Is a W124 300E a money pit or a worthwhile vehicle to own?
 

I ask this because I am soon going to try to get rid of my wife's Toyota Rav4 death trap that burns lots of oil and is a pain the posterior to work on.....and replace it with something MB, which I am (willing) and (able) to work on. :D She's not a huge fan of the W123/W126 "too big and ugly" :rolleyes: She likes W201's and W124's, and essentially anything after that. Budget for the vehicle will be about 3-4k.....and gas or diesel does not matter.

I am thinking 190d of any flavor if I can find one at a reasonable price....but that seems unlikely....or a 190e....or a 300E W124. 300E's are the most plentiful so I could be more picky and haggle better.....

Is the 300E a pain to keep going? Or is it at least semi-reliable? I've read other opinion threads on this, but I am still at an impasse....:confused: I've driven a 300TE before, and thought it was AWESOME.....so that might help. :D

If I go 300E, I will try to find a 93 or newer model with the M104 motor....

My dad has a 1994 e320 and I have a 94 e420. The e320 has 210,000 miles on it with the only thing needing replacement at 130k --> water pump & starter. Since then with regular maintenance it has been a dream.

The e420 has 150,000 and all parts are original except blower motor (typical w124 problem)

My wifes 96 c220 has its minor issues (fuel sending unit failed, Mass Airflow Sensor Failed)

I would stick with w124.

With the 300E, (From my knowledge) the common problems include, blower motor and regulator, wirining harness (though not all exhibit this) and various suspension bushings going bad (I replaced my control arm bushings as well)


Overall...for a 14+ year old car...it is better than any heap of junk that mercedes has built since.


Hope this helps.


Rashad

Go for it - but know what to look for
 

As you can see in my sig line, I believe in the W124. My 260E is my favorite all around car. I like the feel, the handling, and the car is very easy to work on. Make sure you search this forum for the many posts which layout the key things to watch for when looking for one of these cars. Certain years have their own issues (wiring harness) and it's great if you can find one that has already had the head gasket redone. Low miles is good but I rarely let that be a determining factor - the engine and drive train will last forever with proper maintenance.

Good luck and let us all know what you end up doing.

201's aren't near the car that the 124 is. That being said the most important thing is how well the car was taken care of. You can find a 100kmi car run into the dirt or a 200k that has been well maintained with a lot of life left in it. Regardless any 12-20 year old Mercedes is going to require maintenance and upkeep to drive on a regular basis. Beats a car payment though;)

Is a W124 300E a money pit or a worthwhile vehicle to own?

The answer is "YES." As stated above, it depends entirely on how well these old cars have been cared for, and even then you will have age-related repairs.

I have a 1987 300E with 160K miles, and I love it. It has been reliable, in that it has never stranded me. It has consumed a fair amount of money, though, in the 8 years I've owned it.

Be very careful assessing the state of the AC, as repairs are very expensive. I've replaced the water pump, the coil, lots of AC pieces (nearly all by now), sway-bar bushings, rear thrust arms, idler arm, tie rod ends, the rear transmission bushings, motor mounts and had the sun roof repaired. That's in addition to the usual wear items. Note that many of these are rubber or suspension bits whose wear is expected -- these are mostly age related.

If you work on it yourself, then costs are not too bad. If you don't, then save money for repairs. I figure I have spent between $1000 and $1500 year, including all repairs and wear items (like brakes, plugs and tires).

I think it is worth it, but others may well disagree.

The car is also not the best in the snow. Not the worst either, but not the best. I'm in CA so it matters little, but your part of the country is different (I grew up 50 miles south of you).

Have both W201 and W124 (see below). If buying again, would go for W124, specifically 94/95. Base your decision on condition, condition, and condition. By the way, condition is important :D . If you don't know what your looking at yet then have someone who does do an inspection for you. Lots of uninformed folks buy because "its a Mercedes" then realize the PO didn't have the $ to have it serviced properly and they don't have the $ to bring it back. If I didn't enjoy working on them myself I couldn't afford to keep them. Pick the best on you find, haggle (the above beaters drag the prices of the good ones down) then drive it for the next 15-20 years. I drive the 87 every day, high speed and low, still gets a smile.

Any 124 that doesn't say "4matic" on it can be economical to own. It can also be troublesome, but since you have the skills to repair and the intellegence to do preventative maintenance, I think that you'll enjoy owning one. You might even find yourself swapping cars with her to "fix" her car, more often than necessary.

