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1966 Mercedes 250S/ 1993 Mercedes 300E 2.8/ 1987 Buick Grand National/ 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat
On the hunt for a W124...
Hello, all!
I am looking for a car to eventually turn over to my soon-to-be driver's permit carrying stepson. For the time being, I will drive it and make sure any needs and maintenance are completed. This will be an opportunity to teach him the basics of car ownership and the pride of d.i.y. repairs. He's a car nut, but not a typical 14 year old car nut. He doesn't get too worked up if we see a McLaren in traffic, but he will go bananas if we see a 300TD wagon. Personally, I think the 124 is one of the best values in the automotive world when you factor in safety, comfort, handling, performance, durability, etc., and when you look at the price of entry, very few cars (W126 notwithstanding) offer so many attributes for so little money. Enter the 124: excellent choice for a first car, no?
There is a 1993 300E 2.8 that is semi-local to me, but just far enough away that I can't see it until the weekend. It is an absolute cream-puff with 70k miles and zero functionality issues, two small exterior blemishes. Current owner has replaced nearly every fluid and suspension component over the last 3 years. What he has not replaced it the dreaded engine harness. I asked him about this and he said he was very aware of the eco wiring on some of these cars, but upon inspection, he said the wire sheathing appears to be pliable and it is fully intact. He did say that the date on the harness is indeed 1993, so it has not been updated, but simply saw no need to replace the harness considering it's current condition. Other than that, nothing is needed, whatsoever. Seller is asking $5k and we talked a bit about the harness, which as I understand is $1,200 through Autohausaz.com, so seller is considering selling it to me for $4k. IF (and that is a big "IF") this car does not sell to anyone in the mean time, I am going to make a move on it, but I have a few questions from the knowledgeable folks on this site, first.
To start with: My research seems to yield conflicting results in regards to just which cars are affected by the eco harnesses. I've read that some 1992 cars had them, but all 1993-1995 cars had them, I've read that zero 1992 cars had them, but some (not all) 1993 cars had them, and I watched a video from Kent Bergsma where he stated "If you have a 1993 124, your car MIGHT have one of these harnesses.". Is there any chance this car doesn't have the problematic harness? Is there any way to be sure? I would very much want to make sure to avoid trouble before it starts, but at the same time, I agree with the current owner who believes there is no reason to replace it, if it is in seemingly perfect condition.
If things don't pan out on this car, is there a certain model year 124 that your experience has revealed to be better than the others? Worse? My research has probably left me more confused than I was when I began, lol. Some folks swear by the m103, others prefer the m104. OM60x engines seem to be universally respected, save for a few head gasket complaints, iirc. Some people have said that the later model 124 gas engines make their power lower in the rpm range, so they have a noticeably better driving experience. Others like the earlier 124 due to simplicity. It seems that Pierre Hedary is in the latter camp, though I'm not sure I've heard him say why... perhaps simplicity?
Gas or diesel options are open. I like the idea of the diesel because they aren't as zippy as the gas models, and he certainly doesn't need anything zippy. However, the gas models are more plentiful, and typically cheaper. At this point, I would say that V8 cars are out of the question.
Looking forward to chatting with some of you and learning about your personal experience with these wonderful machines. Thanks in advance!
I've got a Italian W124 E250 TD with the OM602. It's a good engine, efficient and has enough power. If you're considering a wagon check the boot side windows for rust.
The eco wiring harness normally goes bad quicker were it gets hot.
With the OM60x engines the breather diaphragm is inside the valve cover and goes hard as plastic and can break. Here's one dismantled, the diaphragm isn't available from anywhere. I'm working on a solution for this.
1966 Mercedes 250S/ 1993 Mercedes 300E 2.8/ 1987 Buick Grand National/ 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat
Originally Posted by Habil
I've got a Italian W124 E250 TD with the OM602. It's a good engine, efficient and has enough power. If you're considering a wagon check the boot side windows for rust.
The eco wiring harness normally goes bad quicker were it gets hot.
With the OM60x engines the breather diaphragm is inside the valve cover and goes hard as plastic and can break. Here's one dismantled, the diaphragm isn't available from anywhere. I'm working on a solution for this.
Good info... I'd love a wagon, but they don't pop up very often.
That's an interesting bit of info on the harness, as this car has spent it's life in northern Iowa and now Nebraska. Cooler climates than average, I'd say.
Finally found time to read your post, yeah virtually any non-molested, reasonably well-maintained W124 is a great buy. I've owned two E420s for years now, bought them when they could still be found for not too much money, ruined all other cars for me by comparison.
