1995 estate

[Paul64]

Hi all,

I have need of some more space and have been offered a 1995 W124 estate, non-turbo diesel for €5k.
It's done 'approx' 200k km, has had some work done including new SLS and other bits and pieces. It's auto, leather, sunroof and has the 7 seat option.
It's been run for a few thousand miles on chip fat oil and seems to be a bit rough when cold at idle speed with this in it.
I think this is the 'indestructable' version of the engine, even more so running on vedge oil - is that right? Later 24v head, basic Bosch fuel pump etc etc?

The things that I found on it that were not right were the A/C seems a bit feeble - with this age of the W124, is that perhaps more likely to be the evap leaking than the compressor perhaps? Were the later or earlier evaps the problem ones??
The evap is a pretty big job for sure which might give me some bargaining power with the price.
Also, the two electric water control valves need replacing for the heater - pretty expensive too if you replace the complete things however, isn't there a rebuild kit available for them? I'm sure I've read about this somewhere, perhaps from Eastern Europe?

Any advice greatly received!

Thanks


Paul

 

[stevieb15]

Even if perfect, leather, AC, sun roof etc and 100k miles you're being asked all the money for a 16 year old car!

 

[d w124]

Paul:That sort of money should get you a nice one

 

[d w124]

Even if perfect, leather, AC, sun roof etc and 100k miles you're being asked all the money for a 16 year old car!

Considering he's in France the price is about right for a good one

 

[SilverSaloon]

Great cars (i have one) and also run it on veg oil. mine is at 241k now. veg oil for past 60k without any serious issues.

i paid quite a lot for mine from a specialist, doubt i would do again though, but thats mainly due to me not having the time to keep it "mint".

the 606 engine is great for veg oil. only issues are the rubbish clear pipe connections and having to take the manifold off to get to anything (glow plugs etc).

 

[Paul64]

Thanks for the heads up - I think it's a fairly good one and will try to get it for a test over the weekend to see what I else I can find.

For the price down here, it's not bad I thought however, I think it's rated at 13cv over here which means about €350 to register it....

Will see what comes of it and perhaps have a second W124 in the fold soon!


Paul

 

[Paul64]

Took the diesel out for an extended test last night and today - great runner, not exactly the same grunt as the 500 but seems quite 'relaxing' to drive and a bit softer.
All seems good so I think I'll be putting the cash down for it this week.

Looking forward to another 15 years of MB motoring!


Paul

 

[trapperjohn]

Great cars Paul.

Good Luck with the purchase.

 

[d w124]

Looking forward to the pictures than Paul

 

[Charles Morgan]

Good stuff! Certainly an eclectic mix of W124s.

 

[Paul64]

As they say, 'Horses for Courses'!

Photos to follow when purchase negotiations completed.......



Paul

 

[Paul64]

New Owner!

Well, did the deal last week on the car so am now the owner of a E300 Diesel estate.
Very happy and did over 1000km last week for work to give it a good run and see if it held together.... All OK and it did about 37.5mpg at a pretty constant 130km/hr.
The only fault I can find now is that one of the front dash-top speakers is buzzing though I guess a new set is less than £50? Anyone any tips on decent ones??
All the points I found previously were sorted before I paid up so am looking forward to a fair few years of economical luxury...

Took the car to the local clean-up hand car wash yesterday and it's now looking spic and span - all this for €4k? Best series of cars ever methinks.

Will post a few photos this week

Regards

Paul

 

[Paul64]

Photos...

Photos of the new workhorse.....

Paul

 

[Paul64]

And a few more....

 

[trapperjohn]

Looks really good Paul. Engine bay is immaculate. Everything else looks bang on the money.

 

[Benzmanc]

Looks really good Paul. Engine bay is immaculate. Everything else looks bang on the money.

I agree that looks very nice.

Daz

 

[Paul64]

Thanks - just passed the French MOT test this morning and I was surprised; there was zero smoke from the exhaust, even when they did the acceleration tests - very impressed, especially with an old-style injection system!

Looking forward to many miles of gentle cruising.....


Paul

 

[trapperjohn]

Blimey. I thought it was only ze Germans who started that early.

Well done on the pass.

 

[MD5]

The only fault I can find now is that one of the front dash-top speakers is buzzing though I guess a new set is less than £50? Anyone any tips on decent ones??Paul

Congrats on what looks like a great car, Paul.

Rainbow speakers are well regarded (random link), and I have them in one of mine. Robust, but the 12cm size and mounting limits your choice (and bass) to perhaps Pioneer and Blaupunkt, which were fitted originally, but they would probably be old stock if you can find them.

 

[Henry D]

That looks like a very tidy car,good find