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

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2002 E320 Sedan 93K Designo Mocha Black Metallic!
1995 E320 Wagon 205K Black Wagon
1982 240D 183K SloPoke

I believe each of these cars are the final production year for that model.

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.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

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.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

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

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

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

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J.H.
'86 300E

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.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

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

Clay

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2002 E320 Sedan 93K Designo Mocha Black Metallic!
1995 E320 Wagon 205K Black Wagon
1982 240D 183K SloPoke

I believe each of these cars are the final production year for that model.