Newbie looking to buy a W124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbzman · #1 11-04-2008, 01:11 PM

I'm looking to buy a second hand W124 and I'm looking for some advice. Firstly, are these cars good daily drivers? How are they in the snow? I live in Canada so I'm curious about the effectiveness of the ASR system. Secondly, what changes were made over the years as far as powertrain? I believe they went to a new engine in the 90s? Right now I'm looking at an 1986 300E sedan with about 80k miles on it. It does tick a bit at startup and there was a bit of smoke when the owner started it up. He said that was because he hasn't driven it in a couple of months. Can you adjust the valves on them? How DIY friendly are they? I'm also curious to know what the maintenance costs are on an annual basis. Overall what should I be looking for? What years are best? Thanks in advance.

nissanzx1 · #2 11-04-2008, 01:56 PM

W124 are good cars for daily driving. Stay away from the ASR cars. W124 cars are not good in the snow, but not terrible either. '92-'95 cars have problems with engine wiring harnesses, if you buy one of those years make sure this is already done (~$900 part). W124 cars do have problems with blown head gaskets as well. I would think you'd need to allocate $1000+ for maintenance on an annual averaged basis depending on the miles you log, etc...

-GH

babymog · #3 11-04-2008, 03:48 PM

Diesel or gas?

mbzman · #4 11-04-2008, 04:44 PM

Looking at gassers right now. Not very many diesels up here and far too overpriced for condition and mileage.

dproudfo · #5 11-04-2008, 05:45 PM

It's hard to comment on all w124 issues so I'll just put in my two cents....a post facelift w124 (1994-1995) is going to have different characteristics than a late 80s/early 90s 124 (nissanzx1's comment on the harness is a big one), so just be sure to keep that in mind when doing your research on which years you're looking at purchasing. I have a '95 so I can't comment accurately on the '86 you're looking at.

Keep us posted and good luck!

deanyel · #6 11-04-2008, 05:55 PM

Wiring harness has to be the most overblown thing ever. It's a once in a lifetime expenditure of $500 to $700, and most cars have already been done. You can spend that much diagnosing a single ASR problem and have nothing to show for it, and the weakness goes on in perpetuity. There are many other problems that are orders of magnitude greater cost than that of a wiring harness. You shouldn't think twice about a good car with a bad wiring harness - because good cars are few and far between.

mbzman · #7 11-04-2008, 06:55 PM

Okay so what exactly is this wiring harness all about? What is the difference between the M103 and the M104? Can you adjust the valves in these cars or are they completely hydraulic lifters?

babymog · #8 11-04-2008, 07:52 PM

M103 is a 2-valve single overhead cam, M104 is a 4-valve dual overhead cam.

Both have hydraulic lifters.

mbzman · #9 11-05-2008, 01:57 AM

Which engine is more reliable? If the '86 is exhibiting valve train noise could it be simply due to the car having been sitting for so long and it needing to build up oil pressure?

Ferdman · #10 11-05-2008, 07:09 AM

mbzman, pay for a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a MB-trained tech of any car you consider purchasing. A knowledgeable tech will be able to evaluate all the systems and point out any pending expensive maintenance items. It's important to find out what is prompting the seller to sell ... very few sellers are putting pristine cars on the market.

deanyel · #11 11-05-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzman

Which engine is more reliable? If the '86 is exhibiting valve train noise could it be simply due to the car having been sitting for so long and it needing to build up oil pressure?

Both engines have their strengths and weaknesses - lots of info in the archives. An 80k mile 103 motor shouldn't have a tick - which would reflect some sort of abuse or odometer shenanigans. A quiet running, and cold starting, engine is just about the most important thing to look for.

mbzman · #12 11-05-2008, 06:12 PM

Is there much difference between the coupe and the sedan? There is a nice CE for sale locally. As far as oil leaks and consumption is the M103 more prone to those problems?

rkpatt · #13 11-05-2008, 06:29 PM

Is the wiring harness situation the same with both gas and diesel models 1992-1995 ? I presume so but want to make sure. Is there anything obviously different on the replacement harness to identify an new one in the car ? I know that it is manageable but one more thing to deal with . - Thanks

Ferdman · #14 11-06-2008, 07:08 AM

mbzman, the door glass has no frame so it can get out of adjustment and leak air/water, or raise too far and bind when shutting the door ... so it's important to check the glass fit. The seat belt presenters can be problematic ... best to remove the fuse and disable them. Having said that, my wife and I each own a 300CE and thoroughly enjoy the look and ride. A PPI is a prerequisite for any MB purchase. I believe the M103 engine is less prone to head gasket failures than the M104 engine which is in the 300CE ... at least in our 1991 and 1992 models.

mbzman · #15 11-06-2008, 08:33 AM

The CE I'm looking at is a 1989 so I'm guessing it has the M103?