Help me decide. '92 or '95 W124
 

2 cars to choose from, a 1992 and 1995 W124 300E/E320.

Both have around 90K miles, both are 2nd owner, both are around $5K asking price.

I have read that the common issues with these cars are: Head Gasket, Wiring Harness and AC Evap.

Is the risk the same for these components when comparing these 2 model years?

Thanks!

Clay

With the 95' you get a nicer interior (inlaid wood accents), "euro"-style headlights, and a few other subtle details not found on the 92'...

...and three years less age.

Regardless of year, at 90K, the major failure items you already noted are probably just around the bend. So save up for those.

I've had to deal with all three...the evap at 85K, the harness at 100K, and the head gasket at 160K.

I thought a 92 had the same wood accents. The 92 shouldn't have a wiring harness issue, and would be a somewhat easier head gasket job because it's single overhead cam. But those are both very nice cars - two of the best 124s.

Many of the 1995 E320 cars are special edition cars, and have burl walnut instead of zebrano.

I think the 95s look better. Flush grill and some of the trim is nicer.

Go for the 95...
 

It is a different car. Front end is different, and better, than the 92.

It depends on what you want out of the car. I tend to be willing to forego conveniences in favor of mechanical simplicity and ease of service. In my opinion, I say go for the 92. I had a 91 for 3 years and loved it - my favorite car ever. The M103, though not as refined, is far simpler and somewhat easier to work on. It's also less prone to head gasket failure than the M104 (I currently have an M104-based E klasse and it suffered head gasket failure twice, whereas my M103 never had issues). The M103 didn't have wiring harness issues either. Maintenance overall on an M103 tends to be less expensive compared to the M104.

Thanks!
 

Thanks to the forum for all the useful infomation and suggestions!

Clay