doctor_grim

94 E420 with 110K miles on it. There are quite a few probs and I'm not sure if I should spend more money on it if it is worth only $7-8000. Need a new computer (engine light on constantly), new shocks, new rotors, brake pads, fluids leaking at various places. I'll have to spend at least $2K on the computer before my next smog check. I'm just frustrated. Bought this car brand new almost 10 yrs ago........really thinking about getting a new ML.....any ideas??

soldsep

www.kbb.com

kelly blue book.

ksing44

I would fix it if it were mine. I can’t imagine wanting an ML instead of your W124. Especially with that V8 motor. To me, you have one of the finest cars ever made so just fix things as they break and continue to enjoy that marvelous machine. I know that it is best to fix things as you go. Don’t let problems accumulate, or you will start to feel like you are in an old car. Just stay on top of things, maintain it like is brand new, and I think you will have something that is better than most new vehicles you can buy. Certainly a 1994 W124 E420 is better than any ML, unless you would really rather drive a van than one of the finest sedans ever made.

Taylor

Ten years is a long time with the same car, although I'm up to seven with my 300TE and over 15 with a 325is. If you are going to get rid of it, then do so just before all those expenses. The fact that you are interested in an ML means that perhaps your needs have changed, vis a via a quality sedan vs a SUV. Or maybe you are suffering from the dreaded new car fever. But if one of the repair items is front struts, and yours are gone, the comparison between you E420 as it sits and a new car is not fair.

There are just two issues... money and heart. From a money standpoint, $2k in repairs is about four payments; its always cheaper to repair the replace. But its really your heart that must rule here. If you still love the car after 10 years (as I do my 325is) then keep and repair.

Jackd

I have an older 1989 W124 (260E) with only 256K. I have been strugling with this same idea (fix or trade) for the last month.
I have test driven several newer used car (Acura, BMW, Lexus, Volvo) over the last weeks and none so far has given me the sensation you can feel in a W124. I too face the dilema of spending between 2 and $3,000 on my car. I have owned this car since May 1st 1991 (12 years). The more I look, the more I am inclined at fixing it and drive it for an other 5-8 years.
Thogh decision, but I think I have taken mine. I'll fix it.
JackD

Jim's500E

Keep the W124 and fix it...forget the ML...you'll have a ton of problems in 3 years with an ML.

As for build quality, not much beats a w124...but it is a car after all and does need some expensive attention usually over 100K miles...what car doesn't? An ML will not make it to 100K without many more problems than your W124...just my 2 cents man.

Get yourself an aftermarket warranty like Accel (I have them and they footed a $2800 bill on my 500E, warranty cost me only $1400). New shocks, rotors, pads are cheap and DIY in the driveway, BTW.

zeronero

I really would not consider getting an ML, they are not even in the same class as a 124 or even what a Mercedes should be! My buddy has a 2003 ML500 and the quality does not even come close to that of the 124 chassis cars, even the new C-class is built better. If you need an SUV and want to stick with Mercedes I would suggest and used G500.

pwagner

I have a 1986 300E with 230k miles. Had it for about a decade. Being in California, it burns oil and has about 2/3 power (it was in Seattle for a few years and worked much better on their gasoline). It's a bit of a fixer-upper: the transmission (manual) behaves badly when cold, air condition is dead, sunroof is dead, cruise control is dead. Fortunately, the vinyl (sp?) seats look great and the power controls still work.

Anyway, I faced your situation last summer and bought myself a 4-year-old C43 AMG for $27k. Hmm.... somewhat regretting that choice. The W124 is simply the best Mercedes chasis ever. If considering swapping your 400e for an ML... you must be crazy! At least the C43 is the "special" version of the W124 progenitor--the ML is a USA truck.

Your electornics problems sound like a major yuck; don't know what to say there. Rotors and break pads are low-cost if you shop around. Replacing shocks is an opportunity... upgrade to Euro spec and turn your vehicle into the Autobahn stormer it was intended to be. Engine leaks from the valve cover gasket are easy--again shop around. (Leaks from the head gasket are a different matter.) Transmission leaks shouldn't be a horrible problem. Don't know about the newer models like yours, but replacing some of the cooling components (radiator) might be a good idea at this point too.

SLCPUNK

Did a dealer tell you that you need a new computer? I would check more into that before you shell out the money for a computer. Brakes are easy and if I were in LA I'd be there showing you how to do them. Either way I'd probably keep it, and get a second opinion on the CEL always coming on. I guess after that it's a matter if you can put up with the leaks here and there. I think switching to an ML might sour your view on MB, I've heard of too many unhappy owners. If you wanted something reliable (SUV wise) I'd get a Honda. Good luck in whatever you choose.

amdxp

If your chk engine light constantly does not represent your engine problem, rather it is just the computer problem ?

For me, I will just DISABLE THE FUSE, afterall WTF, the engine still work. Keep the present ECU if nothing major affecting the performance !!

suntubi

SLCPUNK has the right idea

2K for a computer/controller would have me scoping out a non-dealer mechanic and (heaven forbid!) a wreck for parts.

As for the SUV -- I have a Suburban 4x4 with 195K and running strong