How does a w124 compare to a w123? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pawoSD · #16 05-17-2012, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I've driven PLENTY of 123's and 126's, the 124 is TOTALLY a different animal. in great tune, with the suspension dialed in, the 124 from 87 will just SUCK UP the interstate! I think if you drive the 124 like you drive the 240D you will get better economy, but you won't drive it the same way... you'll fly in the car. you actually have to WATCH the speedometer to know how fast you are going... you can actually hear your radio, along with your cel phone, and anyone in the car trying to talk to you.
BUT
the 240D is a very simple klatta klatta car, and the 87 is not.
it's almost silent to drive and idle.
the cooling system is actually important to the car, and needs severe maintenance to keep from grenading... a failed belt can ruin the motor.
the vacuum pump has a plastic cage that WHEN it fails, will grenade the motor....
the fan clutch WILL fail about every 75Kmiles... keep up with it.

The W124 is a nice car on the highway, but it cannot match a W126 gasser.....dead silence, smooth. W124 vs W123 is no contest. W124 is vastly superior in comfort and performance.

vstech · #17 05-17-2012, 01:16 AM

thinking further on the decision... the 123 has a smoother/softer ride than an 87 124... not sure on other years, but I bet they are the same... sporty tight feeling compared to the softer feeling of the 123...

Hip001 · #18 05-17-2012, 02:00 AM

Thank you for the info!

So the w124 rides/drives more like a Audi , BMW, and my old 190 2.3 16v
(a drivers car)?

Will the w124 pull a small trailer?(motorcycle trailer)

davidlee · #19 05-17-2012, 04:16 AM

Ive owned both a w123 and currently a 87 W124 603.turbo
I loved the w123. the soft ride and just a good heavy, quality feel.
but the W124, WOW, totally different machine, it drives close to a gasser especially at freeway speed. very quiet even around town and a nice top speed and very good passing power. I cant even hear my car at 75mph. and it has no problem what so ever of reaching 100+mph. the power and quietness are the biggest changes you will notice.
Once you own a 603 w124 you wont want to be without one.
If you decide to get a 603 Make sure you get a engine with the #18-24 head,
and make sure the Trap.Ox has been removed,(it would have been done at the dealer). You will know if it is there, you will see what looks like a big catalytic converter sitting under the hood on the passengers side of the engine above the turbo.
Good luck to you with what ever you decide.
if finding a w124 diesel proves to be too hard
a 123 Turbo diesel is another good choice, better gearing for the hwy.

TheDon · #20 05-17-2012, 08:36 AM

I bet the w124 can tow. Small trailer.

Had type does not mater, just because it's not an 18-24 or whatever doesn't mean as soon as the moon is full it will crack or warp. As long as the cooling system is fine the head will be ok.

vstech · #21 05-17-2012, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

I bet the w124 can tow. Small trailer.

Had type does not mater, just because it's not an 18-24 or whatever doesn't mean as soon as the moon is full it will crack or warp. As long as the cooling system is fine the head will be ok.

I agree.
My #14 has over 220K on it, and with me maintaining the cooling system and components, it'll last another 220K.

DO NOT DRIVE IF THE BELT BREAKS!!!!

keep the cooling system serviced, change the belt regularly, and keep an eye on the tensioner, and spring/shock and you'll never have any issues with the stock head.

TheDon · #22 05-17-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I agree.
My #14 has over 220K on it, and with me maintaining the cooling system and components, it'll last another 220K.

DO NOT DRIVE IF THE BELT BREAKS!!!!

keep the cooling system serviced, change the belt regularly, and keep an eye on the tensioner, and spring/shock and you'll never have any issues with the stock head.

I just put a new belt on and put the old, yet still fine (causes a squeak) belt in the trunk.

The other nice feature is that the amount of power on tap. I can easily pass someone. Put the hammer down and go!

davidlee · #23 05-17-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I agree.
My #14 has over 220K on it, and with me maintaining the cooling system and components, it'll last another 220K.

DO NOT DRIVE IF THE BELT BREAKS!!!!

keep the cooling system serviced, change the belt regularly, and keep an eye on the tensioner, and spring/shock and you'll never have any issues with the stock head.

I stand corrected.

Its a +++ if you the one you find has a 18-24 head on it, but make sure the trap Ox is gone. Most are but I have seen a couple that still have them. It was a bad Idea putting it before the turbo and Mercedes swapped most of them out for free. they replaced it with a foil wrapped pipe.

Good luck to you in your finds.

Hip001 · #24 05-17-2012, 07:20 PM

The 603 does sound nice.
How different is a 1995 300d(is that the last year of the w124?) to the 1987? It was mint on the inside but had rust on the body and doors so I passed. My only recent experience in a w124. I've yet to own a w124 but have test driven 3 of them.

Bio300TDTdriver · #25 05-17-2012, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

Am I the only one that actually does speed limit?

No, you and BC.

Bio300TDTdriver · #26 05-17-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidlee

I stand corrected.

Its a +++ if you the one you find has a 18-24 head on it, but make sure the trap Ox is gone. Most are but I have seen a couple that still have them. It was a bad Idea putting it before the turbo and Mercedes swapped most of them out for free. they replaced it with a foil wrapped pipe.

Good luck to you in your finds.

22 is the latest head unless MB just came out with a new one.

vstech · #27 05-17-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

The 603 does sound nice.
How different is a 1995 300d(is that the last year of the w124?) to the 1987? It was mint on the inside but had rust on the body and doors so I passed. My only recent experience in a w124. I've yet to own a w124 but have test driven 3 of them.

the 95 has a lower geared rear end, and no turbo. the motor is very efficient, but not quite as powerful as the turbo 603. still a very sporty car. just has the typical Diesel non turbo shortcomings. but it'll rev to the moon.

shertex · #28 05-17-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

No, you and BC.

Who's BC? If it's who I think then I can assure you he does not!

Bio300TDTdriver · #29 05-17-2012, 08:45 PM

You may want to read this if you are considering a 124. You can thank Dave, not me.

Yes you can tow with it up to 1500K. After that you will need to install an auxiliary transmission oil cooler.

Bio300TDTdriver · #30 05-17-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

Who's BC? If it's who I think then I can assure you he does not!

Perhaps it is only when he is hypermiling.