Cost of ownership 126 vs.124

[A264172]

Iv'e had a 124 for about 5 years and have a pretty good idea of the price of maintaining the systems on it. But as it's rust issues make it less and less desirable for the long term every season, and not really worth the full restore as a more common M103 4 speed Auto 4 door. I have found myself looking at the variety of 126's in diesel and M103/M104 configurations (not really interested in the 126 V8's) as a possibility for the planned eventual move into a stead with less cosmetic issues.
In considering this, I dwell upon the potential for preimum pricing of the parts for an S class, and perhaps, systems that I am unfamiliar with from my 124 experience.

Any thoughts about what likley 126 maintainence items might suprise me as a 124 owner would be appreciated.

[gmercoleza]

I've never had one, but I think an M103-based W126 would be killer. Good performance, decent fuel economy, and best of all the M103 is very easy to work on and would have plenty of clearance in the larger W126 chassis. The W126 has timeless lines and, since a large number of them were in use not only here but around the world, parts are very inexpensive.

[A264172]

I agree. With diesel's at a premium it becomes the best deal of the lot.

And I already know the M103 well so I am attracted to that idea even more so.

[E150GT]

I don't think parts are too expensive for a W126. I have been lucky so far though and not had to replace too much.

[t walgamuth]

I would buy a 126 again over a 124 for sure. Much more user friendly and mechanic freindly. Don't overlook the v8s unless fuel economy is paramount. They don't use much more fuel than the six and if you buy an 84 like I had they use rug. The difference in the price of that and premium may cancel out the mileage difference.

The 126 is a very high quality car.

Tom W

[david s poole]

i own both and of the two i much prefer to drive the 126.little things like overhauling front brake calipers to prevent drag on front wheels can help with mileage but the 126 is so much stronger than 124.

[A264172]

It's not so much the mileage I'm thinking about with the M103 vs. M117 but the maintainance. The reletively indestructable timing chain on the M103... and the difference in power is not as great as the price premium would indicate.

Edit: Of course, if your going to putter around town, the diesel gives much better fuel return than the M103.