someone who owns one or the other is going to vote in favor of the vehicle they own...

View Poll Results: W123 or W124 wagon?
W123	15	48.39%
W124	16	51.61%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll