Differences between 1986-1993 and 1994-1995?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1987 300e
they were over-engineered in the sense that the chassis, if serviced reasonably, will easily last 500,000 miles and do it SAFELY. The power-train was kept as simple as possible to ensure reliability and moderate performance. To that end (despite the known flaws related each engine family, i.e. four, six and eight cylinder), you will be hard-pressed to find another family of automobile made by any manufacturer at any time that has lived as long and for many been such a satisfying driving car all the while.
It has been said over and over, and rightfully so, that the state of any W124 car as a daily driver with 150,000+ miles on the odometer is totally and completely dependent on the kind of service it was given over it's life. Simple as that really.
One thing for sure though, these cars are built like brick *****houses structurally. The deisels and V8 engines seem pretty indestructable as well. Mechanically and electronically I think they are better than most cars produced at the same time, but the difference in build quality really is most apparent in the chassis and interior and less in the accesories and sub-systems. Unfortunately, as these cars get even older, the things that need fixing will get even harder to fix due to parts availability and qualified mechanics with experience working W124's. In my opinion, depending on the car, it is worth the effort.
W124's are a "labour of love" nowadays. In order to keep them going and look good while doing it, you gotta keep yo pimp-hand strong brotha!!!
I am 40 years old, and have owned many cars in my time. I drive my E420 because I think it is a great car with lots of style and has a certain quality to it that I do not feel in most other cars...even brand new ones. I recently rented a Chrysler 300C with the hemi in it. That car is basically a rebodied E-class car with a hot-rod engine in it. Yes, it was quick, and yes, the navigation and white faced gages were nice. But you know what, and I mean this sincerely...my car is a better driving car, despite not having a few of those ammenities. Maybe I am lucky, because all the options and features in my car work. Having the smooth power of thr 4.2 liter V-8 helps too. Frankly, I do not think I would like my car as much if it was an I-6...I like power...and more accurately, torque. But that is my thing and I take nothing away from I-6 cars.
If your car has become too troublesome for you AT THIS TIME, sell it and get your education whiledriving a more reliable, easier and cheaper to maintain car. Then, when the time is right, and you have the whip, buy yourself a '94 E500. You won't be disappointed, and will be in a better position to own and drive it.
It has been said over and over, and rightfully so, that the state of any W124 car as a daily driver with 150,000+ miles on the odometer is totally and completely dependent on the kind of service it was given over it's life. Simple as that really.
One thing for sure though, these cars are built like brick *****houses structurally. The deisels and V8 engines seem pretty indestructable as well. Mechanically and electronically I think they are better than most cars produced at the same time, but the difference in build quality really is most apparent in the chassis and interior and less in the accesories and sub-systems. Unfortunately, as these cars get even older, the things that need fixing will get even harder to fix due to parts availability and qualified mechanics with experience working W124's. In my opinion, depending on the car, it is worth the effort.
W124's are a "labour of love" nowadays. In order to keep them going and look good while doing it, you gotta keep yo pimp-hand strong brotha!!!
I am 40 years old, and have owned many cars in my time. I drive my E420 because I think it is a great car with lots of style and has a certain quality to it that I do not feel in most other cars...even brand new ones. I recently rented a Chrysler 300C with the hemi in it. That car is basically a rebodied E-class car with a hot-rod engine in it. Yes, it was quick, and yes, the navigation and white faced gages were nice. But you know what, and I mean this sincerely...my car is a better driving car, despite not having a few of those ammenities. Maybe I am lucky, because all the options and features in my car work. Having the smooth power of thr 4.2 liter V-8 helps too. Frankly, I do not think I would like my car as much if it was an I-6...I like power...and more accurately, torque. But that is my thing and I take nothing away from I-6 cars.
If your car has become too troublesome for you AT THIS TIME, sell it and get your education whiledriving a more reliable, easier and cheaper to maintain car. Then, when the time is right, and you have the whip, buy yourself a '94 E500. You won't be disappointed, and will be in a better position to own and drive it.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1987 300e
Yes and no, I've been reading and lurking since we got our Benz in July. :P Funny thing though, I contacted one of the members once on AIM and it turned out the guy used to own my car, so maybe you've seen it round here before!
