Gas Mercedes Recommendation
 

Older Diesel Mercedes are getting tough to come by around here in the DC area, especially w124's. As such, in my desire to get into another Benz, I'm starting to look into the gas models too (300E, E320, etc.).

I want a daily driver that I can keep and maintain, but I also want something somewhat reliable. I know that gas motors aren't going to hit the 320K I have on the diesel, but I really just don't know where to start in terms of which of the gas models are most highly regarded by the experts around here.

Thanks for any help/advice!

Joe

The gas motors will do as many miles as you want them to, they will just cost more getting there. :D My dad's 420SEL has 290k on the original engine, head was redone/new cams/timing chain about 75k ago. Runs beautifully. My 300E has 157k and hasn't had much engine maintenance done other than fuel injectors/sensors/valve seals....etc, also runs excellent. The 420 gets about 19 city 23hwy driven *normal*, driven hard its more like 14/17. The 300E gets about 18 city/27hwy.

In a W126 I'd go for a 420SEL and in a W124 I'd go for the 300E (M103) in my opinion. :D

Are the lower ends on the gas motors pretty stout? I would fully expect the top ends to need rebuilds after 200K miles even on a well-maintained motor.

I'd recommend a facelift W210 with the V6 motor and 5-speed transmission.

That way you won't be roaring down the highway at 3500 rpm and you'll be getting reasonable fuel economy--it's Mercedes' first modern motor and a good one, save for a couple sensors that require frequent replacement.

It's really just a mind game talking about high rebuild mileages--why does somebody want a car that won't do anything--like a W123 diesel--when there are real performance cars out there. The W124s were cool in their day but are now hopelessly obsolete.

M111 is bulletproof, especially non-kompressor version since there is no PCV valve.

I freely admit that I'm hopelessly ill informed of the later w210 models....as a Diesel owner, I hadn't heard anybody say anything really good about Mercedes quality after the w124s.

One of the reasons I enjoy the diesel is that I can do much of the work on the car myself. Seems to me that anything after about 1997 or so is just inundated with complex electronics and stuff a mechanic or dealer has to fix.

Anyway, I will look into a w210. What years are "post-face-lift"?

The V-8s in the '80s S-classes sure are. Expect them to run as close to forever as any diesel.

Drive a 500E hard and then see if you still feel that way. :D

Seriously, I'm always baffled when people refer to the W124 as "obsolete." The car was about 20 years ahead of its time at introduction. About the only things of any significance that modern luxury cars have that it doesn't would be navigation, stability control, and traction control (although the last was an option in later cars). It is fast enough, especially the V-8 versions, and has a wonderful direct feel to its handling that modern cars with more complicated speed-sensitive (or worse, electric) power steering systems lack.

I'll willingly agree that a 123 or 116 looks and feels like an old car. But with Euro headlights (or in the facelift '94-'95 version) the 124 still looks modern to normal people (i.e. not car geeks); many people have asked me if mine was a new car. Yes, current sport sedans are much faster in a straight line. Are they that much better otherwise? I'm not convinced.

A W124 is by no means obsolete, even the Base 300E is plenty nimble/quick, it wasn't ever really intended to be a sports car....

Factor in that my 300E has always been paid for, costs me about $400 a year to insure....and maybe $700-$1000 in maintenance/repairs on average so far.....I think I'm doing pretty good vs. the $600 a month payment and $250 for insurance for a new e-class! :eek:

I get a lot more comments/compliments/questions driving around my 300SD than I would in a modern MB. Modern MB just means your trying to show off you're rich to compensate for something else that may be lacking. :D

I will agree with the 420sel w124 body. i bought mine 8 yrs ago (1987 model) and have had the front end done along with the heads. it did 900 miles a week from austin to ft hood.....for a year...solid car if you can get your hands on one....big body....safe and heavy...i get 20-22 miles a gal....from marfa to austin is 410 or so miles...and can go on one fillup....solid solid car

lyle

I'd say the straight 6's are easier to work on and the later 24V versions have plenty of power. I'll have an Imperial Red '95 wagon and cabrio for sale in a few months in the DC area.

Mercedes gas motors will run just as long as any diesel.

IMHO the best bargain now on a used Mercedes are the 2001-02 E320/430's. They are old enough to be cheap, but still new enough not to be a project. Great mileage, lots of power, easy to work on, not much goes wrong, what's not to like? The M112/M113 are nothing special by modern standards, but they run good and their isn't very much that goes wrong other than a sensor once in awhile. The 722.6 behind them is a fantastic and by that time bullet proof gearbox. My friend has close to 220k on his and its still going strong, wouldn't be surprised if it went over 300k miles. On one ATF change to at 150k!:D You can even get them in AWD if you live in a snowy area.

Personally I'd get the V8 since its got more power and there really isn't a downside.

Change the transmission fluid every 100k, oil every 10k and call it good. Spark plugs are a bit expensive but they only need replacement every 5 years or 100k miles so not a huge concern.

Joe, I recommend a 1994 or 1995 E320. Their 3.2 liter double overhead cam engines have 3-coil packs and don't need distributor cap/rotor replacement ... a more sophisticated engine and brighter headlights than in earlier 124 models.

I was reading that the 300's before like 1993 do not have to be operated with premium gas....I like that.

Wouldlndt the v8 do much worse on gas mileage?

My mother's 2001 E430 routinely gets 20-21 mixed mpg, mostly interstate driving. If its any consolation, my 560 even gets 18 if I don't push her too hard.

We haven't had any issues with the E-klasse yet, considering it has 40,000 miles on it, and my 560 is currently at 220,000 ish with moderate e.g. between 1-2000 bucks a year in indy performed maintenance.

The 430 is also faaast. Like, plant you in your seat fast. While only 1 second faster to 60 than my 560, the added girth certainly helps transfer the energy more evenly to my body. Having also owned a 420, economy is no better than the 560 in my experience, plus the 560 has the benefit of luxury options.


-Carlen