Merc 124 (E-class) purchase suggestions

[dabump]

Hi everyone. I live in South Africa, and here we have plenty of the old 124 E-Class mercedes' around. Some in good shape with full service history, and some in poor shape. Now, I'm looking for a second hand 124 shape that's in pristine condition, but would like to get your feelings as to what engine I should go for. My Dad told me to go for the 230E, the engine is aparently very robust, and that the 260 & 300 gave problems. From what I've seen in the UK, all flavours of 124 models you get there, we also got here at the time.

The majority of the vehicles around has around the 200,000km mark on the clock.

Thanks
Martin

 

[Ian B Walker]

Martin I am biased so forgive the one sided opinion. The 300-24 is the one to get but make sure it is pre 1990. No cat and 231bhp Driven with a little sense you will achieve 31mpg. Driven like you stole it and you will be into the low 20's. It is hard not to use so much hp.

 

[Natalie]

124 suggestions?

Yeah! Just get one!

 

[MangoMan]

I would go for the 300-12v. The main reason being that in all the years I lived in Zim/SA I never saw a 24 valve version so engine spares might be very hard to come by. And also, (I think) the front brakes and suspension are different.

Cheers, Bill

 

[Vlad]

I second the 300E....lovely smooth engine, ultra reliable and it has non of the more complex electricals fitted to the later 280 and 320 models.