1991 Mercedes-Benz W124 200E review from Singapore

Transmission had to be overhauled after 6 months because the gear kept slipping while moving off. Was better after the overhaul.

The modified electric fan broke and smashed into the radiator and both had to be replaced. The electric fan was replaced with a used Volvo 960 fan. Solved the overheating problem.

The trans valve body gave way 9 months after the overhaul. Can't be faulted since I did not replace that part. replaced with a 16 valve trans valve body. Car now starts off in first gear.

Fan belt and belt damper had to be replaced due to a squealing noise.

Most recently, changed the noisy rear axle to the 16valve type, changed the fuel pump, fuel accumulator and distributor. Changed some bushings, engine mountings and hoses.

As this was my first car, I did not know much of the faults to look out for. after having made all the changes, the car is now quite good.

Many people call the w124 bullet proof and I would like to qualify that this is not entirely true. While it is a very good car, care and effort has to be put in to maintain it, especially if the previous owners have not done so.

The interior is still in good condition. However, the exterior is due for a paint job soon. Thinking of changing the current two-tone white and grey paint to a single colour, gunmetal silver.

The engine is still strong and I have managed to go up to about 200 km/h. However, normal highway and city driving gives me only about 450 kms per 60 litres of petrol. A check revealed that the engine has lost its compression and I may need to do a top overhaul.

Has anyone here done a top overhaul before? If so, would it be advisable to change the timing chain at the same time?