W124 vs W210 reliability
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Buying a C43 in the next few months
W124 vs W210 reliability
Hi all--
I've been looking into buying a used e class. I like both models, but which one would cost me less in the long run, and just feel better?
I've been looking into buying a used e class. I like both models, but which one would cost me less in the long run, and just feel better?
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Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
IMHO, the W210 looks more modern, and drives better but W124 has less by way of electronics and should be more reliable. Choice is yours, but whichever you choose, get a good low-mileage one...
Brgds
Brgds
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: IL / WI
Depends on the day
Whatever you do eventually decide on, find the very best one you can afford. You'll have less headaches.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Behind the wheel
The best or nothing
We have W124 and W210 in our family so it's easy to compare. I would advise you to get a W124 or skip W210, W211 and go straight for W212.
W124 is more reliable and has more soul.
If you want facts, also crash tests comparison say W124 is better built than W210.
Actually, the correlation between newness and safety cell rigidity isn’t what statisticians would call a “direct relationship.” In offset crash testing, the structural rigidity of pre-facelift W210 E-Class (1996-1999) left something to be desired particularly when compared to the stronger performance of the W124 predecessor (1984-1995).
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.tv/tag/w124/
W124 is more reliable and has more soul.
If you want facts, also crash tests comparison say W124 is better built than W210.
Actually, the correlation between newness and safety cell rigidity isn’t what statisticians would call a “direct relationship.” In offset crash testing, the structural rigidity of pre-facelift W210 E-Class (1996-1999) left something to be desired particularly when compared to the stronger performance of the W124 predecessor (1984-1995).
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.tv/tag/w124/
Last edited by Jan AMG; Nov 14, 2010 at 04:59 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Norway
W124 230E 1990
If corrosion is a problem where you live the 210 corrodes way faster than the 124 also.
Atleast this is very much a fact here in Norway, because of our winters and the fact they use alot of salt on our winter roads.
And I think the 210 feels alot more "plastic" than the 124 when you consider the interior of the two.. But that could be just me.
Atleast this is very much a fact here in Norway, because of our winters and the fact they use alot of salt on our winter roads.
And I think the 210 feels alot more "plastic" than the 124 when you consider the interior of the two.. But that could be just me.
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From: Phoenix, AZ
400E
If corrosion is a problem where you live the 210 corrodes way faster than the 124 also.
Atleast this is very much a fact here in Norway, because of our winters and the fact they use alot of salt on our winter roads.
And I think the 210 feels alot more "plastic" than the 124 when you consider the interior of the two.. But that could be just me.
Atleast this is very much a fact here in Norway, because of our winters and the fact they use alot of salt on our winter roads.
And I think the 210 feels alot more "plastic" than the 124 when you consider the interior of the two.. But that could be just me.
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From: NY
2005 CL55 AMG, 2004 S430 4matic, 1988 560SL, PRIOR: 2000 E430 4matic, 1994 E320 Coupe, 1999 C43 AMG
I have two 2000 W210 4matics (each with over 210K miles) and a 1994 W124 coupe... I love my E430 but the 124 coupe is much easier to maintain, has less problems and IMO looks better. If you get a 124 things to look out for.. oil leaking from heads, throttle body actuator (ASR limp mode), wiring harness brittle, blower motor and regulator weak/inoperative. All that being said each of those things are pretty cheap (except the wiring harness)... get one with low miles...
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e400
I love my w124. About $750 in repairs/service a year, but thats because i dont do any of it. 3-4 oil changes a year is already $200, so if i did everything on my own it would be more like $200-$300 a year in repair/service. Also many of the things i get repaired dont HAVE to be repaired, i just prefer it to be in 100% working condition.
And i LOVE my car. I wouldn't trade it for many cars, except the 500e.
Theres something about the car that makes it so much fun to drive.
Just by opening the door of a W124, you can feel how solid it is. The door just feels heavy, solid, and well-built. Open the door of many other cars, it feels light, plastic-like, and unsafe.
Theres actually a pretty neat thread on this forums of a guy who crashed his car in my area going 70 MPH on the highway. He ended up with some small cuts and bruises after slamming into a parked car at 70MPH. Just shows how safe and well built the W124's are.
In addition, the car can really take a beating. You can trash it around all you want.....But it just keeps going and going and going.
EDIT:
Here i actually found the thread (below) about the accident. Read over it, very unbelievable how the cabin looks after a 70MPH slam into another car.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ost-story.html
And i LOVE my car. I wouldn't trade it for many cars, except the 500e.
Theres something about the car that makes it so much fun to drive.
Just by opening the door of a W124, you can feel how solid it is. The door just feels heavy, solid, and well-built. Open the door of many other cars, it feels light, plastic-like, and unsafe.
Theres actually a pretty neat thread on this forums of a guy who crashed his car in my area going 70 MPH on the highway. He ended up with some small cuts and bruises after slamming into a parked car at 70MPH. Just shows how safe and well built the W124's are.
In addition, the car can really take a beating. You can trash it around all you want.....But it just keeps going and going and going.
EDIT:
Here i actually found the thread (below) about the accident. Read over it, very unbelievable how the cabin looks after a 70MPH slam into another car.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ost-story.html
Last edited by zach1328; Dec 25, 2010 at 08:18 PM.
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2006 Saab 1955 VW Beetle
I am also looking but considering a W123 vs. W124. I owned a W124 all through college and it was a great auto but made the mistake of letting it go. I now drive a 120 mile commute daily and want to pick up another for the longevity factor, any thoughts? I really like the classic looks of the W123 but I'm not sure about making the leap...
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 352
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From: fl
1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
Don't know about the 210 but, my 1992 500E has been far more reliable than my 2006 E500 which seemed to completely disassemble at 40K miles and 4.5 yrs. Spent almost as much repairing the 211 in the one year out of warranty I owned it as I spent in 20 years with the 1992 124. Because of my reliability/service experience with the 2006 E500 and a 2007 GL450 I doubt I'll buy a new MB any time soon.
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
I am also looking but considering a W123 vs. W124. I owned a W124 all through college and it was a great auto but made the mistake of letting it go. I now drive a 120 mile commute daily and want to pick up another for the longevity factor, any thoughts? I really like the classic looks of the W123 but I'm not sure about making the leap...
The 124 made great leaps forward in design (and performance) from the 123, though. The 123 may be reliable, and you may find that they have held together well, but it'll be at least 25 years old. It will be easier to find used parts for a 124.
If a 124 is what you're used to, the performance of a 123 is likely to be underwhelming.
If you are talking diesels - both are slow.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Dallas, Texas
W203 C55 and SAAB 9-3 2.0T
The W124 might be the best built benz of all time for both quality and maintenance. Watch these videos done by fifth gear, simply amazing. Its in three parts I think and worth your time! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bIV_hHPAFQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bIV_hHPAFQ
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
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From: Northern California
It changes all the time
Although the W124 is a fine car and the only car that MB constantly upgraded,it is getting to be an old car. In my opinion if you are looking at investing in transportation for the future, the W210 would be a smarter choice. Maintenance and repairs are probably about the same on both models. My only objection to the W210 is the rack and pinion steering. Mercedes is going along with the rest and getting rid of the recirculating ball steering system and replacing it with the cheaper more problematic rack and pinion .
