What is absolute best gas W124 for reliability & durability - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

babymog · #1 03-03-2010, 09:58 AM

My worst 124 for reliability was my '91, my best would be either my '87 300D or my '95 E320. Only the '91 ever left me stranded, only my '91 kept the dealer and indy busy with warranty and post-warranty problems, I swore I'd never own another Mercedes. Electrical, electro-mechanical, ignition, fuel-injection, and chasing leaks like it was an English car. THAT was all in the first 100,000miles (after which I sold it).

So my opinion? If a diesel, I've only had '87s but great reliability, if a gasser, a '95. My daughter's '94 has been very reliable also even though it was a neglected auction car when I bought it for her. Perhaps this is a better way to answer the question.

jcyuhn · #2 03-03-2010, 10:38 AM

From the vantage point of 2010 I think the best 124 is the newest, best cared for E320 you can find. It needs to have records showing the head gasket and wiring harness have been replaced, and perhaps the electronic throttle. They are very solid cars once this work has been done.

Other occasional problem areas are common across all 124 cars - AC evaporators, for example.

One item I haven't seen mentioned. Starting with 1994 cars MB went to water based paint systems. I think the 1993 and earlier paints are more durable, especially in non-clearcoat colors (e.g. white, black). My wife drives a white 1993 300E 2.8 and the paint still looks new. It's really amazing how well the car is holding up with age.

I don't have direct experience with a 124 400E or 500E, but think they tend to be more expensive to own. Not necessarily more problematic, but use more expensive parts and/or are more labor intensive to work under the hood. That big V8 is stuffed in an engine bay originally designed only for a straight six and is very tightly packaged. I would expect more heat/age related problems in the V8 cars as a result, such as brittle plastic bits, squeeky serpentine belts, or aged radiator hoses.

fred1948 · #3 03-03-2010, 11:35 AM

I purchased a 1995 E320 wagon 2 years ago with 170K miles from the 3rd owner for $1500. It was in very good cosmetic condition and I knew that the transmission was bad, a/c didn't work, and accumulators needed replacing in rear SLS. The only records with the car were detailed oil changes and record of being a StarMark car when the second owner purchased it.

I consider myself an advanced DIY'r and figured that I would replace the transmission with one from a salvage yard and then work on the other issues. I ended up rebuilding the transmission myself (my first automatic teardown), replaced the a/c evaporator (probably more work than the transmission rebuild), and replacing the accumulators. This was done in the first 3 months and since then I have only done minor more routine repairs such as front struts, ignition lock, 2 window regulators, oil pressure sending unit, rear control arm to hub bushings and rear wheel bearings.

I have driven it over 30K miles and it is a pleasure to drive and puts a smile on my face every time I get in it. It has become my favorite car of all that I have owned. My second favorite is 1996 Volvo 850 with 5 speed. The 6 Saabs that I have owned can't come close (although I would like to have another Saab 96 to restore for fun).

I just completed a 3000 mile trip to New England and would not hesitate to take this car anywhere.

Is it any better than the earlier 124's?? I may never know because from my experience I would stick with the 94 or 95's. My biggest complaint is that the transmission does not have a lock up torque converter. The motor is smooth as silk and amazingly peppy.

oldsinner111 · #4 03-03-2010, 11:48 AM

Inline 6 cylinders are best.Mercedes learned the bad from Chrysler,and started making V6's both gas and diesel.

Wayfarer · #5 03-03-2010, 12:50 PM

This is an awesome discussion. Great input, and from knowledgeable owners who can walk the talk.

Since starting this thread, I asked both of my longtime indy techs this very question, and one said the 1986-1992 300E and the other said the same vintage 260E. Apparently the variable valve timing on the newer sixes makes these engines slightly more complex with a hair more maintenance requirements and expense, although the 93-95 straight 6's are still quite good. They said the 400E is also very good for a V8, but being a V8, it does end up costing quite a bit more to maintain in the long-run. Not less reliable or durable per se, just more engine to keep up, especially the 2nd head, of course.

On the 300E/260E's, they both said all you really need to do is rebuild the head every 150-250K miles and the bottom end will last longer than you care to keep the car...with proper routine preventative maintenance, of course. And in the end, the straight 6's will probably give you the lowest cost per mile in maintenance over long-term ownership.

One of my independent shops has been working on my cars for 25 years and the two partners are absolutely the best mechanics I've found anywhere. So I give their opinions a lot of weight. As much as I REALLY want a 400E, I might just consider a well cared-for 86-92 straight 6, since I am after absolute reliability and durability. After all, I am really a Benz diesel head used to 400K+ mile engine life, now looking to dip a toe back into gassers...

400Eric · #6 03-04-2010, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsinner111

Inline 6 cylinders are best.Mercedes learned the bad from Chrysler,and started making V6's both gas and diesel.

The MB V6 was already designed and released before the Chrysler takeover. MB learned it's bad ways from Schremp, not Chrysler. At least Chryslers of the late 90s had a 4 valve V6 option, the Benzes didn't. Just that knappy 3 valve. Also, the Chrysler V6 was and is a 60 degree V6 while the Benz is a fundamentally flawed 90 degree V6 that requires a balance shaft. 60 degree V6s don't have or need such crutches.
Regards, Eric

pawoSD · #7 03-28-2010, 04:12 PM

Wow, that is a nice car! But, the 14-16mpg is a bit thirsty...

I'll stick with my 300E....it is equally silent/smooth, but much more frugal at 21ish mpg.

babymog · #8 03-28-2010, 07:09 PM

Nice find.

POS · #9 03-28-2010, 07:29 PM

I'll toss another vote for the '94-'95 E320. That engine is stout, the car is solid, and it's got all the greatest creature comforts of the w124 line. Downsides are the wiring harness (not really a big deal), the evaporator (a HUGE deal - if the AC smells, run!), and a tranny that might fail before 150k-200k. Plus, they're very cheap.