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.
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..?
Help! help! help!
I have bought this superb w124 230e, 1988 in february 2003
no complaints at all whatsoever until 2 weeks ago, it's
decided to drink like a fish, my fuel consumption has gone from 8l/ 100kms to 15l/100kms.the carburetor housing is clean and there are no leakage of fuel, I am told this could be the cold starter switch? can anybody help!!!
Many thanks.
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?
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