I've owned 5 w124's and worked on them when new and have two w124s now. Both '92s needed work when I had them. I got lucky on my '92 300D because I had done all the work to it already and it drained the other guys wallet before mine in parts. My '92 300E is in ok shape, but I've got it running and driving now. I didn't expect much for $650.00. I disagree with the quality of the w210s being crappy. You can't expect to drive a car forever and not wash the salt off and never expect the elements to take it's course on the body and components. It's possible for even a w124 to need a new spring perch from rot. Let's face it, even a 124 with deferred maintenance won't drive forever if not taken care of just like any car. No car is "bulletproof".

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k