Help the new guy.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2002 CLK55 AMG Cabrio
Help the new guy.
Hi. I'm new to this forum and hoping to get some good advise from you guys. I wanted to get a weekend fun car and by looking around I think I have my heart set on E-320 Convertible (1994-95). I have a family, so 4 seats are a key for the wife.
So I looked around the net and found a few that I really liked.I talked to a few people that had cars like that (not the convertible) and they said theese are really reliable cars. Since it is a new world to me, do you guys mind filling me in on what to look for in theese cars. I live on a midwest and would like to gat a car from the south. The Miles that are listed on most of the cars for sale are around 100K. I was told it is nothing for a car like that. Please help!
Thanks.
So I looked around the net and found a few that I really liked.I talked to a few people that had cars like that (not the convertible) and they said theese are really reliable cars. Since it is a new world to me, do you guys mind filling me in on what to look for in theese cars. I live on a midwest and would like to gat a car from the south. The Miles that are listed on most of the cars for sale are around 100K. I was told it is nothing for a car like that. Please help!
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
W124 owners generally love their cars - I do.
However, they tend to overlook the flaws too. These cars perform well, even with high miles, BUT they are getting older now and IMO they are not reliable compared to many others. Furthermore, it is expensive to maintain them. Head gaskets, engine management and climate control systems are likely to have problems. Lots of modules to replace at big $$$.
Expect to sort out problems in any care you buy and realise it may be difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair.
Not trying to discourage you, but trying to be realistic so that you do not have a disappointing experience.
Good luck.
However, they tend to overlook the flaws too. These cars perform well, even with high miles, BUT they are getting older now and IMO they are not reliable compared to many others. Furthermore, it is expensive to maintain them. Head gaskets, engine management and climate control systems are likely to have problems. Lots of modules to replace at big $$$.
Expect to sort out problems in any care you buy and realise it may be difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair.
Not trying to discourage you, but trying to be realistic so that you do not have a disappointing experience.
Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
W124 owners generally love their cars - I do.
However, they tend to overlook the flaws too. These cars perform well, even with high miles, BUT they are getting older now and IMO they are not reliable compared to many others. Furthermore, it is expensive to maintain them. Head gaskets, engine management and climate control systems are likely to have problems. Lots of modules to replace at big $$$.
Expect to sort out problems in any care you buy and realise it may be difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair.
Not trying to discourage you, but trying to be realistic so that you do not have a disappointing experience.
Good luck.
However, they tend to overlook the flaws too. These cars perform well, even with high miles, BUT they are getting older now and IMO they are not reliable compared to many others. Furthermore, it is expensive to maintain them. Head gaskets, engine management and climate control systems are likely to have problems. Lots of modules to replace at big $$$.
Expect to sort out problems in any care you buy and realise it may be difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair.
Not trying to discourage you, but trying to be realistic so that you do not have a disappointing experience.
Good luck.
That bieng said they are great cars and a ton of fun to drive. A cabrio is on my list of cars I would like to own.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
I think these are the perfect WEEKEND FUN CAR...
Do a search in the w124 forum for buying a w124, there are loads of old threads with complete checklist.
This advice is a tad dated in terms of price, but worth a read.
I bought one Cab in July and loved it so much, I bought a spare. When you read the love folks on these boards have for the chasis itself, then consider the fun factor of a drop top and the LIMITED MILES a play car will get, these cars provide a unique ownership experience...
Do a search in the w124 forum for buying a w124, there are loads of old threads with complete checklist.
This advice is a tad dated in terms of price, but worth a read.
I bought one Cab in July and loved it so much, I bought a spare. When you read the love folks on these boards have for the chasis itself, then consider the fun factor of a drop top and the LIMITED MILES a play car will get, these cars provide a unique ownership experience...
Last edited by RHW; Nov 5, 2008 at 09:46 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
I think these are the perfect WEEKEND FUN CAR...
Do a search in the w124 forum for buying a w124, there are loads of old threads with complete checklist.
This advice is a tad dated in terms of price, but worth a read.
I bought one Cab in July and loved it so much, I bought a spare. When you read the love folks on these boards have for the chasis itself, then consider the fun factor of a drop top and the LIMITED MILES a play car will get, these cars provide a unique ownership experience...
Do a search in the w124 forum for buying a w124, there are loads of old threads with complete checklist.
This advice is a tad dated in terms of price, but worth a read.
I bought one Cab in July and loved it so much, I bought a spare. When you read the love folks on these boards have for the chasis itself, then consider the fun factor of a drop top and the LIMITED MILES a play car will get, these cars provide a unique ownership experience...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2002 CLK55 AMG Cabrio
Thank you everyone. That was heplfull. Does 1993, 1994 or 1995 makes a diffference in their common problems?
How about the retractable roof? Are there any problems with it?
I would assume it would cost a fortune to fix? Anymore tips, recommendations?
How about the retractable roof? Are there any problems with it?
I would assume it would cost a fortune to fix? Anymore tips, recommendations?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
I'd say the biggest expense would be a new wiring harness on the newer W124's then of course the climate control system. It also saves to be your own mechanic for sure 
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
"What is the top speed of the silver, propeller powered cabrio?"
Has yet to be determined, our drivers keep getting chopped up into little pieces. We may have a design flaw, if we lose a few more drivers, we will redesign it.
Dave, I agree with everyone here about turning your own wrenches, but I do not do much myself. My own perspective is that I've always run new cars every 3-4 yrs - so annual cost for 1 new vehicle is my baseline. I can run several 124s for less money, with a fantastic "range" of choices everyday. I'm just not into the 'disposable car' game manufacturers now play.
Posters here have been incredibly helpful w advice, both in terms of style and saving time isolating problems.
It's critical to establish the inde shops you can trust, and then to understand no one is perfect.
BTW, the 93 is "pre facelift" and less than 1000 of them were brought to the USA. MAYBE they don't have the failing wire harnesses(?)
Has yet to be determined, our drivers keep getting chopped up into little pieces. We may have a design flaw, if we lose a few more drivers, we will redesign it.
Dave, I agree with everyone here about turning your own wrenches, but I do not do much myself. My own perspective is that I've always run new cars every 3-4 yrs - so annual cost for 1 new vehicle is my baseline. I can run several 124s for less money, with a fantastic "range" of choices everyday. I'm just not into the 'disposable car' game manufacturers now play.
Posters here have been incredibly helpful w advice, both in terms of style and saving time isolating problems.
It's critical to establish the inde shops you can trust, and then to understand no one is perfect.
BTW, the 93 is "pre facelift" and less than 1000 of them were brought to the USA. MAYBE they don't have the failing wire harnesses(?)
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2002 CLK55 AMG Cabrio
Thank you everyone for your support and the info. Unfortunately I have no time or the skills for that matter to do stuff myself, but then again I nave had an expensive hobby. May be it would be a good start. If and When I get the car I would like to get the rims, clear turn lights and to lower it a litttle bit. This would be pretty much it. Body kits look awesome on the pictures here, but I think I will have to do without. I will look in to getting one around the holidays, that is when my 2004 is due back for the end of lease.
Thanks again. I'm sure I will be back with morre questiones. BTW, those pictures are great!
Thanks again. I'm sure I will be back with morre questiones. BTW, those pictures are great!
