A Mercedes W 124, whether sedan, T-model, or coupé, is a sleek youngtimer for everyday usage. Convertibles and V8s have always been popular among collectors. “I drive a 124,” it’s simple to say. Most automobile aficionados immediately think of a mid-range Mercedes, and they seldom consider a Fiat.
But which 124 is it, exactly? The sedan introduced at the end of 1984, which followed the baroque predecessor with a design that many found unusual at the time because it was so straightforward? Or how about the T-sedan station wagon with the S 124 series code, which was a star at the Frankfurt IAA in 1985? The “124” might also refer to the C 124 coupé, which was unveiled at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show. Not just because of the 8.5-centimeter-shortened wheelbase, but also because the stylish design aroused an unexpected elegance.
The A 124 convertible, which completed the gang of four in 1991 and was the final 124 to be produced in 1997, is all that remains.
Mercedes-Benz produced 2.5 million W124s.
Mercedes-benz w124 for sale. As you can see, the 124, which was produced in over 2.5 million units, did a lot to fulfill the needs of a wide range of purchasers, including those who wanted all-wheel drive. In 1985, it was renamed 4Matic and added to the lineup.
This also assures that everyone will be able to locate their 124 today. It is just necessary to approach the search with caution and to remember that when purchasing a low-cost property, the purchase price is typically simply the beginning.
The W124 and its derivatives may have all of the nasties in stock that will test your nerves once you purchase it. Possess the ability. You don’t have to, though.
For the middle class with the star, rust, for example, is far from a strange four-letter term. Water can enter the front fenders over the turn signal housings or the rear lights owing to shrinking seals. Wheel arches, rocker panels, and jack mounts, as well as the sheet metal around the back window, may all be found if you look hard enough. And sometimes you have to look for a long time.
Four strengthened metal sheets are accommodated by the multi-link axle responsible for the smooth suspension comfort and delightful handling – previously known from the tiny W 201. They prefer to decay over time, and the only way to tell how far the rot has proceeded is to use a lifting platform.
If everything seems good in the back, detach the front end’s underrun protection and examine the wishbone mounts on the front axle support. The carrier and handlebars are prone to corrosion. A supposedly inexpensive car in the 1000 euro range (usually a four-cylinder sedan) can quickly become unroadworthy and require a lot of work and money to get back on the road.
Furthermore, two pieces of information are critical in the hunt for rust: The E-Class received flat paneling on the fenders and doors for the first modest facelift in August 1989, dubbed the Sacco boards after Mercedes head designer Bruno Sacco. They do a good job of hiding rust (which was not the intention for their introduction) and should be removed after a thorough inspection.
Water-based paint is a term used to describe a type of paint
Second, August 1992. After that, Mercedes began using water-based paints. A decision with consequences, because the environmentally friendly paints were frequently contaminated by incorrect production processes before they reached the sheet metal, and the sheet metal rusted more intensely from then on. Mercedes made significant changes, including new painting on older cars. However, some powerful voices are skeptical of these paints.
You may depend on having a copy of the water-based paint years in front of you if there are huge patches of peeling paint – also with corrosion underlying.
Phew, some may say, there are a lot of flaws in such a popular vehicle. But, as I have stated, it does not have to be this way. Many owners put money into upkeep and value preservation, and there are still good second- and third-hand models out there that promise and provide driving enjoyment straight away, with no maintenance or repair backlog.
This is very dependent on the engine chosen. Even with modest demands on temperament, you don’t need to do yourself a 200D anymore, because 75 PS hardly delivers the sovereignty that one expects from a commodity E-Class. It fits well from 90 PS, yet connoisseurs like the automatic.
The W 124’s manual gearboxes aren’t even close to the accuracy and usefulness of the permanent opponent from Munich. And that’s without even mentioning the famed bonanza effect, which created even more problems in the early years of manufacturing than the single-arm windshield wiper, which tends to leave streaks, but which performs better with age than many doubters imagined.
It has been demonstrated that four-speed transmissions have much better gas mileage than five-speed transmissions, with the highest gear serving as an overdrive. The three-liter four-valve M 104, which was debuted in 1989, is as much fun as a switch.
It adds a surprising sportiness to the vehicle with its quick revving. But, returning to the gearboxes, the torque converters, which Mercedes created in-house and did not purchase, captivate with their flawlessly timed and performed gear shifts and the wide range of engine personalities, from the 72 horsepower diesel to the 326 PS-V8 tuned.
However, if the odometer reads more than 300,000 kilometers, the bonus period has begun for you, even if the oil was changed every 100,000 kilometers.
That is to say, you should have a few euros set aside on the high end in case the transmission requires a total repair or replacement, which attracts attention to the near end with jerky gear shifts. On the test drive, the differential screams a little? Do not exaggerate; this is common in old age and might last a long period.
Good for a long distance
The engines in the W 124, of which there were several, were likewise good for half a million kilometers. The M-102 family of four-cylinder petrol engines, which were first used in the W 124 in 1984/85, are not very lively, but they are simple and reliable. The early two-valve six-cylinder M 103 petrol engines, which are still among the finest in terms of operating smoothness, are closely related.
Of course, the 300 series is particularly desirable, as it lost some power due to the addition of a catalytic converter, but still delivers 180 horsepower with confidence. Connoisseurs prefer the 260, which has a reduced performance than the 300 but is only visible when moving from it. The four-valve 300 series M 104, introduced in 1989, is a little more robust and anxious, and is ideally suited to a coupé or convertible.
