body update 88 300e to 91 or 95?
 

just wondering how far i can update my 88 124
and also how many body parts are needed. does not have to be a perfect list, just a guide line
the 91 update for starters
can the 95 124 body be done
also are there any thing the interior can have done that is not to crazy dollar wise.
i may be asking alot but even some quick info would help

thanks rich

Updating to the look of the 1990-1995 W124's takes quite a bit of money. The following parts are different:

Exterior appearance:

1. Body colored bumpers (impact insert still black on 1990-93 models) with chrome moldings at the top
2. Large flat side moldings with chrome insert (fender, front door, rear door, rear quarter panel)
3. Body colored mirrors
4. Rear trunk filler panel
5. Rain rails, rear windshield molding, and molding lateral to rear door triangle window are glossy
6. Body colored side skirts

Interior:

1. Leather seats have a different stitching pattern
2. Door panels have wood trim inserts and models with leather interiors have pleated leather trim
3. Dashboard has wood trim
4. New ashtray with smooth push-to-open operation
5. C-pillar trim panels have cutouts for auto height adjustable rear seatbelts

Note that 1994-1995 W124's will have bumpers that are entirely painted, new hoods with flat grille, and new trunk lids with chrome trim. There's probably a few other things I forgot, but those are the "major" updates.

The most dramatic, cost effective thing you can do is paint the bumpers and body side moldings body color, i.e. artic white. Not that hard to do - with the right prep and primer the paint will stick to the plastic just fine. The front bumper especially needs to be done well, including a flex agent, or you will get plenty of rock chips. I think the other thing that really helps update the car is eight hole wheels.