W124: coupe vs. sedan differences?
 

Hi everyone!

3 weeks ago I bought a w124 '91. 200CE Mercedes-Benz, but since I'm quite new, I would like to know the differences between it and the 4-door version (or at least a link to a site that explains them). I think that coupes are a bit better built, but then again, maybe it's only because I own one :)

If it matters, the car was imported from Italy.

A sedan will always be tighter in an older car - the B pillar just gives it more structural rigidity. The doors are going to close better, longer. Coupes can be a pain in the ass in some ways. Window regulators are riveted in rather than bolted. Rear window repair, seat belt presenter repair, etc are a pain in a coupe. For some reason front struts are more expensive. Coupe unique parts are going to be harder to get and sometimes more expensive. On the bright side 124 coupes are shorter, better turning radius, more nimble. They have much better potential for future value appreciation. For the driver they're easier to get in to. Plus they just look a lot better. I think 124 coupes are one of the best looking MBs ever.

i disagree.... rigidity in the coupe is excellent.... it is a tighter car in all ways...

however, here's a switch...the sedan seems peppier and a bit more fun to drive. i can't quite explain that...

That might be because the coupes weigh more than the sedans (at least that's what I understand).

i dont have experience with the 124 coupe but my 123 is very very stiff. i think equal to the sedan, and i think i am pretty picky on my chassis stiffness. i would say the the coupe prob weighs a bit less, based on my experience with the 123 and 126 coupes. i own one of each.

tom w

thanks for all the replys. Does anyone know how shorter is the coupe version?

IMHO, coupe is muc, much better looking and has less of that 80's car look, and I just love the thing with windows (no B pillar also).

Are there other differences, from tech specs point of view?

joriq, I echo Dean's comments. The 1991 300CE has a 217HP engine (104 with dual overhead cams) compared to a 177HP engine (103) in the 300E. Not sure about the 200CE compared to a 200E, but would expect that the coupe has a more powerful engine. Obviously the coupe provides a sportier feel and driving position since you sit lower in it. I thoroughly enjoy driving the coupes and they're the ideal size ... a back seat when you need one and no feeling of claustrophobia that 2-seaters can cause. I've removed the fuse for the seat belt presenter to eliminate the inherent problems with it ... simply reach back with your hand just above the floor to grab the seat belt easily without having to twist your upper body. Note that the same fuse controls power to the right outside mirror so adjust it before removing the fuse.

well, in the documents, it says that it has ~120hp, so I guess the engine is the same (and enough for my needs, since I'm using it mostly in 50km/h limit areas :( :( )

As far as the sitting position is concerned, too bad it's not even lower, I'm quite tall (1.95m), so I'm almost touching the roof... But what are these seat belt presenter problems you mention? I kinda like it, good for showing off and a nice detail for a 15-year old car (although the passenger seat one does not work).

Is that true? I never knew that the coupes were faster due to increase hp. Now I'm interested in one...

I believe the M104 engine became available in the W124 coupes in 1990 or 1991, while the W124 sedan continued with the M103, and did not receive this engine until a few years later. Possibly in 1992 or by 1993. I'll check my reference book at home tonight and post any corrections.
regards,
Mark

Just did my own homework - the increase in hp is from the 300CE to the 320CE - not the 300CE to the 300E.

How do you suppose a coupe gets stiffer without weighing more?

i dont think i said it was stiffer but prob feels equal. also the car is shorter so that will make it a bit easier to make stiff. i assume they make the metal in the rocker area a bit thicker in and out like on a convertible. also the pillars in back are larger so that will contribute to stiffness.

my 500sec is very stiff too. the benz coupes are most impressive, as the roadsters are.

tom w

I have wanted a 124 coupe for at about 5 years, but not able to afford one I bought an '89 Volvo780 coupe with the turbocharged 2.3 litre four. Drove and enjoyed this for 3 years until someone turned left into me in an intersection. Although I drove it 25 miles home my insurance company totalled it at a much higher number than I expected. I replaced it with my current '94 E340 sedan, which is nearly perfect but I am again looking for a '94-'95 coupe.
Addicted,
Mark