What model has the best long term value?
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E350 Avantgarde AMG
What model has the best long term value?
Hello
hope you all are well??
I am a strong enthusiast for the w124 CABRIOLET.
I am in a Dilema..
The w124 Convertible sportline models were available before the facelift and also after the facelift.
If there was a choice between a 1993 pre facelift 320ce sportline with 25k miles on clock or a 1994 post facelift e320 sportline with again 25k miles on clock, for similar money, which would you choose? and why?
Both seem great, the pre facelift is more aggressive whilst the post facelift is more elegant, what would you think has a better long term value??
thanks guys
hope you all are well??
I am a strong enthusiast for the w124 CABRIOLET.
I am in a Dilema..
The w124 Convertible sportline models were available before the facelift and also after the facelift.
If there was a choice between a 1993 pre facelift 320ce sportline with 25k miles on clock or a 1994 post facelift e320 sportline with again 25k miles on clock, for similar money, which would you choose? and why?
Both seem great, the pre facelift is more aggressive whilst the post facelift is more elegant, what would you think has a better long term value??
thanks guys
Last edited by drv1981; Nov 29, 2008 at 10:35 PM. Reason: missing text
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From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
Pre facelift is a much better look for the W124 IMO...the post looks too much like the W140 and the W202...whatever though...as far as value, the newer, less miles will be a better resale but if they are the same mileage for similar money, pick the one you like.
PRE ftw.
PRE ftw.
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Post facelift. FTW
Personally, I too, find it more elegant, and isn't that what yo want in a cabriolet?
IMO, the facelift car looks less dated, and I think others feel the same way. There is more than one owner who has gone to the expense of updating their car by swapping out the front end.
Generally, I think there is more appeal for the 'Post' models and fewer of them. I don't know the production figures, but '124's were manufactured from about 1985 to 1995 - facelifts only being 94 - 95. That may make a difference in value, although, I think the car's equipment, colour and condition will play a greater role.
Campbell's chunky soup eats better with a spoon - no, a fork!
Personally, I too, find it more elegant, and isn't that what yo want in a cabriolet?
IMO, the facelift car looks less dated, and I think others feel the same way. There is more than one owner who has gone to the expense of updating their car by swapping out the front end.
Generally, I think there is more appeal for the 'Post' models and fewer of them. I don't know the production figures, but '124's were manufactured from about 1985 to 1995 - facelifts only being 94 - 95. That may make a difference in value, although, I think the car's equipment, colour and condition will play a greater role.
Campbell's chunky soup eats better with a spoon - no, a fork!
Last edited by 190E 16V; Nov 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM. Reason: grammar
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
Prefacelift for a collectable. Aside from the old school look...only about 10% of USA imported cars were old school.
I own a 94 and 95 Cab, but really like the prefacelift look. (See Tom Cruise in "The Firm")
For a driver, it just doesn't matter, grab the best deal - although I like the more modern look on the road daily *because I've flopped at the mod scene, and it looks better out of the box.
For a collector, (Assuming USA) the 93 is far more rare. Something like 750 bought here versus 6000, and very few Sportlines.
In Europe
loads of Sportlines can be had probably in both versions. I'd take both if you can.
I own a 94 and 95 Cab, but really like the prefacelift look. (See Tom Cruise in "The Firm")
For a driver, it just doesn't matter, grab the best deal - although I like the more modern look on the road daily *because I've flopped at the mod scene, and it looks better out of the box.
For a collector, (Assuming USA) the 93 is far more rare. Something like 750 bought here versus 6000, and very few Sportlines.
In Europe
loads of Sportlines can be had probably in both versions. I'd take both if you can.
Last edited by RHW; Nov 30, 2008 at 11:17 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Prefacelift for a collectable. Aside from the old school look...only about 10% of USA imported cars were old school.
I own a 94 and 95 Cab, but really like the prefacelift look. (See Tom Cruise in "The Firm")
For a driver, it just doesn't matter, grab the best deal - although I like the more modern look on the road daily *because I've flopped at the mod scene, and it looks better out of the box.
For a collector, (Assuming USA) the 93 is far more rare. Something like 750 bought here versus 6000, and very few Sportlines.
In Europe loads of Sportlines can be had probably in both versions. I'd take both if you can.
