I am considering replacing my old '84 300SD with something newer, smaller, and more powerful. Still love the diesels, and I'm keeping my 92 300D, but want to indulge in some gasser W124 fun.

I am considering and 6 cyl or 8 cyl W124 from about 1990 on up. Candidates 260E, 300E 2.6/2.8, 300E, E320, 400E, E420.

I am leaning toward the 400E/E420. Now that these cars have been around for 15-20, we should have a pretty good idea which cars are the very best in terms of reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, and build quality.

To get the discussion ball rolling, I have heard that the 94-95 cars suffered from declining build quality. True? Also, has the variable valve timing on later models increased maintenance or decreased longevity?

A search on the forum reveals that all of them are known for various weaknesses of one type or another. What I am after via this thread is the *relative* reliability/durability compared among the various engines, all typical problems considered.

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1972 280SE 4.5
1984 300SD, 250K
1991 300SE, 89K
1992 300D (330K miles when KIA'd by mother-in-law 8/10/09 - still sitting in my barn)
1994 E320, 109K
1995 E420, 60K
Proud Member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America - Idaho Chapter