Which year and model W124 is the best?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Which year and model W124 is the best?
First, let me say hello and thank you for welcoming me into your forum. This is my first post.
Second, I am not trying to start a debate between owners of different models. I am just interested in facts.
Here goes...
I am interested in purchasing a W124 as an occasional commuter vehicle. I am looking for the most reliable and best performing year/model of the bunch. I prefer the look of the E320 but many visits to this site have proven to me that every model and year can be made to look cool. I know there are numerous differences in engines, transmissions and suspensions.
I have been told to buy an E300 with a build date after 4/91 because it has a better tranny, solid engine and suspension better than the E320. I have not been able to verify this information and I'm hoping you can all educate me a bit. Thanks.
Second, I am not trying to start a debate between owners of different models. I am just interested in facts.
Here goes...
I am interested in purchasing a W124 as an occasional commuter vehicle. I am looking for the most reliable and best performing year/model of the bunch. I prefer the look of the E320 but many visits to this site have proven to me that every model and year can be made to look cool. I know there are numerous differences in engines, transmissions and suspensions.
I have been told to buy an E300 with a build date after 4/91 because it has a better tranny, solid engine and suspension better than the E320. I have not been able to verify this information and I'm hoping you can all educate me a bit. Thanks.
#2
Super Member
If I recall correctly, 1993-95 was the years where Mercedes used an inferior wiring harness that would degrade over time.
In my opinion, any W124 300E from 1988-1992 is great. There are 2 engines, a 24V 3.0 and a 12V 3.0. One makes 180 bhp, the other makes 218bhp. Guess which one you want?
In my opinion, any W124 300E from 1988-1992 is great. There are 2 engines, a 24V 3.0 and a 12V 3.0. One makes 180 bhp, the other makes 218bhp. Guess which one you want?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
If I recall correctly, 1993-95 was the years where Mercedes used an inferior wiring harness that would degrade over time.
In my opinion, any W124 300E from 1988-1992 is great. There are 2 engines, a 24V 3.0 and a 12V 3.0. One makes 180 bhp, the other makes 218bhp. Guess which one you want?![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
In my opinion, any W124 300E from 1988-1992 is great. There are 2 engines, a 24V 3.0 and a 12V 3.0. One makes 180 bhp, the other makes 218bhp. Guess which one you want?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Welcome to the forum. Get the 6cylinder model and year you like, and don't worry about it.
Shoomie, 1992's had the "bean curd" harness as well. Ask me how I know.
![Frown](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
I prefer the 94/95, am in process of sorting a 95 wagon, and will soon only own 94 Cab+wagon, 95 Cab, wagon, sedan. (my '92 white Sportline is going to a friend)
The 3.2 m104 alone is reason to choose 94/95. An extra 15% horsepower modernizes the driver's experience. It is true about the biodegradable harness, but, I'd pay for that repair to get the added 15% horsepower, and I would pay again if it would add another 15% horses.![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I believe AC and electrical improvements exist on the later models, once sorted.
Ands the engineers did not choose biodegradable harnesses, this was required, no?
The 3.2 m104 alone is reason to choose 94/95. An extra 15% horsepower modernizes the driver's experience. It is true about the biodegradable harness, but, I'd pay for that repair to get the added 15% horsepower, and I would pay again if it would add another 15% horses.
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I believe AC and electrical improvements exist on the later models, once sorted.
Ands the engineers did not choose biodegradable harnesses, this was required, no?
#6
Junior Member
1993-1994 E60 AMG
1987-1988 Hammer AMG [of course
]
1993-1994 E73 Brabus
1993-1994 E60 Brabus
1987-1989 AMG 3.2
1989-1993 E36 Brabus
1987-1988 Hammer AMG [of course
![Wink](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
1993-1994 E73 Brabus
1993-1994 E60 Brabus
1987-1989 AMG 3.2
1989-1993 E36 Brabus
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Trending Topics
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
It was required, yes.