I own a 94 and 95 Cab, but really like the prefacelift look. (See Tom Cruise in "The Firm")
For a driver, it just doesn't matter, grab the best deal - although I like the more modern look on the road daily *because I've flopped at the mod scene, and it looks better out of the box.
For a collector, (Assuming USA) the 93 is far more rare. Something like 750 bought here versus 6000, and very few Sportlines.
In Europe
loads of Sportlines can be had probably in both versions. I'd take both if you can. 
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Atlanta
1993 300CE Cabriolet
I hope you guys aren't right about face lifting a 93 Cab. Tomorrow I will begin installing an Expressions Body Kit that updates this old girl with an SL style hood, bumpers, side skirts, and air dam with lights. I pondered the "value" question for many days. Too late now.
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From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
I hope you guys aren't right about face lifting a 93 Cab. Tomorrow I will begin installing an Expressions Body Kit that updates this old girl with an SL style hood, bumpers, side skirts, and air dam with lights. I pondered the "value" question for many days. Too late now.
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
I would get the 94-95 car, if only for the vastly superior headlights.
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From: Atlanta
1993 300CE Cabriolet
Thanks. I was wondering if I should save them. I'll probably save them just in case ... I usually save everything. I even have the original radio. I am looking to get another W124 Cab.
Unlike the other guys here (no offense whatsoever), I like the newer lines on the 94 and 95. I wish the had made a wide body. The car looks so much sleeker when lower and widened slightly.
/Users/Ren/Pictures/Cars/MB 300CEC/Kits/Expression_03b.jpg
Unlike the other guys here (no offense whatsoever), I like the newer lines on the 94 and 95. I wish the had made a wide body. The car looks so much sleeker when lower and widened slightly.
/Users/Ren/Pictures/Cars/MB 300CEC/Kits/Expression_03b.jpg
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
The styling is subjective, you will find dedicated fans of both styles so the debate can go on for pages. By value, if you mean cost of ownership then it's probably even as both have their unique potentially costly problems. You need to do some searches to be aware of them.
Buy what you like, maintain it well and you won't be disappointed...
Buy what you like, maintain it well and you won't be disappointed...
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
Renz, for the upgrade cost, you could garage a spare Cab.
I am an admitted flop as a modder but I seriously doubt I'd do that to a 93 with probably only 350 nice ones left in the USA.
It does look really good.
I am an admitted flop as a modder but I seriously doubt I'd do that to a 93 with probably only 350 nice ones left in the USA.
It does look really good.
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From: Atlanta
1993 300CE Cabriolet
RHW, you are probably right. This is an expensive project. But, the car needed a total overhaul anyway. The clear coat was peeling and the interior was shot. It is about to flip 100k miles. The mechanics have been meticulously maintain though!
Good thing: Im saving all the original parts. It should be pretty much bolt-on. I do respect the idea of preservation, but what good is it if you can't enjoy it! I'm seriously thinking of buying another one anyway.
Yeah ... I really like the looks of this body kit. I don't really get the fascination with the AMG kits.
Good thing: Im saving all the original parts. It should be pretty much bolt-on. I do respect the idea of preservation, but what good is it if you can't enjoy it! I'm seriously thinking of buying another one anyway.
Yeah ... I really like the looks of this body kit. I don't really get the fascination with the AMG kits.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
AMG Gen I + Monoblocks I is a very subtly aggressive style that fits the lines and look of the car perfectly. It's been done to death, but that does not make it any less of a clean look. I happen to love it but can't afford that sorta stuff 
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
Chinny, Are you answering the OP?
with 6000 facelift Cabs and 700 non facelift Cabs, everything equal, I disagree.
But don't sell that black coupe in NJ without emailing me first.
with 6000 facelift Cabs and 700 non facelift Cabs, everything equal, I disagree.
But don't sell that black coupe in NJ without emailing me first.
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From: USR, NJ, United States of Americaland
1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
Oh and not gunna happen
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From: Atlanta
1993 300CE Cabriolet
RHW: Things aren't looking good for the Expressions kit. My guys started the install today. It doesn't appear to be bolt-on as advertised. I stopped the install. If ain't bolt on and bolt off, I won't move forward. With only a few hundred of these, I can see modifying the car. Stay tuned
