Near total reliability
New tyres.
Driver's window regulator.
This is an unbelievably reliable car that feels like it will last forever.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th June, 2002
Fantastic Wagon, if serviced and maintained
Behr cooling system wasn't up to par with Texas summers. Germany has yet to produce an air conditioner to match the American Southwest's heat although it doesn't help that the Mercedes wagon has so much glass, either.
Maintenance by a decent mechanic is a must for these vehicles, particularly replacing the timing belt at regular intervals.
Small electrical gremlins, particularly with the accessories seemed to be a problem, i.e., rear windows, rear wiper, dash lighting, bulbs, and the occasional alternator.
Despite the high cost to maintain this vehicle properly, it was a beautiful highway cruiser, with much to recommend it. HUGE hauling capability, but quite slow with maximum passenger load (7). These cars do not like to sit, and seem to run better when driven hard and often. The W124 is made with high quality materials (rubber gaskets, plastics, wood, carpet), much better even than later models, and I am confident they would outlast any mechanical aspect of the car.
The W124 wagon was fast, smooth, stylish, completely useful and reliable. What more can you ask for?
The inline six is a strong engine, let down only by the cooling system.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th May, 2002
Awesome review on the high-mileage wagon! Any major problems? Is it on its original transmission? I've heard that MB transmissions last about 2-250,000. Any thoughts on this? Where can you get a trailer hitch for the wagon?
Thank you!
Having owned a number of MB's from the 80's I can honestly say that if the cooling system is maintained there is no problem. I live in South Australia where we get temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius quite often in summer and the Mercedes cooling system is up to the job no problem. The A/C on the other hand could use a little bit more capacity, but if properly maintained is adequate.
Has it been considered that there is a fault in the Mercedes in question? Such as a stuck closed thermostat or inoperative cooling fan.
Anyway the whole review sounds dodgy, in one line it says that the 124 wagon is slow with 7 people and in the next line it says the 124 wagon is fast. Which is it?
After 170K, only thing apart from tyres and exhaust to need replacing were the engine mountings (hydraulic), and the thermostat!!
A magnificent car - a tad under-powered with only a 2 litre under the bonnet - but is exactly what a Mercedes is all about; reliable, comfortable, strong and so well screwed together! The other guy with the Merc 200 clearly doesn't know what he's talking about. Maybe he should buy a BMW, or some other lesser make!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th February, 2000
25th Mar 2003, 05:41
The 300 M103 and M104 Mercedes engines do not have timing belts. They have duplex chains that need replacement only after large (100,000 miles+) mileage.
Do you mean the auxilary belt that drives the water pump, oil pump, aircon pump, alternator etc..?