Car Market For A W124 - Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jake12tech · #1 01-02-2012, 02:01 PM

In the market possibly for a W124 if I have to get rid of my C230. Nothing over over 92. What are the major problems that could happen to the car while it's in my hands at being driven at high mileage? Also, how much would it cost to fix a head gasket if it went on the car? Also how much is a good running 300E? Just learning all this. Any answers are appreciated.

suginami · #2 01-02-2012, 03:00 PM

At an independent shop depending on where you live, $1200 - $1500 for a head gasket.

A well-known shop in So. Cal. installs rebuilt transmissions with a one year warranty for about $1200.

d.delano · #3 01-02-2012, 03:55 PM

Your sig lists 3 previously owned W124s. I'd say you have a lot of experience with them already!

RANDY P · #4 01-02-2012, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

At an independent shop depending on where you live, $1200 - $1500 for a head gasket.

A well-known shop in So. Cal. installs rebuilt transmissions with a one year warranty for about $1200.

Who's doing trannys at $1200?

suginami · #5 01-02-2012, 09:16 PM

Mr. MB Motors in Encino, CA.

He buys them from a local rebuilder that rebuilds all the Mercedes transmissions.

RANDY P · #6 01-03-2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

Mr. MB Motors in Encino, CA.

He buys them from a local rebuilder that rebuilds all the Mercedes transmissions.

Thanks- I was about to drive to Sun Valley Mercedes to do it-

I'll check out Mb Motors- I'm planning on drivin out and doing it this summer, before I get stuck and have to pay $2500 in PHX..

MB Motors is who I use in PHX when I don't feel like gettin dirty. Go figure.

rjp

jake12tech · #7 01-03-2012, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d.delano

Your sig lists 3 previously owned W124s. I'd say you have a lot of experience with them already!

Those were all my Father's Mercedes, but he's passed. That was a few years ago. I'm not very experienced. I'm 15 and learning.

lorainfurniture · #8 01-03-2012, 01:38 PM

If you are not planning on doing your own maintenence on your car, Dont buy it.

Head gaskets are pretty straight forward, and not very difficult to do. Every 150-200k
Its not as big an issue as people make it out to be. The valve stem guides are the real problem It will cost you about $750 to have the head re-done.

Water pump is also on the list, as well as tensioner. $400ish

The 300e will almost always be driveable. If you are looking to get it back to new driver status, figure shocks, springs, bushings (there are alot of them), and the list goes on.

If you want a/c, it will cost you a grand just in parts.
The rear subframe will cost $1500 to refresh (parts only)
The Front end will run under 1k in parts

I have already done the above repairs on my 300e, And it still does not drive well.

I ended up buying an econo box to have a piece of reliable transportation.

mbzman · #9 01-03-2012, 07:06 PM

How many miles are on the C230? I would keep the C230 if it is working well. Those M111s are a very sturdy engine. An older Mercedes can be a handful to keep up if you are not careful. I would say only 1 out of every 4 might be worthy of purchasing. The rest are often neglected needing thousands of dollars worth of mechanical and cosmetic repairs that have been let go by previous owners. That being said, a well sorted '91 or '92 300E can be a good buy. Check for all servicing records to make sure fluids have been changed at timely intervals. Headgasket and tranny will eventually need to be done as others have stated once the mileage reaches 150k. I would pay 3-4k for a well sorted example in good condition mechanically and cosmetically.