Yeah I'd never get a 4Matic......I am pretty set that a 93-94 300E is the vehicle I'd like to find....we'll see how it goes. I am sure I could handle the maintenance without much issue. I've done essentially ALL possible jobs to the W126.... :D

First I need to get her junky toyota sold.....they seem to go for good amounts....we'll see what I can suck out of somebody for it. :D :D

The 124 is no more complex than the 126 in areas such as climate control, cruise, engine (with same engine of course), windows, locks, ... but has a simpler front suspension (less $$ to maintain the strut suspension), pretty reasonable IMO to maintain. It's getting a car that already needs maintenance that is expensive, in either body.

less $$ to maintain the suspension? I've spent $0 on mine in the past 70k/5+ years.....so less is a good deal! :D Of course it shows...its a bit clunky....but I spend my money on other parts of the car....maybe someday I'll be able to afford a suspension rebuild.....

The 124 E-class can be a fine car. It it important to find one which has the known gremlins already addressed. For a late model year (93-95) with the m104 engine, that means the head gasket and wiring harness. Bonus if the radiator is new and the a/c evaporator is solid. (My 1993 has had one small a/c repair since new - replacing a leaking expansion valve. Still works great.)

Have you considered a 202 C class? They have a good reputation for reliability and longevity. The M111 four cylinder is reliable and reasonably frugal. Not sure what the market price range runs for these.

- JimY

I had an E420 and since then I've had an 01 CLK55 AMG, an 07 Hummer H3 and now a 08 BMW 335i coupe. I missed the E420 so much but I couldn't get myself to get another W124 that probably wont be as nice as mine was, so I got a 190E...

Mine has low miles and no rust, which is great. Unfortunately the p/o was a hack job and put in a lot of aftermarket parts, cut a lot cables, etc. But it's OK, it runs well and it's black on black.

I like the way the 190E handles and in general it feels A LOT like a W124.

BUT, it is a cheaper built car once you look at the interior/trunk trim pieces in detail. They tend to be thinner, cheaper looking, flimsier.. just less substantial.

In my opinion, given the small price difference, unless you really want a smaller more nimble car get the W124.

Is it a money pit? Yes it sure is compared to say a Jeep Cherokee but it has tons of charisma and as long as you don't try to make it perfect (live with some quirks), then I think it's a reasonable car to own. I'm a die hard Benz fan and the W124 is my favorite.

Pretty much everything has been said regarding the possible issues with the W124. I will add that due to age, ones going up for sale will probably be due to the seller getting tired of fixing all of the age-related stuff. Even a well-kept all-books and recepits type of car will have some age-related wear items that need attention.

Regardless of condition, I would set aside a couple of grand for the first year to take care of those items.

The W124 is the best Mercedes ever made IMHO.

My 86 300e has 300K+ miles on it and I'm just starting to get valve ticks. I've replaced the alternator and a few relays but its been a great car. I got the car when I was 15 for free from a nieghbor and beat the **** out of it. I used to drift it, auto-x it, and drive it hard all the time, the whole time it had over 300K. The body is in amazing shape and is awfully easy to work on. The motor is simple to work on as well. I love my 300e. If I were you I would look for the M104-24v powered 300e's and e320's like the 93-95's.

One advantage you have - this forum. You can troubleshoot and fix ANYTHING
on these cars with the advice and experience found here. And the internet parts houses are amazingly cheap on most parts.
If you kinda like to play with fine machinery, and have a little skill, then an older MB is a rewarding hobby and driving experience.
If you have to hire a mechanic to do everything, just buy a brand new one, and save money in the long run!

DG

If you find a nice one, that's been maintained, and you like working on your cars, they can be annoyingly trouble-free for extended periods, to the point that it's a problem.

You can't go wrong with a W124. And my 190 was the only car I ever regetted getting rid of...

I'm quite good at MB repair at this point....I work on 4 of them, but they are all diesel and W126/W123....is it much harder to maintain a gasser?

W124s are fantastic beaters... lol.



I put 15k miles on mine a year, and I beat the living crap out of it. Its been to the track, been to an auto-x or 5, been camping, etc.



Its like any other Mercedes. Find the right one, and you will not be dissapointed.




Heres a pic of my TE.

http://www1.pacific.edu/~jwrocklo/08Meet/106_1883.JPG



Great cars!



(Although, I am beating hattie in terms of moneypit status. :D )

I bought these things called "spark plugs" today, ... almost forgot what those are. You'll be fine Paul. A little more maintenance than a diesel, and it's a bit wierd to hop in and turn the key without waiting for the yellow light to turn out.

Well....as tomorrow I am looking at a 300CD....maybe I can avoid the gasser MB's just a little bit longer. :D :D If it doesn't pan out then I'll be back to looking for a 300E though....

