echo200

If, as the owner of an E Class 124 Series, you were asked to select a modern equivalent that was equal or superior in build quality, what would you choose and why?

Note that your choice doesn't have to be a Mercedes and it can be either a Saloon/Sedan or a Coupe (but not a convertible). Engine can be either diesel or petrol, but transmission must be automatic.

As the owner of a 1995 E200-124 that will probably be replaced in 2006, I should value any (printable!) opinions.

Chappy

What is your budget?

Kestas

I'd probably stick with an E-class. Despite all the noise about how "they don't build them like they used to", that what people said back in '95, and that's what they'll be saying in '15. MB has finally capitulated that all the problems with the gizmos they've been tacking onto their designs have hurt overall quality and they'll be reducing complexity by some 600 parts when they launch their redesign. Consider the diesel version. It's reported to be quiet with over 200 HP.

Holson

Brand new, I would probably buy the E-Class again definitely.

Otherwise I fancy an E39 5-series M5 / 540i

echo200

It would probably take around 25K to 30K. That's U.K. Sterling not U.S. Dollars (sadly).

Slightly more if I was talking about a decent specification on a CLK 200 K. I guess the same would be true for the current 'E' Class.

echo200

A new 'E' Class diesel? That's going to have a fairly hefty price tag in the U.K., especially when I add automatic transmission at UKP 1450.00 (USD 2646.25) to the price. The latter is due, in no small part, to the antiquated view held by many British drivers that the clutch pedal is essential to good driving. Yep, about as essential as a propellor on a cruise missile!

Also, the 'E' Class seems to have grown in size. If I remember rightly, the figures for a 124 Series are:-

Length 4740 (15' 7")
Width 1740 (5' 9")
Height 1425
Wheelbase 2800

Correspondingly, the latest 'E' Class is 4818 x 1822mm which, with my useable garage space of 4890 x 2083mm (I think it would be classified as an outhouse in the States or something even more derogatory!) makes for a tight fit by anybody's definition of the term. At least, it's a good reason for folding door mirrors next time around. Strangely enough, I did manage to garage a 'loaner' 1991 E320 CDi successfully, but when they gave me an (older) S300 I didn't even try!

Putting together your suggestion about a diesel and the size restrictions I face, a C220/270 CDi in Elegance SE trim is one sedan/saloon option. Auto box adds another UKP 1000.00 (USD 1825.00) which carries less pain I suppose. The problem here is one of reliability. I've heard a lot of stories about uneven tyre wear (afflicts the CLK too), front suspension issues and turbo problems with diesel engines.

Anyway, thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

Kestas

Why are you selling what you have?... too many miles?... or do you simply prefer a new car? If price is a problem, perhaps a used car with fewer miles could suit your needs.

What a bummer that garage space has to be considered. We don't even think about that here in the US until we get to the Ford Excursion or GM Suburban-type vehicles!

echo200

No, there's no problem with mileage. My E200 has only got 53k on the clock and still drives and looks like new.

If I have a worry about the longevity of the car, then I would have to say that it is confined to the wiring. My SRS problem earlier this year highlighted some wiring corrosion which, although it has been cured, makes me wonder about the condition of the wiring in the rest of the car.

Since I'm not getting any younger, I must admit that I'd like the protection of a warranty for a change. Not only that, but the specification on my E200 is looking a bit lean now. The lack of aircon in summer tends to make driving a less comfortable experience for one thing. I'd also like an electric driver's seat with memory, since I'm not the sole driver. Having said that, I'd prefer to avoid a lot of the computer gizmos, such as the i-Drive fitted to modern BMWs.

Perhaps, something with a similar wheelbase to my E200 (2800mm/110 inches) will provide me with the same ride quality. C/CLK models come close at 2715mm (107 inches).

With petrol now running at 80p/litre (USD5.53 per U.S. gallon?) and likely to jump even higher soon (most of it tax!), a diesel is a possibility although I don't really do the mileage to justify a diesel.

As for the garage space, amongst other vehicles, I used to drive a Chevy pick-up in Saudi Arabia back in the 80's, so I understand what you mean. Incidentally, Dodge is thinking of selling the RAM pick-up in the U.K. That's going to look like an articulated truck (or ‘semi’ in U.S. parlance) on our roads!

Kestas

I agree -- there's no sense buying a diesel if the initial cost won't cover what you save in fuel. I know there's other factors involved, but at least you have an option, and the decision is ultimately yours.

I wouldn't let the wiring problem get you down. Nearly everyone who owns a 93-95 has this problem. The problem is with the engine wiring insulation breaking down, not corrosion. Reportedly, this problem is limited to the engine wiring harness and throttle body assy. I assume the engine wiring harness in your car has been replaced. The rest of the car should be okay. Few people need to deal with the throttle body assy wiring problem because it sees less man-handling under the hood during service. Search the archive for more on this subject using the keywords "engine wiring harness insulation".

echo200

I thought that engine wiring harness problems were a feature of the E Class models which followed the 124 Series (126?). I was informed that this was because of higher engine temperatures and (alleged) sub-standard wiring insulation.

My wiring fault manifested itself in the SRS system. Being no expert, I misinterpreted the signs and initially thought it was something to with the engine wiring harness. However, Mercedes-Benz Technical told me that I was barking up the wrong tree.

den

A New VW Passat TDI.

CaliE320

E55 , E500, CLK500


~Cali

zahkunst

Mercedes needs a complete redesign and fast...all their current cars look like hondas or acuras with exception of the sL.....not impressed.

The fact that Kia alone just blatently copied the late 90's e-class front end (with a dash of jag) is reason enuff.

Talos

Definately an Audi A6. Reliability, features, value, handling, and overall "feel" of the vehicle make it my top choice in that class.