W124 here, having downsized from a W126 in my youth. I have to say, I never liked the w124 body shape, especially its hind-quarters even when they were new. I have to say, I haven't changed my opinion much, but it's slowly growing on me. The w126 looked like it meant business, and I suppose the w124 does as well, in a Teutonic way.
'21 C300 Coupe, '20 SLC Final Edition, Peugeot 208 (hers!) and a new Ford Kuga in Russia
While I was away this weekend, in the hotel car park, I ended up parked next to a '94 124 estate. First time I'd got to compare the S211 and S124 directly. Styling obviously has changed a lot, but there is a family likeness. But, what struck me was the quality of the 124. This one had been well looked after and just looked so solid compared to the 211. Somehow this 124 looked as if it could go round the world many times, combat various road conditions and still look and perfom well. Not sure if I could say that about my 211...
My wife tried to write off my '89 124 estate on a couple of occasions. She suceeded only in writing off her two 'opponents' in both fairly large shunts. The Mercedes just shoke itself down, had some cosmetic repairs and went on for years after. It was traded for a L*x*s back in 95, but we still used to see it in the area up to a couple of years ago. They were indeed strong!
Estate here for me too. 04/04 - rust? Had the tailgate resprayed, then replaced 6 months later when the rust reared its ugly head again. Rest seems fine but the lacquer has started to go where it meets the roof rails.
144k now and, given its shockingly low value now, I may just have to drive her into the ground. About 10 years should do it!