W124 queries

[docgorio]

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?

[toyboxph]

haha, seems like you are a masochist nga because you loved searching for parts and services for your astra estate. i love estates din kaya i would be watching this thread. i am still dreaming of owning a w123 estate,mas masochista yata ako.

[ronw123w124]

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?

Welcome to the world of Mercedes Benzes, the w124 is one of the most durable models ever made by Mercedes, however, there are also some things to look out for, namely the rear suspension on the TE/TD wagons, not that they're trouble prone, but if neglected, it would be very expensive to fix, If I remember right the rear shock absorber for the wagon costs around P15,000 each.

[docgorio]

Thank you ronw123w124 for your input.

I wonder if there are other issues on the mechanical side of things like the timing belt/chain, cooling/ac system, electricals, corrosion issues (the last W124s are now 18yrs old) etc etc...

I hope more Benz freaks can post here... The look, performance and ride of a W124 was always something I always dreamt of having...

[timotaba]

for a w124, i think masmakakamura ka pa nga than your opel, for me as a benz owner, yes the parts are a bit costlier, pero there are all available, not hard to find and prices are not that bad, durable pa, and with a 124 you would not have so much problems with rust not like the w123. go for it, benz are built to live long..

[docgorio]

If only someone would sell a 300TD/TE...

[Benzmizer]

If only someone would sell a 300TD/TE...

The W/S124 is the best compromise for both performance, parts availability (and affordability) and style. The 124 should be easy to maintain (and as one already posted, it's more difficult [and costly] to maintain an Opel than an MB). The key is being able to purchase a unit that is well-maintained -- in the sense that maintenance is documented (history) and possibly, owner driven.

Oh, you got PM.

[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]

[orly_andico]

I suddenly got interested in the W124 due to "hard-up days in Singapore."

As everyone knows, cars are extremely expensive in SG (example: Mazda3 1.6L $68000 SGD). You actually end up spending the same monthly amortization there and here, but only because 10-year term ang loan nila! (and mababa interest)

Anyway one can get a 1989 - 1990 200E W124 for about $11000 SGD with 2-3 years left on the COE. That's very important because a 10-year COE is about $16000 SGD today.

So.. good idea or bad idea?

One can also get a 1992 BMW E36 for a bit more (say $14000 SGD). Of course these being ancient cars I have the feeling the W124 is more DIY-friendly / easier to repair / more durable..

[busdriver]

Given the facts you stated, the answer really is in your hands.
The W124 in Singapore vs a BMW E36 (or any car Jap for that matter) - no doubt, I'd go for the W124 anytime. Yes its a very durable car & DIY friendly. Plus the fact that an ancient car in Singapore is not "laspag" as it should be due to good & clean roads, clean fuels, clean environment & less stop & go traffic.
W124 parts are very much available in Singapore, so another plus.
On the 2-3 years left on the COE... hmmm...? do your Math & see if its worth the remaining years.
So + (plus) on the choice of car,
but - (minus) on the remaining COE.

[mbeige]

Given the facts you stated, the answer really is in your hands.
The W124 in Singapore vs a BMW E36 (or any car Jap for that matter) - no doubt, I'd go for the W124 anytime. Yes its a very durable car & DIY friendly. Plus the fact that an ancient car in Singapore is not "laspag" as it should be due to good & clean roads, clean fuels, clean environment & less stop & go traffic.
W124 parts are very much available in Singapore, so another plus.
On the 2-3 years left on the COE... hmmm...? do your Math & see if its worth the remaining years.
So + (plus) on the choice of car,
but - (minus) on the remaining COE.

And you asked this in the Mercedes section...

Long term ownership as what I've read, Mercedes Benz interiors also last longer and better than BMW interiors especially for the older models.

An E36 is not a direct competitor to the W124, that should be the E34 FWIW. I'm just sayin'

[ronw123w124]

Coming over from an E36 316I before moving over to the Benz camp, I'd say na mas madali ang maintenance ng Benz compared to BMW.

[lowslowbenz]

Coming over from an E36 316I before moving over to the Benz camp, I'd say na mas madali ang maintenance ng Benz compared to BMW.

Galing ka pala ng "dark-side" Ron??...

ooops..... just kidding...