The later model eco harness is not as big a deal as one would think. In fact, the harness was such a problem early on that many cars have a replacement harness that can be identified by a "delphi" label, see this label and you're good. Both my cars had their OG harness and they are not at all complicated; instead of buying a replacement I just fabbed my own using some automotive-grade wire harvested from the pick and pull along with the original W124 connectors. Fabbing your own harness is relatively easy if you know your way around a soldering iron and a crimper. Aside from the engine harness you'll need to be concerned about the ETA (electronic throttle) wiring, same biodegradeable insulation used here. Dealing with the ETA is a bit trickier but I was able to obtain a pin-out diagram and take care of this as well with minimal cost/effort.
I've never owned a six-cylinder W124 so I can't give you comparison notes on the M103 vs M104, both get high marks from what I've heard though.
Ive got a silver Mercedes 1995 wagon with black interior , no rust , ac works , cruise works , was going to keep it but dumped a whole bunch of money into my 1994 wagon which now decided to keep , I need o fix a couple of things on th 1995 wagon left window regulator , rear bumper strip replace , radio then its ready for sale in about a month I want $3,000 in los angeles
First, I'd like to say that I recognize it would be improper etiquette to hi-jack a "for sale" offer from another thread. With the previous in mind, should 87NATTY have no interest in a vehicle so far from home I would since I happen to be in the LA area. Even if 87NATTY is interested I'd gladly offer to check it out and promise NOT to buy it out from under him unless he gives the OK. I'm out looking at cars this morning so just lemme know.
Last edited by D O; Aug 30, 2020 at 02:12 PM.
Reason: grammar
1966 Mercedes 250S/ 1993 Mercedes 300E 2.8/ 1987 Buick Grand National/ 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat
Thank you all for the replies, been extremely busy and I have not been on the forum for awhile. I did purchase the 70k mile w124 for $4k, yesterday. So far, I'm very impressed. It is a wonderful car.
Ive got a silver Mercedes 1995 wagon with black interior , no rust , ac works , cruise works , was going to keep it but dumped a whole bunch of money into my 1994 wagon which now decided to keep , I need o fix a couple of things on th 1995 wagon left window regulator , rear bumper strip replace , radio then its ready for sale in about a month I want $3,000 in los angeles
Congrats on your W124 purchase. You got a great deal as good ones like yours are now going up in price. I hope you have many happy miles with it. Another way to check to see if your car has the biodegradable harness is to locate your car's VIN# and then contact the MB Classic Center in California. They'll be able to tell you for sure if your car has the biodegradable wiring harness. If I remember correctly, I think it was the 94/95 E300s that had the biodegradable wiring harness while the earlier 300Es did not. I've also read more than once in "Mercedes Enthusiast" magazine that the 94/95 E300s were not as well built as the earlier 300Es so you may have lucked out by buying the earlier 300E. I would be curious to know what such W124 owners experiences have been.
2003 SL500, 1997 SL500,1995 E320, 2000 BMW Z3, 1979 Ferrari GTB, 2000 MB C230K
I have a 1995 E320 with a new updated engine wiring harness. 116000 miles 2 owner with clean carfax. Like new interior, all electrics work. I am not a dealer. Located in eastern NC. Around $4000.
I have a 1995 E320 with a new updated engine wiring harness. 116000 miles 2 owner with clean carfax. Like new interior, all electrics work. I am not a dealer. Located in eastern NC. Around $4000.
I dont want to get ahead of anyone else, but I am interested.
Similar story. For my son to drive. And a bit of a vicarious by dad. ; )
1966 Mercedes 250S/ 1993 Mercedes 300E 2.8/ 1987 Buick Grand National/ 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat
Originally Posted by 190Efan
Congrats on your W124 purchase. You got a great deal as good ones like yours are now going up in price. I hope you have many happy miles with it. Another way to check to see if your car has the biodegradable harness is to locate your car's VIN# and then contact the MB Classic Center in California. They'll be able to tell you for sure if your car has the biodegradable wiring harness. If I remember correctly, I think it was the 94/95 E300s that had the biodegradable wiring harness while the earlier 300Es did not. I've also read more than once in "Mercedes Enthusiast" magazine that the 94/95 E300s were not as well built as the earlier 300Es so you may have lucked out by buying the earlier 300E. I would be curious to know what such W124 owners experiences have been.
Thank you for the info, I've been keeping it exercised for him. 😀
I am selling my wagon. It's probably one of the most mechanically sound ones out there. I have fixed just about everything and it is a clean ex California car. Its currently garaged in Salt Lake City Utah.
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