KhaledAMG

Greetings all ,
Hope y'all doing well.

I was planing to get an e55 or c32 AMG, but had to travel , so I am looking to get a cheaper option. Since I haven't driven a stick in 7 years I'm considering the W124 , it has 135k millage and its 1992 , does this year have the wiring harness issue ?
The bimmer has 200k with maintenance records , I have another car so I will take my time to get back to driving a stick. I like the idea of the V8 in the W124. But don't know I think the bimmer is fun to drive. The bimmer is 500-700$ more than the merc. The merc is really clean and I like the dark blue , the only think that make me double think is the wiring harness problem.

I would really appreciate your inputs.

Thank you so much,
Kind regards,
Khaled.

MacVidMB-V8

There are date tags on the harness and ETA.

If they are '98 or later, ypu are gold.

QVHK

Interesting comparison; seems like one often asked by Mercedes and Bimmer lovers, where there were many past discussions in various forums. The one below has views from both sides, where some owners had both before and generously shared their views - it is interesting to see some Bimmer Forum members arguing strongly for the W124.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...-W124-Mercedes
I wonder if E400 ever came with a manual gearbox, but E34 with a stick is very common. In the end it would have to be a personal choice. Another dimension would be the resale or collector value. If money is of no object, it would have to be a choice between W124 E500 and E34 M5. If it has to be a stick, my vote would go to the latter.

KhaledAMG

Thank you so much for your reply and time, the w124 I found is really nice specially with the price

KhaledAMG

The W124 v8 didn't come with a stick as I know , I like the inline 6 from the BMW , but I think the V8 in the W124 is another experience, the bimmer is around 500-600 more and both have 200k , both well maintained. I would like to own the MT with the 535i but I haven't drive a stick since 7 years , and it gonna be my only car sine my Toyota decided to die on me,I don't want to spend money to fix it , I'm just gonna sell it as is , the other thing is the DIY support for the E34 M30 is well covered since it's been in the BMW cars sine more than a decade, but the e34 drinks gas almost as a truck ! , I think the V8 W124 with H&R and e500/500e sway bars , maybe a diff swap , is gonna be something special indeed , I have no idea what to choose!

Thank you so much for your time, help and and the link ,
Regards,
Khaled.

QVHK

Yeh, with a taller differential the 400E would be more responsive in the lower power band. The 535i would nonetheless stand out as the one with a stick, which is difficult to come by these days, especially in cars with bigger engines. If it is going to be your future ONLY car, think of what experience you wish to derive from the daily journeys: a responsive (assuming you will do the differential swap), powerful and a relaxing highway-cruiser on the V8, OR a fun-filled stick on an in-line-six for occasional spirited driving but a left-foot-horror during slow and uphill traffic. If your family may occasionally drive or ride on your only car, the answer is clear - the stick has to be a second car. A new harness (for the peace of mind) and the cost of a differential swap would even out the price difference between the 400E and the Bimmer. And, if one day (say, 3 years down the road) you want another car, which one, the 400E or 535i would be easier to sell and fetch a better price? Anyway, as both cars are what you like, whatever your decision it won't be a bad one. You may also be guided by how likely you can find another as decent 400E or 535i sometime later, bearing in mind your own assessment of the extent of love-and-care by the previous owners of these rare species, and the reasons why they are being given up. Would a test drive first in both cars gives you a better lead?