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New to MB andf need advice!

I spent hours last night reading just about every thread here about W124's.

If I buy a W124 for less than £1,000, then three thing jump out at me:

1/ if the diff fails, then the car is scrap (£1,000 to repair).
2/ If the loom fails, then the car is scrap (£600 to repair).
3/ If the suspension fails, then it is either an expensive job to repair or a tricky and time comsuming DIY job.

Have I got all of this correct?

How can I avoid buying a car with diff/loom/suspension issues?

Thanks.

No to the "Have I got all of this correct?" question.

1) I don't think diff failure is a big issue at all. Rare to happen & if it does they are availble in their millions for peanuts from breakers.

2) Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the wiring loom issue only affects post facelift cars with M104 engines, E280s & E320s.

3) Self leveling rear suspension? More of an issue than diffs but if it's working chances are it'll stay that way I think.
 
OK, thanks!

1/ There was a thread somewhere here which said £1,000. I'll see if I can find it.......

2/ So if I stick with 4 pot engines, I should be fine?

3/ OK, thanks. Just keep my fingers crossed then!
 
A dif rebuild costs me £350 + vat and that is for all seals, all bearings and a 12 month guarantee.
 
1/ There was a thread somewhere here which said £1,000. I'll see if I can find it.......

Here it is (post #6):


Well worth changing the diff oil /

The ASD diff on my 300TE packed in at a little over 200K ; a new diff was going to be over a grand for the part alone as an exchange unit - more than the car was worth .

My pal James is currently breaking an E200T which the owner put off the road because , you've guessed it , the diff packed in .

There was a story in the Gazette a year or two back about a very high mileage deisel 124 and the only major component to have been replaced was the diff .

I think I can see a pattern here .
 
Thanks. I'm happy with a 4 pot, as mpg is more important to me than mph.
 
Another question (sorry!)

Do they all come with the self leveling rear suspension or do some of them have a 'normal' set up?
 
Another question (sorry!)

Do they all come with the self leveling rear suspension or do some of them have a 'normal' set up?

I've just read all estates do have the self leveling suspension, is this true?
 
I spent hours last night reading just about every thread here about W124's.

If I buy a W124 for less than £1,000, then three thing jump out at me:

1/ if the diff fails, then the car is scrap (£1,000 to repair).
2/ If the loom fails, then the car is scrap (£600 to repair).
3/ If the suspension fails, then it is either an expensive job to repair or a tricky and time comsuming DIY job.

Have I got all of this correct?

How can I avoid buying a car with diff/loom/suspension issues?

Thanks.

Used diffs are £50 or so for old models, and only the Diesels and E200/200TE have any real issues.

The loom is only a problem for M104s, and many have already had a new loom.

Suspension is not really much of a problem, spheres are the usual suspects.
 
OK, thanks!

I'm feel much more confident about buying one now!
 
Just to say thanks to everyone, and I have (nearly!) bought a W124 E220 Estate: getting it next weekend.

Auto, silver, no rust on wings, just run in at 179,000 miles. I'll post photos/details once I have it here.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted in this thread.
 
Just to say thanks to everyone, and I have (nearly!) bought a W124 E220 Estate: getting it next weekend.

Auto, silver, no rust on wings, just run in at 179,000 miles. I'll post photos/details once I have it here.

O0o0o0o0oh, I'm picking this up tomorrow :p Looking forward to it.

Do you know, I have never driven a MB, I don't think I have ever even been in one, so this is a total leap in the dark! Wish me luck!
 
You have picked exactly the right engine and the right car. My 124 Estate have 270,000k+ and runs sweet as a nut. When I initially bought the car it had some issues (as all new to you cars do) but nifty spanner work by 124 Works at Kirkham kept me on the road. Regular servicing by a crackin Indie and your new motor has at least another 100,000k to run. Enjoy your car, we look forward to some pictures.
 
we look forward to some pictures.

Well, here's one!:bannana:
mb.jpg



I have a question about the cruise control, so I'm off to the Technicial section of this forum to ask about it.
 

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