View Poll Results: Should I keep it?
Yes
4
80.00%
No
1
20.00%
Voters: 5. You may not vote on this poll
Is it worth it?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
Is it worth it?
I love my '88 260E, but lately it has been costing me a lot to repair. Just had the cap and rotor replaced. Back in March the indie shop I used to go to raped me for a reman. alternator, new rear pads and rotors ($900). Now I'm doing the spark plug wire set ($97), and the timing chain should be replaced. The A/C doesn't work well either, which seems to be a common problem with the 124s (the compressor works, so I'm guessing low freon or exp. valve). It has 227k miles, and if I were to sell it I'd be lucky to get $4K for it. I don't want a newer Benz as they're too modern, not enough analog instrumentation, totally different ride, etc. I like the 124s from late 80s to early 90s, but I'm sure any one of those is bound to have problems, mostly minor ones that will result in the car quitting in the middle of a drive. As sad as it may sound, I've been contemplating getting a Honda next year or the year after.
So, bottom line? Is it worth it to sink money into my Benz?
So, bottom line? Is it worth it to sink money into my Benz?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 75
From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
If the rest of the car is in amazing shape (clean interior, great looking wood, no rust, no/few worn out suspension parts, etc.) then it'd be worth it.
Have the A/C recharged and checked for leaks. If it's the evaporator then ... windows down.
BTW, look at it this way... you wanna get a Honda. I'm sure you would not want the older Honda's. A newer Civic would still cost $8k+ That's still $4k + on the 260E. Sure it's probably more fun to drive, faster, and lighter on your wallet too. However... I think they're just very boring!
Tell you what.. for $8k you might be able to score a late 90's (94/95) E320 with a lot of miles.
Have the A/C recharged and checked for leaks. If it's the evaporator then ... windows down.
BTW, look at it this way... you wanna get a Honda. I'm sure you would not want the older Honda's. A newer Civic would still cost $8k+ That's still $4k + on the 260E. Sure it's probably more fun to drive, faster, and lighter on your wallet too. However... I think they're just very boring!
Tell you what.. for $8k you might be able to score a late 90's (94/95) E320 with a lot of miles.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
Thanks for your responses. I just got back from driving around a few towns taking care of business, and I always realize how much I love my Mercedes. For the record, if I were to get a Honda, it would be an Accord. I'm not into sportiness, speed, and such. My 260E accelerates like a "tank" (but much faster than a diesel), which I like. Not to mention the sound of the engine revving under load.
Everything is in pretty good shape. The interior is great except for a cracked bead on the driver's armrest. The lacquer on the wood of the center console is cracked and needs to be restored. I've heard good things about Heritage Woodworks, so I'll try to send the consoles to them. Otherwise the MB-Tex and plastic trim just need cleaning.
I'm having some body work done. The passenger's door scraped a wood retaining wall and dented the lower portion of the door and scraped the paint a bit. I'm having the door taken care of as well as repainting and striping of the rear (pass. side) door, fuel filler door, and rear quarter panel (all the way around, under the trunk lid, to the other side).
Pass on any tips you might have for "restoring" my Benz.
Everything is in pretty good shape. The interior is great except for a cracked bead on the driver's armrest. The lacquer on the wood of the center console is cracked and needs to be restored. I've heard good things about Heritage Woodworks, so I'll try to send the consoles to them. Otherwise the MB-Tex and plastic trim just need cleaning.
I'm having some body work done. The passenger's door scraped a wood retaining wall and dented the lower portion of the door and scraped the paint a bit. I'm having the door taken care of as well as repainting and striping of the rear (pass. side) door, fuel filler door, and rear quarter panel (all the way around, under the trunk lid, to the other side).
Pass on any tips you might have for "restoring" my Benz.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 75
From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
I suggest buying wood parts off a wrecked car that are in good shape.
You could upgrade your door panels to the newer style ones (with extra wood and even leather inserts if you get the leather ones)
There's a lot of things you can do to a W124! They are truly great cars!
You might have already done this. Euro headlights are a must for these US 124's!
You could upgrade your door panels to the newer style ones (with extra wood and even leather inserts if you get the leather ones)
There's a lot of things you can do to a W124! They are truly great cars!
You might have already done this. Euro headlights are a must for these US 124's!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
I haven't made any mods to the original design. Still have MB-Tex door linings, square headlamps. Is there a reason you wouldn't recommend having the wood center console refinished?
Where's a good place to find Euro headlights? Are they OEM or German aftermarket?
Where's a good place to find Euro headlights? Are they OEM or German aftermarket?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 75
From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
I just think you'd be better off (financially) finding wood trims in decent condition than trying to refinish them.
http://www.msdra.com/mercedesparts.htm
Send the owner of the site an email! He'll hook u up w/ some wood pieces!
best of luck restoring cars!
The Euro headlights are what came w/ these cars elsewhere in the world. They are OEM.
http://www.msdra.com/mercedesparts.htm
Send the owner of the site an email! He'll hook u up w/ some wood pieces!
best of luck restoring cars!
The Euro headlights are what came w/ these cars elsewhere in the world. They are OEM.
Last edited by Holson; Jul 3, 2003 at 02:25 AM.
