1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 300D from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great means greatness

Faults:

Interior lights went and were replaced. Easy, and cost was under a tenner.

General Comments:

Unreal. I've had a lot cars in the past, and I always seem to blow them up. This car is a tank. When I first bought the car, I felt like royalty. It was only because my younger brother had a 1997 E280, and said to me I would never regret it if I got a old Merc. I never listen to him. Apart from this 1 time. Damm is the only word I can think of. I drive it like a bat out of hell. And it always takes it with a pinch of salt as to say and yer... love it. Well made. Not like cars today. 1 minute wonders. This car means business.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th December, 2008

1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 300E 3.0 petrol from Sweden

Summary:

Still a very good car

Faults:

Driver´s seat was worn.

I had to repair the last muffler. I will probably buy a new one.

Parking hand brake was not working. That is a typical w124 problem but usually don´t cost too much to fix.

The interior roof panel on the sunroof was a little loose. I bought new clips from MB and fixed it.

The engine had its KE injection set wrong when I bought it. Fuel consumption was crazy and the engine felt tired. It was not that expensive to get the workshop set it right again and fuel consumption was okay again.

Rust might be a problem with this model but mine is imported from Germany and has just tiny spots which I have taken care of. Be sure to wash, wax and take care of all minor spots at once and you will be alright.

General Comments:

A beautiful and high quality car for very little money. Performance is good even today and you can go really fast with it. Acceleration is good and it beats many new same sized cars.

The comfort is very good even with a worn and well used driver´s seat. Roomy and classy interior and perfect layout of instruments and buttons. I got mine with a sunroof which works good and it´s pretty big too, perfect in the summer for getting a tan and keeps the car cool even though it lacks air conditioning.

The six cylinder engine is silent, solid and works perfect considering it is 20 years old now. Highway fuel consumption can be pretty decent if you drive normal but also very high if you race at red lights in the city all nights.

For me the 124 series deserves the straight six or bigger engine to really shine. I have driven diesels and even the tiny 2.0 petrol carburator version. Both very economical and nice engines for everyday use but with the 180hp engine this car moves and is really wonderful to drive.

A perfect cheap summer car in good condition I can wax, fix and enjoy driving with. Thumbs up for old Mercs!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2008

1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 260E 2.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best saloon cars ever made?

Faults:

Very little went wrong with the car, considering the age and mileage. A cracked distributer cap, and loss of drive in all forward gears, but that was nearly 300,000 miles!

The central locking never worked on the passenger door, and the rear electric windows were seized solid.

Body work was still reasonably good, with no major rust, and under body was perfect.

There would have been another 3 years of life in this car if the gearbox hadn't broken.

Used about a pint of oil in 2000 miles, so not too bad, and a set of valve seals would have sorted it, as the bores were perfect with very high compression readings.

General Comments:

Performance was brilliant for such an old and heavy car. In fact, I think it was faster than my fathers Jag S Type 3 litre.

It was lowered about 40mm with uprated dampers, so handling was always very neutral and predictable. Slightly jarring at low speed, but great going fast.

Brakes and steering were pin sharp, and it was always a real joy to drive.

W124's drive like no other car, and impart a feeling of robustness and quality workmanship that no other Mercedes has managed since.

It was a little lacking in gadgets compared to newer stuff, but that is a blessing if you ask me. It did everything you asked of it, and had so much character too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2007