'90 300TE or '94 E320 Wagon?

[ashedd]

I dunno which one I want. Both are nice, but the difference in price is $1200. The '90 is owned by an enthusiast, the '94 by some random dude. Both claim to have extensive service records. All of the major M104 issues are said to have been addressed. m103 runs like a top, about 190k. M104 had an engine replacement, documented, and is suppose to have 108k(body has 250k).

Both look nice and are rust free. Neither have leather . '94 needs a window regulator, '90 blower motor. I would not have a problem getting to either one.

The only gas MB I have ever had was a 400E. I have driven an m103 one, never driven a M104.

What to do, what to do.

[JohnM.]

My .02....always run away from engine swapped cars. Unless it was done by yourself, or someone you have great trust in. Also, 250K is a good amount of miles for the chassis. Check that all of the suspension bushings,links, arms, etc have been replaced or they will need replacing within ~50K. I'd go with the non-swapped 190K M103 all day long. While the 95 may have a few more refinements, the 90 W124 did have most of the same later model upgrades as the 95. Better seats, Wood trim, body cladding,etc. Add some european lights to the 90 and for all intensive purposes it matches the looks of the 95!

[ashedd]

Does a '90 w124 have that nice "one touch" power window? I think I might even like the way older 124's look over 94/95's. I dunno... hope to have it figured out soon. Both are out of state so I can't just pop over and look at them.

FYI.. this '94 is about 1500 less than the other '94/'95's I have seen online.

[lee polowczuk]

Normally I would say the 94 because of the 104 engine.

But 250k is the end of the line for me with 124's.... you will have to change out a lot of parts to get a decent ride.

we have cars with both engines--- the 103 just isn't as refined as the 104....

[ashedd]

I am guessing compared to a om617, the m103 is like warm butter. As long as the m103 is comparable to my om603 in smoothness, I am fine. Straight six vs. straight six... should be similar I guess.

[JohnM.]

Originally Posted by ashedd

Does a '90 w124 have that nice "one touch" power window? I think I might even like the way older 124's look over 94/95's. I dunno... hope to have it figured out soon. Both are out of state so I can't just pop over and look at them.

FYI.. this '94 is about 1500 less than the other '94/'95's I have seen online.

Too many high dollar 1/2 year parts on the 94/95's for my liking.

I am almost sure the 90 should have the one touch buttons for the front windows, my 91 does.

[deanyel]

93 to 95 HFM 104 cars are much stronger cars, not underpowered, more reliable, cheaper to maintain, and much better diagnostic systems. But why pretend those are the only two cars in the world? Find a better one. Convenience feature started in 1990.

[94Wagenmeister]

My car probably won't start for me tomorrow because I'm saying this, but given the info you have, go with the M103 and the TE. Enthusiast owned is enthusiast owned.

[Dave804]

I'm for the M103. Haven't owned mine for that long, but I drive daily for work. Probably 15k miles in these last 6mos. I've driven/worked on a later estate and didn't notice any improvements that made me envious. I'll admit that the pre facelift can look older if you don't clean it, but not really a problem. In fact, the ins. company updated the bumpers for me haha. And the m104 may have a gain or two, but the simplicity of the m103 appeals to me. Carry a box of strategic supplies/few tools and you'll be able to make it home guaranteed.

[duxthe1]

Like stated above my 90 has the one touch windows. I'm for the 103 all the way. Not saying the 104 is a bad engine but it has more stuff to fail and leak. While the 4 valve head makes more peak hp direct comparisons almost always favor 2 valve heads up to 4k RPM.

[ashedd]

Made an offer on the m103. Stay tuned.