E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

W124 1995 Cabriolet

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Old Apr 14, 2022 | 06:22 PM
  #1  
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Mercedes W124 Cabriolet 1995
W124 1995 Cabriolet

Hi everyone,
I’m new to this forum and have a general question on how to asses whether I should fix my W124 1995. The car mechanically runs good and is very smooth. I put in new radiator, and new engine wire harness. I am also having the transmission rebuilt.
The car needs a new paint job, top.
Mileage is 150k miles and I’m second owner.
Any help is appreciated
Thank you
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Old Apr 16, 2022 | 10:52 PM
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
Do not forget the TB wiring and the lower harness.
Once done, then you can confidently assess any electrical and most engine issues.
Are you assessing or looking for what additional-to-do ?
It seems you've already spend $$$ on some major fixes.
If it's the latter.....

Presuming DIY, get yourself or build a code reader and a DIY smoker to test for vacuum leaks / change out the 27 year old vacuum lines as a wip.
Check all components related to the cab - cleaning and lubricating with proper lube.
Use oem parts on wear items
Keep a spare OVP (kaehler or oem)
swap out all old fuses with copper ceramic. clean any corrosion on the brass fuse box connectors and sand lightly with light steel wool - add deoxit to the connectors.
Spare relays such as comfort relay, etc.

If it's the former, and you're looking to cut your expenses....

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Old May 1, 2022 | 02:00 AM
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Mercedes W124 Cabriolet 1995
Thank you

Originally Posted by khomer2
Do not forget the TB wiring and the lower harness.
Once done, then you can confidently assess any electrical and most engine issues.
Are you assessing or looking for what additional-to-do ?
It seems you've already spend $$$ on some major fixes.
If it's the latter.....

Presuming DIY, get yourself or build a code reader and a DIY smoker to test for vacuum leaks / change out the 27 year old vacuum lines as a wip.
Check all components related to the cab - cleaning and lubricating with proper lube.
Use oem parts on wear items
Keep a spare OVP (kaehler or oem)
swap out all old fuses with copper ceramic. clean any corrosion on the brass fuse box connectors and sand lightly with light steel wool - add deoxit to the connectors.
Spare relays such as comfort relay, etc.

If it's the former, and you're looking to cut your expenses....
Thank you, very helpful. I started with fuses but other stuff I have to take to mechanic. I just rebuilt transmission and cost me $ 2800
I Also have to change the soft top and fix the pump. It leaked oil last time I opened the top
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Old May 1, 2022 | 08:38 PM
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I think it's worth it. Cabriolets always seem to increase in value over time.
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Old May 2, 2022 | 11:47 AM
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190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
You are where I was a little over 10 years ago. Except not a cabriole but a sportline, 145K miles, 1995 W124. That's when the transmission reverse went bad and just like yours the original radiator started leaking at the plastic neck. I ended up selling it to a fella who had ruined his engine but had a good transmission. I had replaced the harness already.

I was the original owner in effect as my brother in law bought it and used it for 7K miles before I took over.

Long story short, I wished I kept mine though I later replaced the passion with my manual transmission '89 W201 (1st and 3rd owner, I know long story). So not sure if I could have kept both due to space constraints.

If space is not an issue, I would keep your cabriole. Hopefully when they rebuild your transmission they will(have) replace(d) that plastic reverse clutch seal with the metal one like it should have been in the first place.

- Cheers!
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