It's a keeper.

[MattyBass]

I got my Merc (das beast) back in February of this year when i was moved out to Germany. It was a bargain, came with a mountain of paperwork, a few spare parts and was in fairly good nick, just a bit tired as it had done 320K Km.
I always promised myself a fast car when i got out here, as it would probably be the only time i could afford to run/buy one. So i thought the 200 would be a stop-gap before i moved onto something faster.
However, after living with her for 6 months now, and considering it got through the worst winter i have ever known (-19 and snow on the ground for 4 months) without so much as a squeak i have decided to keep her. I looked round for other cars to buy, but i always backed out as i couldn't part with this one.
I have decided that seeing as i am sticking with this one, i need to do a bit of tidying up. I have started on the surface rust on the back and bought myself a new bootlid to replace the rotten one on now, plus it means i can get rid of the horrible spoiler on there now.
Next jobs are to replace the bent aeriel, remove the towbar, try and find some replacement wood trim for the interior, and replace the rear lenses for some more modern ones, as they don't match the clear indicators i have on the front.
All in all, i would say it is the best car i've ever owned, (although i have had 2 Citroens and a Clio, so not much to compare it against). It's lovely and smooth on the autobahns, can easily cruise at 80+mph, and still returns good mpg. I can fit 2 mountain bikes in the boot, and take 4 mates around with me, easy.
I'm gonna start taking some progress pics, and before and after ones to show the differences.
I'm definitely converted to the MB brand, and will be buying one when i get back to the UK, unless i bring this one back with me!

 

[coupe deville]

320K km and the next jobs are replacing a bent ariel and removing an unwanted towbar Just about says it all for the 124

 

[MattyBass]

Yep, mechanically it's pretty sound, no rust on the arches, and no rust on the sills.
There's a funny buzzing noise coming from behind the dash, but it'll be a challenge finding what it is!

 

[MattyBass]

I'm also a bit torn between replacing the rear lenses with the facelift versions to match the clear indicators, or sticking the orange ones back on it to keep it original.

 

[MattyBass]

'sniff' maybe i won't post any pictures, 121 views and only one reply, with all these AMG's and V8's on here, nobodies interested in my lowly 200E 'sniff'

 

[Merco]

Hang in there Matt - I'm interested but unfortunately not skilled or knowledgable enough to help you. Will be reading with interest though and others will no doubt be along shortly to help you out!

Congrats on the car...

 

[peter123]

Don't think you need to keep it original, the newer parts are hardly going to ruin the car!

I know what its like not wanting to part with a Merc-Lets see the pics then!!!

 

[219]

'sniff' maybe i won't post any pictures, 121 views and only one reply, with all these AMG's and V8's on here, nobodies interested in my lowly 200E 'sniff'

Only saw this , W124's are fine cars , very refined and stylish at the same time .

I'd keep the towbar : if you're into cycling it would be handy to mount a cycle carrier onto - leaves the boot free for other stuff .

Make the most of being in Germany - land of cheap Mercs and loads of spare parts

eBay.de is your friend .

 

[MattyBass]

I took the tow ball off the tow bar, as it wouldn't fit in the garage otherwise. I'm just left with the tow bar hanging under the car, which looks naff. Plus i've known friends who've had their bikes nicked off the back of tow bars before so i prefer to keep mine in the boot.

Ebay.de is my friend, it is also the reason why i'm skint, i need to limit my time on there or i'll go hungry.

Attached a pic of 'das beast' i took a while back after a days polishing.

 

[Simba]

A very nice looking car,well done.

 

[trapperjohn]

Now that is class. Sportsline type seat trim too.
Defo a keeper as you say. Well done.
Removing the spoiler will be a plus in my eyes too.

Does Herforder Pils still come in the little "yellow handbags" (12 packs) as we used to call them?

 

[MattyBass]

It certainly does, and it's still cheaper than water.

 

[MattyBass]

Now that is class. Sportsline type seat trim too.
Defo a keeper as you say. Well done.
Removing the spoiler will be a plus in my eyes too.

Does Herforder Pils still come in the little "yellow handbags" (12 packs) as we used to call them?

I take it you have been out here in the past then? 'Yellow handbags' is a phrase only known to a select group!

 

[trapperjohn]

I was a member of that select group.

Ahhh them were the days. Yellow handbags stocked by all No Ambition And F**k All Interest shopping emporia everywhere in Germany.

I did at course a 7 Sigs in Herford which introduced me to the aforesaid falling down water. Ever after it was the distaff's sides duty to make sure there were enough "handbags" in for the weekend. Always make me smile when the newspapers rattle on about the latest designer handbags. There is only one handbag worth having and that has got Herforder written all over it.
Have one for me this weekend.

 

[MattyBass]

Hmm, after a bit of poking round with a screwdriver, it seems my car is mainly made of rust and paint. So after careful consideration, i will be getting rid after all, before i end up with just some seats and wheels, with the rest of the car a pile of red dust.

Let the search for a new car begin!

 

[trapperjohn]

Crap. It looked a keeper too.

Good Luck with the search.

If you scrap it there is a "specialist" guy in Belgium who takes in 124's /190's. Pays good money so I am told. He will have it picked up too. I think he uses Eddie Stobart as his hauler. You just need somewhere to drive it on to the back of his truck.

 

[mattc]

where is the rust?

 

[MattyBass]

where is the rust?

At the back end mainly, i took the rear light out to clean it up and get rid of what i thought was surface rust. I started tapping away with a screwdriver to get rid of the flaky stuff, and it just all came away, leaving quite a big hole.

There's also some on the rear wheel arch and the front as well. I'm sure it could be fixed with some new panels, but it would cost and i don't think it's worth it.