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1987 300e
Actually, realizing who i'm replying to, I've been reading and lurking i.e. staring at pictures of Enzo ever since we got our Benz in July. :P
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,491
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
Ahhhh....so you like my car.....hmmmm....You knowwwww, a car is like his owner, so uh if you think my car is cooool.... 
By "we got our benz" does that imply you are currently unavailable? Don't do this to me, Stephanie Lamb, DONT DO THIS!!!! LOL
By "we got our benz" does that imply you are currently unavailable? Don't do this to me, Stephanie Lamb, DONT DO THIS!!!! LOL
pics plz 
)
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1987 300e
I think he likes your car even more than I do!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 1
From: STL
95 e320...sold the rest
LOL Zorro...this might be the first time I actually "laughed out loud" on a forum! I think FB might be a bit easier haha
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 826
Likes: 4
From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
Refreshing honesty
"Buying an E46?
First of all, congratulations on considering an E46 for your next car. The E46 was on Car & Driver's 10 best list every year of its production! It was the car that the Japanese competitors are still trying to copy!
Speaking of the Japanese, lets get one thing out in the open: The E46 is not as reliable as a Toyota or Honda. You will have problems with your E46. Now that I've got that out in the open... it is one of the best overall handling luxury sports sedans/coupes in the world. The E46 isn't as harsh or fast as cars like the EVO or STi, but they are smooth, comfortable, have excellent braking, and are easy to drive."
Truly the ultimate driving machine, but...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: BMW E46 Wikipedia link and bimmerfest website
"Buying an E46?
First of all, congratulations on considering an E46 for your next car. The E46 was on Car & Driver's 10 best list every year of its production! It was the car that the Japanese competitors are still trying to copy!
Speaking of the Japanese, lets get one thing out in the open: The E46 is not as reliable as a Toyota or Honda. You will have problems with your E46. Now that I've got that out in the open... it is one of the best overall handling luxury sports sedans/coupes in the world. The E46 isn't as harsh or fast as cars like the EVO or STi, but they are smooth, comfortable, have excellent braking, and are easy to drive."
Truly the ultimate driving machine, but...
"Buying an E46?
First of all, congratulations on considering an E46 for your next car. The E46 was on Car & Driver's 10 best list every year of its production! It was the car that the Japanese competitors are still trying to copy!
Speaking of the Japanese, lets get one thing out in the open: The E46 is not as reliable as a Toyota or Honda. You will have problems with your E46. Now that I've got that out in the open... it is one of the best overall handling luxury sports sedans/coupes in the world. The E46 isn't as harsh or fast as cars like the EVO or STi, but they are smooth, comfortable, have excellent braking, and are easy to drive."
Truly the ultimate driving machine, but...
. By the way, in terms of reliability I'm getting four years of BMW's AMAZING Ultimate Service (For the ULTIMATE Driving Machine INDEED).. SOOOO, in those four years, all I am going to pay for, is tires, and gas. ^^.. Sooo happy I'm finally going not to have to worry about a thing!
Since with BMW's AMAZING TeleAid services, the car automatically contacts my nearest BMW service center, and then they call me back to set up an appointment :O. All I need now is someone to buy the pile of crap laying on my driveway (my 300e) that thing is WAAAAY past it's expiration date, (just like all W124's on the road). Plus BMW is an independent company which doesn't have "chrysler" holding them back. So yea, can't wait for my new babeh to arrive. It's funny too, all around the BMW dealership, they had palm trees and stuff right? And a sign that said "This costs more to maintain than a BMW". I was simply flattered and happy that am I now going to be an owner of an ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!
Need I say more?
By the way watch some BMW material on YouTube, It's sexeh and cooler than the stupid crap MB ****s out on TV. Youtube Link
Sorry guys, but yea. I'm over MB, and they're ridiculous prices. Like $245 for some stupid REGIONAL cd for a 2002 model. That is simply unacceptable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
1990 300ce 24v I6
Glad you're happy, but do you need to be a troll/*******?
If you are so happy, dont troll here, but rather **** off so that I may enjoy my passion for the w124 with like-minded people. Dont **** on my parade.
If you are so happy, dont troll here, but rather **** off so that I may enjoy my passion for the w124 with like-minded people. Dont **** on my parade.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
