ZicZachZo

Hello all. I am currently the proud owner of a MB 190E 2.6. Although I love my car for all that she is and isn't - I think I am ready to move up to something a bit larger and something with a better range. I am in love with the older styles like the W124, but also love the W210. So, in your own opinions, can you guys tell me a little about both cars. I would like to get either a 94-95 124, or a 1996-1997 210. Pros and cons? I'm going to assume that the 210 had more problems due to it being a new model. The 124 was in it's last cycle from 94-95. But aside from the bugs that seem to have plagued the 210 at launch, would I still be able to take it above 200k without any major headaches? Also, what are some pros and cons with the straight six and the later V6. What engine will I get the most out of? Thoughts are welcome. I need your input!

Thanks guys.

E-Klasse

The Inline 6 is a great engine. If you like the W124 style, then get a 95 E320. The final year of the W124 would last you a long time. The V6 is a low budget replacement for the inline 6 that came in the E-Class for the 98 model year. The higher prices S-Class however kept the I6 until 99. The 95 W124 and the 96 W210 both have the I6 with the 4 speed transmission. The 97 has the I6 with the first generation 5 speed transmission. The 5 speed transmission was not without it's own set of problems. I feel that the 98 and 99 model years had the most trouble.

ZicZachZo

Thank you for your response. I was wondering about the 5 speed tranny so thank you for clearing that up. I haven't thought about the 6 cylinder s class. That is always a possibility. I'm trying to capitalize on the fact that my dad is a mechanic for Mercedes. His advice is to stay away from MB altogether but I can't do that. I'm hooked. I have been for years. What year is your 210?

lkchris

The "final years" of the W124--like all subsequent E-class--were the "facelift" years and the first years for the M104 engine, which was not troublefree. Budget $1K for engine wiring harness replacement and check for headgasket leaks.

The reason the M104 remained in the W140 even after introduction of the M112 (V6) in the W210 is that the W140 was about to be replaced. It was not installed in the W220. (In a similar fashion, the iron inline diesel remained in the W220 after the introduction of the V6 diesel in other models--W221s have V-diesels.)

As for M104 vs M112, the newer engine is lighter (it's aluminum, not iron), more powerful, and more economical. Call that "budget" if you wish.

The 5-speed is a fabulous upgrade over the 4-speed.

E-Klasse

First off, I have both a 1996 and a 2002 MB. so I have compaired the 2 drive trains a lot. As far as saying that the V6 is more powerful, that is not true. Mercedes is known for playing with the performance numbers to suit their marketing needs. The I6 has 229HP even though they only report like 219 in their literature. They claim any where from 215HP to 221 for the V6. The I6 is smoother and quieter but does weigh more and is larger while still getting 25 MPG. That is around the same as the V6. The 5 speed electronic controled transmission is indecisive and quirky. The manual shift mode is a joke because the computer tells it when to shift even when the driver selects to shift so there is a delay. Then there is that nasty habit they have to leak fluid in to the control module. Even though the old 4 speed is behind in the technology of the control system, it is good at doing what is needed when it needs too and is reliable. Getting back to the V6, there is that issue with the balancing dampener flying off and tearing up the front of the engine. It was designed to save Mercedes money in production costs by sharing parts and specs with the V8. These specs hurt the V6 because they are not suited for it but are enough to get by. I do my own work on my cars and the I6 is much easier to work on. But in the end, they both are Mercedes and it is up to you to decide what one you want.

ZicZachZo

I have the small 2.6 liter inline 6 in my 190E and the only complaint I can come to is the lack of low end power. But such is the nature with these engines right? Because once it's in 4th gear it's ready to go. I think with the 5th gear on the straight 6 would be the best combination for my tastes. The 4 speed is fine, but it annoys me that I can't go past 80 without the revs climbing past 4 grand. It sound like the engine will blow if I go past 100. Which I rarely do. Other than that, it is silky smooth and turbine-like in operation. Right now, the 97 E320 is looking very tasty. But now I have my eyes on a late model S320. Hmmmmmm.

Wadster

The classic W124 vs. it's replacement, the W210 is a tough one. I've had a '93 300E for seven years and a '98 E430 for over a year. If they still made the W124 body style, I'd keep buying them because that's how much I like it. But the problem with getting one is that the newest will still be at least twelve years old. Yes you can get a lot out of them but someone already did. Mine has 172,000 on the clock. How many are there near you with under 100K?

For the 210's, you're considering a '96-'97. But even those are already a decade on them. My 210 seems just as solid as the 124 and has options not available in the 124's. In your shoes, I'd consider an '01 or '02 car, which would already be five or six years old.

ZicZachZo

You're have a point there about the age situation. I have noticed there are a good number of lower mileage 210 running around than there are 124s. Owners of the 124s know their cars will push past 200k without much worry and therefore take them there and then decide to sell them. Leaving the lonely admirers without many low mileage examples. Unfortunate. On a side note. I have this little affection for the 210 wagon. There's something very elegant about them. Hmmm. Just my opinion.

lkchris

The M104 was designed to share parts with an inline four.

lkchris

The V6 is noted for a fat torque curve.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/new_V6.html

bzliteyear

the W124 isa great, but the challenge is finding one in solid condition. otherwise, you'll spend lots of money trying to make it right.

we've had small problems w/ the W210, but overall it's definitely a better driving car. i disagree w/ others about the shifting...if driven properly, i think it shifts quite nicely and it even holds gear well when i'm using the gas pedal in mid-range w/o shifting to higher gears like most japanese cars.

also, i think the V6 is a bit more responsive at lower rpm...but that could be the gearing making it feel stronger.

overall, given the selection out there, it might cost you as much to buy a clean W124 as a decent W210 because of the greater selection/supply out there, imho.

good luck.

ZicZachZo

Well, this article changes my opinion a bit. Buuttt, I have to commute to and from school and I just thought maybe a diesel should be considered? The diesels are a hot ticket item right now. Are they still legendary performers?

ReZzZ320

I've owned both and I can tell you the difference is astounding in terms of the driver

the W124 was built like a tank and had some of the strongest straight-6 engines on the market today. Infact ignore the numbers on the M104 coz you will definitely get more than what you expected albeit being in the high-end torque range

the W210 is the next best thing, sexier, safer, more luxurious yet it still has its fair share of problems by the looks of the posts here (thank god my car's still running in one piece) but you will definitely enjoy the 210's ride fell and quality

so my recommendation go for a 97 E320 or E300TD