Collector’s copies of the AMG models with 3.4 and 3.6 liter capacity and outputs ranging from 252 to 272 horsepower are currently in high demand.
The E-Class is best suited to the new four-valve variants released in 1992 in the E 200 and E 220 (four-cylinder) and E 280 and E 320 (six-cylinder). The four-cylinder engines may not sound particularly exciting, but with plenty of torque and low fuel consumption, the six-cylinders are unquestionably fun.
Flow dividers and engine harnesses are issues.
With age, the cylinder head gaskets on all petrol engines can blow through. Early KE-Jetronic engines can also suffer from faulty flow dividers, which isn’t a huge concern because spare parts are plentiful. Even at large mileages, diesel engines are trouble-free, with the turbocharger providing a possible issue area.
The engine wiring harnesses are a recognized concern with the W 124 since its introduction in 1993. The heat in the front of the automobile just crumbles them, causing overvoltages to damage the engine control systems. Of course, this is especially true for the magnificent eight-cylinder engines of the 400 E and 500 E, which, owing to their brilliance, have a long service life and, aside from the timing chain tensioner’s plastic sliding rails, have no serious flaws.
Check the electric belt feeders in the convertible and coupé; in the T-model, double-check the standard tailgate closing and the rear axle level control. Otherwise, seek in peace, compare, don’t purchase the lowest, and then enjoy – whatever it is that you find.
Checking your body
The final Mercedes-Benz W 124 generation is distinguished by a badge radiator, hooded headlights, and an uniquely formed trunk lid. Despite enhanced rust control, the late years of building, 1994 to 1997, likely to corrode again. When you switch to water-based paint, you’ll see paint flakes on the surface that rust. Corrosion is usually seen in the cavities of earlier models.
The rust starts at the shock absorber strut mounts and may be seen from within the engine compartment, or even better, from the front wheel arch. This load-bearing component rusts through significantly more frequently than the shock absorber strut mountings and coil springs, which on the 124 type break at the lower turn, which is not evident when driving. In a more benign form, rust affects the front fenders between the indicators and the fenders.
Because the jack mountings are more likely to damage the Mercedes-Benz W 124 rocker panels, it’s critical to remove the sealing covers and inspect the nearby lower edges of the front fenders, especially the rocker tips.
The wheel arches, especially those near the sill, are frequently struck. The development of bubbles surrounding the antenna hole is also common. In the case of Mercedes-Benz W 124 Coupés, prospective buyers should carefully inspect the rear window frame, particularly at the top edge toward the roof – where the trim is placed. Seat cheeks are continually chafed in the inside, especially in the “Check cloth” version.
Check your technology
A Mercedes-Benz W 124 is thought to be indestructible. This, however, only applies to kinds that have been well-maintained and have no maintenance backlog. Insiders believe the four-cylinder M 102 engine with the duplex timing chain to be the greatest suggestion, even ahead of the six-cylinder M 103.
Oil leaks on the face and occasionally poor cylinder head gaskets plague the six-cylinder, which is exceptional in terms of driving comfort. In the beginning, run-in camshafts were also a problem. The six-cylinder, four-valve M104 had the same piston ring issues as the 300-24, and it wasn’t until the 320 that everything seemed to be in order.
In terms of economy, robustness, and smooth operation, the four-cylinder four-valve M111 is regarded as exceptional. However, air conditioning compressors are frequently malfunctioning, and if there are sealing issues, costly overhauls and refills are required. The four- or five-speed automatic gearboxes (300-24, 320) with two shift programs are highly pleasant, although they don’t often survive as long as the engines. With the Mercedes-Benz W 124, pay attention to possible shift jerks and accurate shift points.
Prices
The AMG models, the 500, and convertibles are readily recognized as high-flyers. Coupés and T-models are only a few inches taller than sedans. All-wheel drive isn’t particularly popular.
For four-digit euro sums, you can have a nice four-cylinder vehicle. A good six-cylinder coupe will set you back roughly 10,000 euros. The 400E is substantially less expensive than a 500E, which Classic Analytics is putting at around 40,000 euros in good condition. However, components and maintenance for both eight-cylinder engines are typically equivalent in complexity and cost.
Replacement parts
The Mercedes-Benz W 124 has a motto: order today, get it tomorrow with every MB contract partner. Only the most unique requirements, such as uncommon upholstery fabrics or cladding, cannot be met in such a short amount of time. Even genuine Bosch, VDO, or Continental replacements are frequently sourced from Eastern Europe, although the quality standard is at least equivalent. Counterfeiting and low-cost components, on the other hand, are warned against.
Weak points
- Mudguards and standing sheets
- Shock absorber brackets
- Wishbone mounts
- Rocker / jack mounts
- Paint (from 8/92)
- Rear wheel arches
- Rear axle mounts
- Cylinder head gasket
- Timing chain rails (V8)
- KE-Jetronic, wiring harness
- Hydraulic valve lifters
- Injection pump (diesel)
The Mercedes-Benz W124 series is perfect for youngtimers because of its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical resilience. This, however, does not apply to everyone. Long-distance driving and sloppy maintenance take their toll. Later vintages with water-based paint are also prone to rust.
Keyword: Mercedes Benz W124 (1985-1996) Weaknesses, Prices