Another 'what W124?' thread. Advice please.

[Spin_bowler]

Right.
A change of job means I now have the prospect of a public transport commute so I can change my daily workhorse to something more interesting and think that I'm going to use the opportunity to scratch my long-standing W124 coupe itch.

The car needs to be reliable enough to get me to the station, move the kids around locally and on the occasional longer run but I don't see myself adding more than 6K a year to it. It has to be a 320. I've learnt what little I know about these on the forum so would welcome any feedback on the four examples I've found here as I intend to start the search next week.

I've gone for what look like fairly-priced, unmolested examples. Does anyone know them, I don't think they've been posted on here before? Any input greatly appreciated.

1. Green 1993 on ebay
Mercedes-Benz E320 Coupe 1993 (94 Facelift MY) | eBay
Pros for this one:
- It's the cheapest of the three and appears to be a cherished example and a genuine private sale
- Best interior colour of the three
- Mention of £2K's worth of work done in recent work and head gasket mentioned specifically
Cons:
- highest mileage (albeit that that doesn't mean much in general scheme of things)
Questions:
- Is it a 'full facelift' following the recent thread about the 1993 TE/E320, not that I know whether

2. Blue 1996 at Motodrome
Welcome - MOTODROME
Pros:
- Dealer sale so some comeback
- Been on his site for at least three months and price has already come down from £2495
- Five speed rather than four speed box (is that a Pro?)
- Late example
Cons:
- Rusty arches mentioned as is air con not being 'ice-cold' (if it were just a simple re-gas surely the dealer would get it done?)
- Not a huge fan of the grey interior, although looks in good nick

3. Silver 1995 on ebay
1995 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS E320 Auto [5] COUPE | eBay
Pros:
- Dealer sale again
- Only 112K miles
Cons:
- arches look to be bubbling
- it's bloody miles away

4. Green 1995 on Autotrader 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E320
Pros:
- Dealer
- Best colour combo of the group
- Only 117K miles
Cons:
- Seems over-priced although not as much as some out there
- Looks like it's being moved on by a Porsche specialist, could be a big mark-up for no pre-sale prep/effort
- Location

Thanks in advance for any info or opinions.

 

[mattc]

Get one. they are a delight. Some say the 5 speed boxes are problematic but our estate and coupe have both been problem free.

would look for evidence of a wiring loom change.

At work I am about 10 miles from the first one in swadlincote so I can go look at it if you like?

 

[jaymanek]

Go for the 5 speed for sure, my estate has it and it's such a nice drive at motorway speeds... With the four speed the engine is revving far to high at 80+

 

[d w124]

Is imperial red any good?

 

[Spin_bowler]

Is imperial red any good?

Not ruling anything out on colour, that's my missus' job

 

[d w124]

Not ruling anything out on colour, that's my missus' job

Any good? http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/classifieds-cars-sale/114601-e320-c124-genii-amg-kit.html

 

[Spin_bowler]

I saw in the classifieds but assumed it had gone. I might come and see it, I'll drop you a PM if I want to. Thanks.

 

[tonywashere]

I'd say decide what other than being a 320 is important to you e.g. air con, leather etc and take your time, have a look at a couple close to home. Of course, I didn't do that just bought one cheaply locally then took it to a good indie and found out what needs doing Personally i don't put much store in any garage warranty - they'll wriggle out and tell you it's not covered, wear and tear, old car...
Ideally take it to a knowledgeable garage and get them to examine it and tell you what it needs and how much that will cost.

 

[Spin_bowler]

Update

I've been in dialogue with the seller on this one and he seems genuine, has answered everything honestly so I'm going to take the trip up the M1 to see it tomorrow night.

The loom's not been done but it's had plenty spent on other things and regular servicing. He assures me it's all running as it should. If I like it the plan would be to buy it and stick exactly the same amount again away for either some preventative maintenance and/or to meet any sudden bills.

1. Green 1993 on ebay
Mercedes-Benz E320 Coupe 1993 (94 Facelift MY) | eBay
Pros for this one:
- It's the cheapest of the three and appears to be a cherished example and a genuine private sale
- Best interior colour of the three
- Mention of £2K's worth of work done in recent work and head gasket mentioned specifically
Cons:
- highest mileage (albeit that that doesn't mean much in general scheme of things)
Questions:
- Is it a 'full facelift' following the recent thread about the 1993 TE/E320, not that I know whether that matters to me

 

[Biglips]

That looks to be a lovely example. Let us know how you get on

 

[grober]

I've been in dialogue with the seller on this one and he seems genuine, has answered everything honestly so I'm going to take the trip up the M1 to see it tomorrow night.

The loom's not been done but it's had plenty spent on other things and regular servicing. He assures me it's all running as it should. If I like it the plan would be to buy it and stick exactly the same amount again away for either some preventative maintenance and/or to meet any sudden bills.

From the photos and description and general "VIBE" that would my choice. Impossible to sayat a distance really but it often informative to look at the seller as well as the car. Ask him why he is selling such a cherished car ?

 

[Spin_bowler]

Just back from seeing the Malachite green one. It's a peach; well cared-for, in good, original condition, everything works and precious little rot. The owner was a nice chap who obviously loves his Mercs.

Hopefully I can agree terms (with the misses as well as the seller) and get that on my drive over the weekend.

@Grober. He's selling because it simply doesn't see any useful amount of use, a couple of hundred of miles or so over the last five months.

 

[lordlee]

Bid him at £1600. Its winter and xmas is coming up so I think its a good starting point. At £1750 it would be a good buy IMO.

 

[grober]

Bid him at £1600. Its winter and xmas is coming up so I think its a good starting point. At £1750 it would be a good buy IMO.

If you like the car -and the seller---- then make him a decent offer-- remember if its a"good un" there are other buyers out there and it could disappear . If there's one thing that puts sellers of genuine cars off its "chiselers" trying a wheeler dealer act on a solid car

 

[Spin_bowler]

If you like the car -and the seller---- then make him a decent offer-- remember if its a"good un" there are other buyers out there and it could disappear . If there's one thing that puts sellers of genuine cars off its "chiselers" trying a wheeler dealer act on a solid car

Yep. He won't take £1600 for it as he's got plenty of storage space, obviously doesn't need the cash and originally wanted a lot more than what he's asking for it now. It certainly owes him a good deal more than that!

 

[lordlee]

Yep. He won't take £1600 for it as he's got plenty of storage space, obviously doesn't need the cash and originally wanted a lot more than what he's asking for it now. It certainly owes him a good deal more than that!

I merely meant its a good starting point. They arent fast selling cars and green isnt the most desirable colour. Its not 'wheeler dealer' to bid for a car - its only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.

 

[Spin_bowler]

I will make an offer, it just won't be as low as 16. There's a couple of bargaining points and you're right about the colour. Fortunately I quite like it.

As you say, it's only worth what someone's prepared to pay, but at the 2 grand end of the market a ton here or there is a huge percentage of the overall price and it's not worth losing either a sale or a good car for the sake of what you'd spend on a night out with the boys.

 

[jaymanek]

I wouldnt hesitate, just buy it, looks a nice car... no mention of the loom though?

 

[Spin_bowler]

Nope, loom not been done. What I could see looked in good condition and it has survived the upheaval of the HG being replaced but I would budget on getting it done at some point.

 

[Spin_bowler]

The deed is done!

We've agreed a price, just got to organise collection etc. hopefully I can get it next weekend.