I prefer the 94/95, am in process of sorting a 95 wagon, and will soon only own 94 Cab+wagon, 95 Cab, wagon, sedan. (my '92 white Sportline is going to a friend)
The 3.2 m104 alone is reason to choose 94/95. An extra 15% horsepower modernizes the driver's experience. It is true about the biodegradable harness, but, I'd pay for that repair to get the added 15% horsepower, and I would pay again if it would add another 15% horses.![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I believe AC and electrical improvements exist on the later models, once sorted.
Ands the engineers did not choose biodegradable harnesses, this was required, no?
The 3.2 m104 alone is reason to choose 94/95. An extra 15% horsepower modernizes the driver's experience. It is true about the biodegradable harness, but, I'd pay for that repair to get the added 15% horsepower, and I would pay again if it would add another 15% horses.
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I believe AC and electrical improvements exist on the later models, once sorted.
Ands the engineers did not choose biodegradable harnesses, this was required, no?
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
First, let me say hello and thank you for welcoming me into your forum. This is my first post.
Second, I am not trying to start a debate between owners of different models. I am just interested in facts.
Here goes...
I am interested in purchasing a W124 as an occasional commuter vehicle. I am looking for the most reliable and best performing year/model of the bunch. I prefer the look of the E320 but many visits to this site have proven to me that every model and year can be made to look cool. I know there are numerous differences in engines, transmissions and suspensions.
I have been told to buy an E300 with a build date after 4/91 because it has a better tranny, solid engine and suspension better than the E320. I have not been able to verify this information and I'm hoping you can all educate me a bit. Thanks.
Second, I am not trying to start a debate between owners of different models. I am just interested in facts.
Here goes...
I am interested in purchasing a W124 as an occasional commuter vehicle. I am looking for the most reliable and best performing year/model of the bunch. I prefer the look of the E320 but many visits to this site have proven to me that every model and year can be made to look cool. I know there are numerous differences in engines, transmissions and suspensions.
I have been told to buy an E300 with a build date after 4/91 because it has a better tranny, solid engine and suspension better than the E320. I have not been able to verify this information and I'm hoping you can all educate me a bit. Thanks.
The wagon is better for hauling kids and stuff.
The coupe is gorgeous.
The wagon has more torque and first gear start.
The coupe is faster and revs to 7000rpm.
The wagon has a better A/C.
The coupe was more rare.
The wagon gets worse mileage.
The coupe won't fit rear child seats very well.
The wagon had the more modern facelift.
The coupe felt better at speed due to a lower CD.
The wagon has better headlamps.
The coupe was BEAUTIFUL (did I mention that already lol...)
Buy what fits your needs and budget. Happy Hunting!!
#13
Newbie
Thread Starter
Can I get a rough estimate what this repair would cost? Also, after so many years isn't it likely to find cars that have already had the repair done?
#14
To clean the intakes I rotated the engine as I worked so that the valve was closed and used solvent (biodiesel) and a 1" plastic plumbing brush and then vacuumed each one out. Then move to the next one and repeat. It is inevitable that a little soot will get through so when you start it up again it will smoke for a little bit- just take it on the highway and open it up.
While you're under there you may consider disabling the EGR for better performance, as long as your state does not have diesel emissions
Great car! My first MB and first diesel.
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
The stock suspension on a 500E is lowered an inch too. The wheels fill the wheelwells better, as a result.
Stock 500E rims are 16" not 15" like the 300E. Rims are wider at 8".
(Like many others, I run 18"x8.5J wheels on front, and 18"x10J, dished wheels in back, to accommodate larger brakes).
This combination makes it appear to be larger and lower.
The front and rear bumpers stretch out to meet the flared fender arches.
Other than that, the body is stock 300E, not stretched.
These cars are hand-assembled at the Porsche factory, and there is more wax used, inside the body panels, to prevent corrosion.
Last edited by 190E 16V; 07-14-2011 at 02:46 PM.
#20
#24
Yeah Ray you are right there !
Any specific years is more subjective opinion than anything though if I can borrow from the text of History of the C124...