Great cars,buy the best one you can find.
Although I work as a mechanic the 124's that I have owned have been almost trouble free.But being such a great car that are also safe to drive, fixing whatever goes wrong is fine with me.
Working in an auto shop and seeing what other cars are built like ,these cars really are not to bad to work on.And parts are not too expensive.
The few really pricey parts can be had at the bone yard.
BUT Start With the best you can find,which should include paint.
Thanks
Rich

Agreed! I usually do my own work, but lately I haven't had much time.

My indie has my W124 for repair or replacement of a number of items I usually replace myself. So far, I'm staring down a $1072 bill! :(

Over the last couple of years (especially with the head gasket), I've easily exceeded the car's net worth in repairs...but I'm not sending monthly checks to the bank either, so you choose your poison.

What repairs were included in the bill?

Oil change, secondary wiring harness, flex disc, neutral safety switch, brake pads and some body clips...also emissions inspection.

I'm still on the lookout for one, the 300CD was nearing parts car status. Though it did have a BLOWBY FREE 617 turbo in it. :eek: :o I've decided a W124 needs to join the stable.....and my wife would probably be happier in a gasser....so why not. :D

Do M103's need timing chains replaced like this guy states in this ad? http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/904397365.html

It looks like an exceptional car, however a 4matic....dun dun dunn....also, if it did need a timing chain, how hard is that to do yourself? :D :D

Walk away from the 4 matic. Its a nightmare when something goes wrong.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/903242121.html




Thats a good little car. Bought my sister one, and she loves it. Se said about 24 in the city, and breaks 30 easily on the highway.

You cannot go wrong with a 124. I bought my first one in June 2007 so as not to drive my 560sl in winter. The 95 E320 only had 51,000 miles on it with one lady owner. Today the car has 74,000 miles and is just perfect. I have done regular maintenance and a couple of cosmetics issues. My wife decided to get away from leasing after her 2005 BMW X5 so I found her a 1994 E320 sportline. With 139,000 miles on it, I did have to sort a few things out like head gasket and water pump. The harness had already been done. During the first 2 months, I changed the blower motor and all 4 sportline springs with new ones. 2 were broken. I also did the rear brakes and a complete maintenance. All this work done by myself.
From the looks of it, you do work on your own cars so it is a win win situation.
As far as reliability, I trust these cars. I commute every Monday from Birmingham MI to Grand haven to my office for 3-4 days. I cannot afford to drive a crappy car ;)

... but it's $1600 more than the C260 here in Holland.

But those are much more maintenance needy...and more expensive to repair. I am looking for easy and cheap. :D

I have owned one 124 for the last 5 years, have owned a 126 for about a year, and have just bought another 124.
For the longer term 124, it is averaging about $1,000/year in repairs and maintenance. I consider this a bargain considering (a) it is paid for (b) I only carry liability insurance and (c) in my state where you pay property tax on vehicles I save an additional $200 or so a year in taxes.
The 126 seems to be a little more expensive, but is a real pleasure to drive. I have put about $1000 in it since purchases, but know I have another expensive fix coming (rear main seal). I estimate it will cost me around $1500/year to keep going. Again, a bargain considering purchase price, taxes, insurance, etc.

I think a lot of it depends upon how much you like to be involved in the upkeep of your cars. If you don't like it, drive a Toyota. If you want to be a participant then MB's are great cars to own.

(When I purchased my first two I did a cash flow comparison between a new camry and my '93 and '88 and considering cost of fuel, maintenance, taxes, etc. the Mercedes was then and has been less expensive to own. But they were old cars.

The W126 isn't cheaper if its the fully loaded-with-everything 560....a diesel W124 vs a top end W126....the W124 will be cheaper. A diesel W126 vs a gasser W124....the W126 will be cheaper.....

I'm not complaining......but the gassers are a bit more needy...

You are probably right, and I am noticing that the 560SEC is a bit more expensive than my 300d 124. But not by a great amount, and when you take in to account how little you can by a good 560 for these days, I don't complain. Mine was actually owned by mechanic, so I knew everything good and bad about the car. Yes, there have been things to fix (accumulators, OVP, etc.) but to me so far, it hasn't killed me. I do have mine looked after by both myself and a very competent retired independent that just loves the cars.

I'd spend another $2K more and look for an early W210 1996/1997 E320, which has been regularly serviced.

