Quote Originally Posted by basti08 View Post
IMO, if I'd go MB W124, I'd get the CE model or the Coupe model. Rarer, exclusivity sometimes feels good. W124s are already old, have to dig ways to add charms to its appearance. Either you add bodykits or get a more exotic model/variant. I choose the latter, but that's just me. Or a 94 C-class is indeed more appealing.
The 230CE/300CE coupes command a higher price due to the exclusivity alone. You must know that parts might also be marked up for the same reason. Some coupes had the rear self leveling system, which if it goes bad, will be costly to repair. But only the parts unique to the coupe should be marked up, if they're similar to the sedans, get one for a sedan - they should be interchangeable. However, this part requires some research before purchasing the parts. In Libis, Delodur can get you the parts from Hong Kong I believe, but it takes a few weeks for special parts not commonly stocked. Other shops should also have them. Lots of surplus shops also abound, and mostly they stock German parts altogether so regardless of which car you choose, going to a surplus shop for your German car should not be much of a problem if they can refer you to other shops of similar car makes.

The wagons have the self leveling suspension too but are more useful due to the larger cargo space in the back. This means the rear has a better ride too, no sagging compared to cars not equipped with the self leveling suspension (SLS).

The fact that it's a (more) modern classic (than the w123), that makes it appealing by that alone. If you think the appearance is dated, wait until you have seen one that's fully restored and freshly painted with factory or OE paint. The metallic paints on these cars do not have glitter, as compared to the newer cars. So if you look at the paint, and it has glitters, it's probably been repainted. This is easier to spot if the paint is single stage (earlier w124's had this) because single stage paint does not have a clear coat.

I agree with Basti on the BMW interior though - it looks dated. A thread on the w124 section of Benzworld shows the experience of one person in owning or looking at both the E34 and w124. I don't recall where it is, a search should reveal it.

Basti please enlighten the thread starter why you think the BMW is the best of the three?