E220 w124

[coalville126]

I've been offered one from a relation that'd recently stopped driving and was wondering what the general consensus is of M111 engine in a 124.

Has it got enough go to be a safe occasional daily driver? What about economy? Sorry for the questions, but I've only had ownership experience with M103 engined variants and a 250D which was rather slow.

I presume being a 4-cyl petrol engine, they're pretty reliable if looked after.

 

[Ted]

I had one, and whilst it certainly won't set the world on fire, there was plenty of power for what you would call 'normal' driving. It would easily maintain 80mph on the motorway with enough in reserve for overtaking, and was plenty powerful enough for all other situations.
The M111 engine is known more for its robustness and reliability than its refinement, but it was plenty smooth enough in the w124.

If you are looking for a day to day 'smoker' then I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

I can't think of any weak points on these engines, but W124s had biodegradable engine harnesses - they were definitely an issue on the M112, but not so sure it is an issue on the M111. - Certainly worth checking out.

 

[GP801]

The 220 is perfectly adequate for everyday use. Its not much more economical than the 6 cylinders though. You might get just over 30 mpg. Wiring loom is less of an issue on the 4 cylinder cars. It will certainly be much more sprightly than a 250D

 

[w124nut]

I ran from new, a 1995 E220 and it never gave me problems during the 11 years of ownership. I never got more than 33 mpg on a run with 25+ in suburbs being the norm.

 

[grober]

Had one for 10 years. Make sure there are no problems with the remote locking or any aftermarket immobiliser fitted. Great relaxed cruiser on the motorway. -recommended

 

[coalville126]

Thanks all for the replies - they are much appreciated!

I might have to have another think it as it's not much better than my 126 300SE. I would have it in an instant if it was a coupe.

I've my 126 since '01 or '02 and it hasn't missed apart from needing a fuel pump this year. The a/c still blows cold and it still easily returns 30mpg on a run. I don't really use it around town these days. Our Corsa 1.4 auto which we use as a runaround struggles to get 30mpg, usually 25mpg.

 

[syncropaddy]

My E220 gets on average 36mpg and has hit 40mpg on occasions. Reliable as they come with no issues with the wiring harness (yet) although I have heard rumblings that age also degrades them. Cheap and very cheerful motoring but keep the oil and filters changed in both engine and box

 

[grober]

It will be a little more nimble on its feet than the W126 which is from a previous generation of Mercs. It won't have that hewn from granite feel that the W123 W126 have of course but still pretty good. If its a saloon as opposed to more desirable coupe or estate or cabriolet then colour, trim level, wheels etc take on a greater importance. Its likely to be a water based paint car and thus more prone to rust than the pre 92/93 cars. A rust free well trimmed saloon in an attractive colour is still a good buy but idealy has to tick all the boxes

 

[Levismerc]

I've had my '93 E220 for just over two years now and I'm finding it great as a day to day car. It's good on fuel for the size of the car - I reckon I can hit late 30's mpg on a decent run without too much effort. It all really depends on your driving style I suppose.

It has more than enough 'go' for modern traffic and is a relaxed motorway cruiser. It's also nice and easy to work on with plenty of room in the engine bay.

 

[Deleted member 11979]

Great engine, economical and fast enough, head gasket went on mine, apparently not uncommon