Modernising my W124 estate

[SilverSaloon]

Hi

at the moment i've got my 124 estate standard spec with very little modification.

As its in superb condition body-wise i'm toying with the idea of making it appear more modern by applying some OEM modifications. Nothing garish, just small things to bring the looks a little more up-to-date, but still look standard.

Some would say "DONT DO IT" - the car is a good example of a 124 with rare spec for a diesel etc. I think i'd agree with that, but not sure so want to test the water.

the modifications that i've thought about so far are:

front of car:

- clear headlamps (xenon/projector style)
- crystl clear indicators (led style)
- parking sensors
- power folding wing mirrors (no indicators though)


rear of car:

- LED crystal tail lights
- OEM looking parking sensors
- 3rd brake light


interior:

- parktronic display on dash (OEM looking - seen another member fitted this)

Please take some time to vote on the poll.

... or should i just go away and wash my mouth out with soap!?

 

[mercboiuk]

I voted "Yes", but on a couple of suggestions.

I personally wouldn't go for crystal lenses, and if you do get some parking sensors, I'd do the front and rear, to even things up. And they'd have to be a good OEM-look - But then again, I can't see you not doing the job properly

Darren

 

[SilverSaloon]

hi

yes the parktronic mod would look OEM with colour coded sensors.

headlamps:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/W124-93-95-E-...14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

folding mirrors:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-W124...14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

rear tail lights:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/W124-85-95-5D...14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

crystal indicators:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-W124...14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318


side indicators:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-200-...14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

parktronic:

 

[mercboiuk]

Hmmm....I'm not convinced, SilverSaloon
I've seen those crystal lenses on w124s before, and it just didn't sit right(Not those wing mirrors, though).

But, I guess it's down to your own personal taste.
With regard to the lights, I'd keep the originals, so you can put it back to OEM if you were ever to sell it on

Darren

 

[SilverSaloon]

Hmmm....I'm not convinced, SilverSaloon
I've seen those crystal lenses on w124s before, and it just didn't sit right(Not those wing mirrors, though).

But, I guess it's down to your own personal taste.
With regard to the lights, I'd keep the originals, so you can put it back to OEM if you were ever to sell it on

Darren

i'm 50/50 - i dont particually like modded cars - but i think i would like a 124 with a modern touch. Ie nothing is different, just newer looking parts fitted to replace existing bits the same size.... Hence i'd value other's opinions

all original bits would be kept!

parking sensors is the only mod that would be permanent (due to drilling) - unless i fit new bumper inserts.

i would use the electric folding function of those wing mirrors but not use the indicators - i think that would look wrong on a 124.

All the mods i have in mind would come to a few hundred pounds so i need to be sure before i buy...

 

[andy_k]

I've only ever seen folding mirrors for LHD W 124s - there may be a problem sourcing some that fit your car

 

[Ade B]

It won't look more modern, but parking sensors and 3rd brake lightwould be a useful tweak.

Personally I'd keep the rest standard, its a lovely design and I can't see any advantages aesthetic or practical in fiddling with the lights. Excellent unmolested examples of these are becoming increasingly rare. Its a diesel so the Talbir treatment would be a bit of wrong turn..

If you want to spend money on the car, sound system upgrades, engine tweaks etc. would be money well spent imho.


Ade

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Not sure about the headlights, as they are so huge it may backfire and look cheap...

Deffo go for the crystal corners, I have them and I think they look fine

 

[manalishi]

Eh - pimping an estate? Whatever next...

The parking thingy has got to be a good idea on that monster, I guess.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Modernising? try this!:

 

[Smatt]

Changing bits on it can refresh you relationship with the car &, as you say, the light mods can be reversed.
For example, I recently changed my dash trim from aluminium to wood after 5yrs. I do not think it is necessarily better, but I like it & it makes a nice change, so I will leave it for now!
If you like the lights, then go for it!

 

[jaymanek]

Theres a chap around here who has crystal lights on his W124.. I think they look silly.
In my opinion, A w124 estate can look very nice if kitted up in the right kit... period AMG, Lorinser or Carat Kit...
Rear lenses and indicators but not headlamps unless they are the really smart looking xenon ones.

 

[SilverSaloon]

Theres a chap around here who has crystal lights on his W124.. I think they look silly.
In my opinion, A w124 estate can look very nice if kitted up in the right kit... period AMG, Lorinser or Carat Kit...
Rear lenses and indicators but not headlamps unless they are the really smart looking xenon ones.

i dont want to put any bodykit on it - just wanted to modernise some bits. I really like it the way it is - not sure fitting cheap crystal bits might make it look cheapo.

if i fit the indicators but not headlamps, it will look odd IMO. all or nothing?

i'm leaning towards leaving it as is.

 

[jaymanek]

I meant indicators like the ones you already have.. didnt notice you had clear already..

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

The parking sensors are a nice addition and your use to these with you previous cars, so anything such as this to make your car a more comfortable easy place to be gets my vote.

Cup holders, luggage nets in boot etc all help. Maybe just change your bulbs for better ones? I'm looking at these for my ML.

Not sure on the bling crystal, if its cheap enough buy it, change it and if you like it great. If not you will get your money back on flea bay.

Like most things though if you like you go for it.

 

[talbir]

The only items i would suggest from your list are the folding wing mirrors and 3rd brake light.

Parktronic is not needed unless it's a w126 SEL or w140. Does help, but some serious effort required to make it OEM, is it worth the pain ?

Folding wing mirrors is nice and easy - use w210 items and all you need to do is get bespoke framework that mates with the w124 window area. his will be a bespoke item but easily done. Wiring and functionality is a doddle.


talbir

 

[bigstuff]

when it's time to sell the ad would put most buyers off .not a fan of pimp my 124 est but not to say do none jist dont dae the lights

 

[bolide]

Not wishing to sit on the fence on this one...

Crystal / Lexus lights are the spawn of Satan

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Matt32AMG]

If it were me, do nothing that couldn’t be easily undone and put back to standard. JMHO unless of course it’s a keeper.

My 32AMG for example is going nowhere any time soon, so I wouldn’t mind tweaking the performance here and there. Different exhaust system maybe an option or possibly a LSD, (there was some interest shown doing a group buy when I first hooked up to this forum). But then we’re not really talking updating or modernisation, thats more tuning.

The bottom line is this, if you believe it will improve the driving experience both in terms of handling or improving the safety aspects of your car and you like it, then that is all that really matters.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

 

[Will]

One of the reasons that an old 124 can still hold it's own today is that they were always well built, understated cars that oozed class and still have that 'old money'/enthusiast/smart look about them. 2008-made mods look very out of place, and to me they ruin the whole appeal of the car. If anything, stick to mods close to OEM and from the correct era.

With the greatest of respect, if you want 'newer', why not go for a 210?

Sorry if that sounded a bit blunt, but it's just an honest opinion

Will