W124 queries

[busdriver]

I'm toying with the idea of buying one of those fabled W124 Benzes, in particular a 300 TD/TE automatics. If there's a 300TD with turbo for sale the better.

I know that they're old cars and it would take lotsa moolah to keep in tip top shape. I presently own an Opel Astra G estate and I find it fun to search for parts and service... I believe it's time to move up...

So gentlemen, what are the possible issues/problems/headaches associated with W124s? Am I just being a masochist to buy a W124?

Docgorio,
you are talking to the right guys. I was in the same boat a few months back & Im proud to say i listened to their advice. I was able to acquire my first Benz thru the help of the guys here. Its a pristine US Version W124. And I might acquire another one if the right car & price comes along, again thru the help of the guys here.
Im looking into S124 (S internal designation for wagon) as well.

Here are a few inputs from the experience & research on the 124:

300TD, hmmm... rare yan & mahal if ever you find a good one. Ongong rates, mga P385K pataas. Another thing, dont get the 300TD turbo. Just read the link below, you'll now why.
300TE, mas rare yan. I guess, a good one mga 450K pataas.
230TE, medyo madami for sale at the moment, but so far the ones I saw lately madami na papagawa. This will bring out the masochist in you.

As mentioned by ron123w124, things to look out for is the S124 SLS (Self leveling system) of the rear shocks. Meron ka makikita for sale & replaced with ordinary shocks. The purists in me, tells me this is not the way to go.

Docgorio, correction po, the 124 series was up to 1996. The 124 body was in production from 1985-1996 (eleven years!). So, meron mga models na less than 18 years.

Here's the link to get you started:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W124

This link explains as to why the W124 is the most durable Benz produced. Its mentioned in the article what the Benz engineers have in mind during the design stage. Matibay siya & less prone to rust due to the metallurgy of the steel used for the body.

Here are the figures I got from Daimler regarding production numbers of the 124 station wagon.

Station wagon
year units
200 TD
S 124 D 20

1985 – 1991

7 373

250 TD
S 124 D 25

1985 - 1993

43 628

300 TD
S 124 D 30

1986 - 1993

21 901

300 TD Turbo/E 300 Turbodiesel station wagon
S 124 D 30 A

1986 - 1996

14 844

300 TD Turbo 4MATIC/
E 300 Turbodiesel 4MATIC station wagon
S 124 D 30 A 4- M

1987 - 1995

2 317

250 TD Turbo / E 250 Turbodiesel station wagon ***
S 124 D 25 A

1990 - 1996

4 745

E 250 Diesel station wagon
S 124 D 25/2

1993 - 1996

15 625

E 300 Diesel station wagon
S 124 D 30/2

1993 - 1996

9 071

200 T
S 124 V 20

1985 – 1990

7 467

200 TE
S 124 E 20

1988 - 1992

20 555

230 TE
S 124 E 23

1985 – 1992

64 945

300 TE
S 124 E 30

1985 - 1992

41 775

300 TE 4MATIC/
E 300 4MATIC station wagon
S 124 E 30 4-M

1987 - 1995

12 094

200 TE (M 111 engine)/
E 200 station wagon
S 124 E 20/2

1992 - 1996

15 279

220 TE/E 200 station wagon
S 124 E 22

1992 - 1996

22 057

280 TE/E 280 station wagon
S 124 E 28

1992 - 1996

12 177

320 TE/
E 320 station wagon ****
S 124 E 32

1992 - 1996

18 368

E 36 AMG station wagon
S 124 E 36

1993 - 1996

*

Goodluck on your search.

[docgorio]

I had a brain wave last night and emailed my friend who owns a champagne gold 300TE.

Too late!!! They sold it already......... :blue:

[mbeige]

Check these links out, w124 buyer's guide

http://www.germancarzone.com/older-m...ide%5E%5E.html

Lots of very useful scans.

Between the w124 and w123, look at it this way.

The w123 is the last of the dead reliable chromed MBs that have very few electronics, if at all, are more "raw" in terms of comfort, power delivery and amenities and are easier to maintain due to the simplicity of design.

The w124 is more refined, had more electrical toys to play with (and go bad), had better ergonomics due to more variation of seat adjustment, had less of a solid feel but had higher strength materials (to save weight) and had better aerodynamics.

w124 issues can include AC evaporator, 94/95 model year wiring harness issue, estate/wagon rear struts as Ron mentioned, estate/wagon rear tailgate struts (same with w123), electrical stuff like OVP (overvoltage protection relay), ICV (idle control valve), fuel pump itself and relay, and auxiliary fan issues (that can cause overheating).

w123 issues can include carb tuning, 79 model year and older AC servo units for those so equipped with auto climate control, body problems due to older design (typically drainage spot on C pillar, A pillar, battery tray area, rear windshield, wheel wells and hood hinge drains).

