Originally Posted by ShanMan

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.

Originally Posted by ZorroAMG

Hellllooooo, Stephanie...are you new here?

Originally Posted by stephanielamb

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!

Originally Posted by ZorroAMG

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

Originally Posted by ZorroAMG

I ZorrOwned myself....oh well, if you don't try, you don't succeed!

In all honesty, I am only playing Glad you guys like my car, it's a great compliment!

Originally Posted by ZorroAMG

...In all honesty, I am only playing Glad you guys like my car, it's a great compliment!

Originally Posted by JDW124

Another car I would REALLY like are the BMW E46's 1999-2004 3-Series. IMO it looks awesome and being a "newer" car I would IMAGINE I shouldn't have any problems for a while, right? :O

Originally Posted by ksing44

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...

Originally Posted by Saijin_Naib

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.