With thanks to loubapache, I just got my rusty trunk painted gratis.

Lucky:

Did the dealer did it for you for free or you had it painted by others?

I took it to the shop where MB farms out the body work to. The guy looked up the TSB and took care of the rest for me. It's absolutely FREE!! No charge at all. If I would have gone back to the dealer, this could drag on forever. :D

what about the engine? in-line six vs. v6?

I can't speak from experience about owning the 124, however I have a 210 and I know friends that have the 124.

I've always loved the look of the 124 and to me that will always be the difinitive MB "look" but sometimes you just have to move with the times.

I have comparied the "touchy-feelly' parameters of the two cars. One of the most discussed areas is the "bank vault" feel of the door. I don't think that either car is any better or worst. They both feel great and expecially comparied to Japanese cars, they don't have the extra vibrations or rattles. I do agree with some of the other guys that the paint is better on the 124. I don't see or hear as many complaints about paint chip on the older paints compaired to the 'water based' paints. I do a lot of highway driving and have the rock chips to prove it. Can't imagine what it's going to be like after I lower the car. :(

From the seat of the pants comparison, the interior comfort of the 210 wins hands down. This is not to say the the 124 is bad, however if you had to spend an 8hr road trip, I would pick the 210. ;)

So, I have the 210 and would not trade it in but if the right opportunity came up, I wouldn't turn down a 124 500E either :D

hmmm... its a curious thing. A $50k W210 has a rusty trunk lid problem, but a $15k VW Golf gets a fully galvanized body shell...

Well put, miktvk. That is how MB makes new cars that are deteriorating in quality measured by JD Powers, European auto magazines and surveys, etc. and the customers.

Minor issues with the trunk lid aside, I think I'd put my money on the 210 over the Golf. Mercedes has about the most thorough rust prevention of any automaker. The current models in Europe are offered with a 30 year corrosion warranty. That is not a typo. Why we don't get this warranty in the U.S. I don't know.

LOL!!:D I have '94 Golf GL turbodiesel as well. Guess what? The hatch back is rusted while the paint for the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. :D