Interior is pretty much solid for both. Estate/wagon parts are more expensive like tail lights, due to rarity.

Both also can suffer from vacuum issues, moreso with the w123 primarily due to the w124 having an electric vacuum pump while the w123 uses intake manifold vacuum to create vacuum and a reservoir to hold it when the car is shut off. In the w124 the vacuum is divided into 3 separate units - engine, climate control and central locking. Note the key word, separate. In the w123, they are all linked, so one problem can manifest itself in another system.

The w124 also suffers from having a single/monowiper design. The design allows to wipe the windshield more than standard w123 wipers (which the monowiper design supposedly replaced) but the extension mechanism of the wiper assembly wears out over time and can cause the extension mechanism to stop completely, but maintaining wiper sweep. The mechanism can be expensive to replace if new but good units should be around.

In terms of AC systems, the w124 has a dual blower fan setup while the w123 has a single fan setup. Therefore the w124 can blow more air through the vents, and has an electric blower regulator as opposed to an older type resistor regulator.

The w124 suffers from fire risks if the area between the two firewalls has a lot of dried leaves that could serve as fuel for any fire/spark. The w123 has no second firewall so that in turn suffers from high cabin noise at speed (relative to the w124).

Can't think of anything else now but that's off the top of my head... hope that helps

[docgorio]

mbeige, lowslowbenz, busdriver and benzmizer,

I've been lurking at the Philippine Club Forum of the International Mercedes Benz Club and guess what?? You guys are regulars there!!! I can really feel your passion for the 3 pointed star...

I also saw Mike Lugtu's video on his newly restored 1970 MB 280S. I know the previous owner and we drove it around Dasma while reviewing for the board exams a long ways back. We both loved the sound of those Strombergs sucking in air and gas!!!!

Thank you very much for all your inputs...

Now the quest begins for a good 300TE/TD...

[Benzmizer]

mbeige, lowslowbenz, busdriver and benzmizer,

I've been lurking at the Philippine Club Forum of the International Mercedes Benz Club and guess what?? You guys are regulars there!!! I can really feel your passion for the 3 pointed star...

I also saw Mike Lugtu's video on his newly restored 1970 MB 280S. I know the previous owner and we drove it around Dasma while reviewing for the board exams a long ways back. We both loved the sound of those Strombergs sucking in air and gas!!!!

Thank you very much for all your inputs...

Now the quest begins for a good 300TE/TD...

You are in good company here and there (www.mbclub.ph)

Oh, I received your reply PM. Thanks. I know you are not due until early 4th quarter this year but I would suggest you check the aforementioned link I provided and register. Best to do your "assignment" and read thru the applicable threads there. By the time you are set to be bitten by the "MB Bug Fever", you're [SIZE="3"]READY![/SIZE]

[docgorio]

Benzmizer,

I have already placed an entry in the guest book...

[Benzmizer]

Benzmizer,

I have already placed an entry in the guest book...

Good. When or VP-membership has given you access to the forum, the 1st thing you do is to introduce yourself at the Welcome to MBCP's New Board!!! thread under CLUB MATTERS i started.

In the meantime, shoot us any question you have in mine of the MB you find interest. Regulars here like Francis, Ron, Patrick, Darren, myself and other MB enthusiasts will try to address them.

[busdriver]

See you on the other site (i.e. MBCP) Docgorio.

*Bob, palitan mo na call sign mo. Dapat "Benz pusher". Gagawa ka na naman ng addict sa Benz... he he...

[Benzmizer]

See you on the other site (i.e. MBCP) Docgorio.

*Bob, palitan mo na call sign mo. Dapat "Benz pusher". Gagawa ka na naman ng addict sa Benz... he he...

Actually, "Benzmizer" literally means someone who hates Benzes..... I guess it's like being a wolf in a sheep's skin.

* Docgorio: Incidently, busdriver here (aka Darren) is a commercial plane pilot (with lots of nice stewardess with him) and won't be "free" until October this year. Based on your PM, you would also be back in town around that time. It'll be nice if both of you could join in one (if not more) of the club's meets from that time.

* Darren: When you start attending club meets, make sure you bring AT LEAST ONE stewardess with you to introduce to the gang....

[BJ71]

hi,sorry for posting in this thread. Newbie here. Me question lang po ako regarding the membership in MBCP, is it necessary that you must own a benz before you can join the forum? thanks