You shouldn't have to spend more to get a 210, probably less, they just don't have a following.

w124's are awesome
 

I had a 1986 300E and I loved it. I just ended up wanting Diesel and a more mechanical than electrical car, hence my w123. The w124 did scar me for life though when the transmission went out. It stranded me on a 2 lane road getting hit by a sand storm. After that, the paint was all faded, which was cool cause it ended up getting keyed at my local community college :rolleyes:

It was a very reliable car and other than the trani, it never let me down. It's just stupid little stuff that tends to go out, like for example: window switches, lights, little noises here and there but the motor is very strong. I would go for it, or even shoot for the w124 Diesel ;) Which is actually what i'm now selling my w123 to get. I remember in the Diesel forums there was a thread with a picture of a 300E in a junkyard. The odo read 500,000 miles, which is DAMN good for a gasser engine.

Like most people say, it depends on how well the car was taken care of. I'm sure you can get an amazing condition, low mile w124 for around 7-8 grand. Good luck and I hope you enjoy what you get!!!

A Picture of my old 300E, just looking at it makes me kind of miss it :( This was before it was keyed and the sandstorm. It really was a damn good car.

If I found one in great shape at the right price....I'd love a 560SEC. :D That would be awesome.

What I am saying is, if you have a W124 then it's worth keeping but a W210 is a better choice for buying. For little more money you get much more. While the engine and tranny between latest W124 (1995 E320) and early W210 (1996/97 E320) are not a big difference in term of easy maitenance, the body design is more comtemporary, more elegant. It is the first in Bruno Sacco's line which extends to the beautiful C and S-Classes (not the newest ones though).

This just has to be a matter of personal opinion. I have never found 210 styling to be anything but unattractive, to say nothing of the problems with spring perches, build quality, rust, etc. I've always seen it as the model that signifies the death of the old company and all that it stood for - but to each his own.

Bruno's first was a long time ago, but keep them coming. Anyway its a matter of preferences. I'm mired in W124 because the lines appeal to me, especially lowered and raked a bit. I didn't like the lines of the W210. Nothing mechanical, just don't like the way they look. Others do, but its a matter of choice. My daughter will start driving late this year, she gets the 87, I get to start my quest for another pristine W124, 5 spd. or auto (I can change that:D), just condition, condition, condition.

I stick with W124 because
1) I have useful experience and familiarity with them
2) I can share most of the spare parts
3) I like the styling and ergonomics (who else has Car Styling #50?)
4) I like working on them and learning the MB engineering brilliance
5) Great overall performance and reliability
6) I like restoring the experience of a high end automobile

• For you, one more W124 would be good for #1) and 2)
• Your wife already likes #3)
• You are already an MB enthusiast #4) and 6)
• These forums show all the potential issues with the car so most W124 owners are just motoring on trouble free #5)

My 93 400E is definitely the most solid MB I've owned, far better built and balanced - somehow - than the 06 C350 I briefly had. Even with the V8, it's not as quick as the newer electronic trans V6 cars, but on the highway it feels like an abrams tank - without the noise and vibration. My car had been indie-maintained, regular service by 2 owners, but even after I bought it, when the PO had done the wiring harness and the throttle actuator ($2kish), I"ve still managed t spend about $3k on it in the first 6 months. These cars are old, and need attention. Things just wear out at some point. Even with the repairs it still needs, it's a solid, confidence-inspiring ride. Not a whole lot more to maintain than my former 97 C230, which was a great car, but the 400E is a lot more car for similar maintenence $

Someday when the end comes for my 300SD (which I hope is a long time yet!!) I will have to make the tough choice of which chassis to go with. I reeeealy like the W126....and depending on finances probably would not want to take on a W140.....the W124 is kinda small for my tastes (wife actually wanted a 190!).....but if it was a 400E I'd probably "be ok". :D It will have to be seen....

My 93 W124 runs and drives top notch with 188k, making friends who have late model LEXUS, Beemer's jealous. Not to mention power and reliability!

I just picked up my second '95 E300 so you know where I stand on this matter. The lady I purchased it from made the statement that she was not sure she was going to like her new 09 Bluetec as much as she liked the '95.

I feel the same way. I drove a 99 E class gasoline car one time and could not help but feel like I was driving a Nissan Altima.

Well, I see my thread has been resurrected. :D Verdict: Not a money pit. I'm only 2.5 months from having the car for a year....and it has cost way less than my diesel did in its first year....and it has been very reliable....pretty much only one major service has been done (valve stem seals)...which turned the oil consumption from 400 miles per quart, to 1000+ miles with 0 change on the stick! :eek: Amazing. It runs great, I expect to have it for a long time. And the wife likes it a lot too (since its her car)...always a good thing. ;)

Its a joy to drive, the handling and feel is awesome....and M103 can get up and go if you want to. :D

Ain't it amazing. :D


I love my W124.