"...Model refinement packages keep the Coupé up to date
In September 1989 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show Mercedes-Benz showed a revised intermediate class model range, including Coupés. In the Saloons and the Estate the refinements focussed on changes to the styling of the body and the redesign of the interior, while on the outside the Coupés presented themselves practically unchanged since they had been equipped from the start of their production with the side rub strips which were the most conspicuous feature of the facelifted 124 series models, and in a way served as model for the revamp of the other body variants...."
Of course in late 1989 they changed the engine to the 24 Valve type which whilst it gave more grunt also introduced some issues with valve guides which the 12V doesn't seem to suffer with anywhere near as much.
My opinion is based on having spoken to at least half a dozen people in the auto industry porior to buying Fritz (my 300CE). Basically the consensus was that 88-89 was the last time MB engineers were given the green light to go ahead and build a "masterpiece - solid, long lived and beautiful". They achieved that wonderfully well IMO. They made a car that was designed to last and last and the fact that we have so many daily conversations in the W124 forum about the E Class is testament to the engineering.
Coupe owners are a special mob, often sacrificing the ease for passengers for the thrill of the Coupe design. Look at some of the pictures and see how lovingly they have been restored or enhanced. My 23 year old car offers only a few noises when driving down the road. And you know what the main noise is ? It's the leather bending and moving as I pass over a bump. The other noise is the slightly deepend exhaust note. No door noises, no rattles, no bangs - silence !!!!! 23 years old - how many car manufacturer's can claim that their vehicle after 23 years and 214,000 kms would go as well and as silently as the day it came off the production line ? Very damn few !
Sorry, I will climb down off my pulpit !! Hahahahaha![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
So 88-89 was the first of the '300' Coupes, had the 12 Valve engine which was solid , steady and was the forerunner of the beautiful CE coupes to come.
Sorry I need to dab my eye's - I must have some dust in them.![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
Any specific years is more subjective opinion than anything though if I can borrow from the text of History of the C124...
"...Model refinement packages keep the Coupé up to date
In September 1989 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show Mercedes-Benz showed a revised intermediate class model range, including Coupés. In the Saloons and the Estate the refinements focussed on changes to the styling of the body and the redesign of the interior, while on the outside the Coupés presented themselves practically unchanged since they had been equipped from the start of their production with the side rub strips which were the most conspicuous feature of the facelifted 124 series models, and in a way served as model for the revamp of the other body variants...."
Of course in late 1989 they changed the engine to the 24 Valve type which whilst it gave more grunt also introduced some issues with valve guides which the 12V doesn't seem to suffer with anywhere near as much.
My opinion is based on having spoken to at least half a dozen people in the auto industry porior to buying Fritz (my 300CE). Basically the consensus was that 88-89 was the last time MB engineers were given the green light to go ahead and build a "masterpiece - solid, long lived and beautiful". They achieved that wonderfully well IMO. They made a car that was designed to last and last and the fact that we have so many daily conversations in the W124 forum about the E Class is testament to the engineering.
Coupe owners are a special mob, often sacrificing the ease for passengers for the thrill of the Coupe design. Look at some of the pictures and see how lovingly they have been restored or enhanced. My 23 year old car offers only a few noises when driving down the road. And you know what the main noise is ? It's the leather bending and moving as I pass over a bump. The other noise is the slightly deepend exhaust note. No door noises, no rattles, no bangs - silence !!!!! 23 years old - how many car manufacturer's can claim that their vehicle after 23 years and 214,000 kms would go as well and as silently as the day it came off the production line ? Very damn few !
Sorry, I will climb down off my pulpit !! Hahahahaha
![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
So 88-89 was the first of the '300' Coupes, had the 12 Valve engine which was solid , steady and was the forerunner of the beautiful CE coupes to come.
Sorry I need to dab my eye's - I must have some dust in them.
![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/attachments/e-class-w124/214658d1311137565-year-model-w124-best-766058_1397489_4724_3150_10c320_02.jpg)
Last edited by stormtigers; 07-20-2011 at 01:02 AM.