W124 buyers guide?

[Shude]

A friend of mine wants to buy a W124 saloon or coupé.

He is going to be getting an independent inspection and HPI check anyway, but the cheaper options only cover major mechanical stuff and leave other bits and pieces out.

These are the things I thought were important:
Panel alignment/shut lines/door/bonnet/boot opening and closing ok
Paint/rust issues on the bodywork
all electrical switches do what they're supposed to
heater/aircon blows hot and cold
no warning lights on the dash are lit
wear of the seat/steeringwheel/pedals/shiftknob tally with the mileage
Service history book packed with stamps at regular mileage intervals.

Can anyone think of anything special he needs to be looking out for on the W124 when he goes to check some bargains out this weekend? The AA/RAC inspections usually cover the scary stuff like brakes etc but I'd like to make sure he's getting a good 'un.

 

[Steve_Perry]

If he's going for a 200/230 try and take it on a test run with some substantial hills if possible. A badly coked engine although not serious can cause some really strange effects that are nightmare to try and track down.

My dad had a problem with his (at the time 3 year old) '87 200 that MB could not identify. In the end George traced the fault to the engine looking like a well used chip pan. The major symptom... the car refused to run up moderate inclines whilst the engine was still cold.

Completely unrelated... I'd steer your friend away from the 4-matic models as those are very expensive to put right if anything goes wrong.

S.

 

[Tan]

hi

I have an E220 Saloon for sale
Spec: Leather, AC, Electric Sunroof, 4* Electric Windows, FMBSH
Its done under 50000 miles and drives like a dream


Tan

 

[robert.farmer]

Try to get an Auto too, my manual,although ok is not what i'm used to,it is very slow to change gear. check for timing chain tensioner ,,rattle when cold, should be changed every 100k, it is quite easy to do from outside engine. check power steering also is very expensive to replace, as you say make sure all switches do what they are supposed to do. Hope this helps a little

 

[Tan]

OOps forgot that.

Its an Auto has twin Airbags, Leather Steering wheel and gear shift. I have pictures if your interested.

Tan

 

[GrahamC230K]

Originally posted by robert.farmer
Try to get an Auto too, my manual,although ok is not what i'm used to,it is very slow to change gear.

How can you blame the gearbox when it's you changing gear??

I had to read twice to make sure I read correct.

 

[Shude]

Originally posted by GrahamC230K
How can you blame the gearbox when it's you changing gear??

I had to read twice to make sure I read correct.

I wondered about that too, maybe the W124 has a huge damper on the manual shift linkage and clutch to make sure even the boy racers can drive Miss Daisy in comfort

 

[gregster44]

coupe

on w124 coupe check rear screen they have a tendancy to de-laminate around the edges and corners (looks white) only genuine screens available=costly
also check aerial mounting as they were fitted by dealers on pdi they have a tendancy to not seal properly=rusty rear quarter panel

 

[Sp!ke]

And if its a post 1994 car, inspect the *biodegradeable* engine harness very carefully.

 

[Mike Buley]

The propshaft is the only problem I have had with mine.:bannana:

 

[Brian WH]

If it passes that lot it will be a "Snip".:bannana: :bannana:

 

[robert.farmer]

Too bloody right mate

 

[robert.farmer]

Hey Shude, you want to try changing gear on mine, they say there is nothing wrong with it but compared to Toyota Camry its SO Slooww.

 

[Shude]

Originally posted by robert.farmer
Hey Shude, you want to try changing gear on mine, they say there is nothing wrong with it but compared to Toyota Camry its SO Slooww.

My friend is only interested in owning an automatic anyway