W124 E300TD, stunning example

[ash-Benz]

Yes, the advert. However, having looked at it again, you are correct, there are 6 pics, accessed via the dots above the price - not a very intuitive webpage design, I suggest!

Haha, I agree! But it's either that or pay £60 to list through autotrader!

 

[horatio]

No, I've never had a W124, though I've ridden in one a few times. I do, of course, have an R129, 1994 vintage. I bought it on a whim, and I like it for the open-top motoring, but I'd not have one as my only car unless I did very little mileage; it, too, is an old car, and on it, too, it shows when compared to a W211.

I understand that old cars have their attractions for many, but I'm (relatively) immune to their charms, I'm afraid. I could replace my W211 estate with the W124 estate that started this thread, and I have no doubt I could very happily live with it if I had to, but I choose not to.

I couldn't disagree more! I find my f/l S211 to be a poorly built and characterless piece of junk in comparison with my 190. It manages to be more problematic and has far more trim rattles etc too despite being 17 years newer and a lot lower mileage. I will probably buy a Japanese car for the next runaround in all honesty.

 

[E55BOF]

Good for you. I'm glad we disagree. Your S211 has, however, compared to your 190, better brakes, better steering, better handling, more space, better safety, better performance... the list is long. I'm glad you like it, but I prefer the better car (for a given value of 'better', which rather depends on the criteria you use...).

I know people who think their elderly Nortons are still better bikes than 'Japscrap'; I disagree with them too.

What is an f/l, by the way?

 

[Steve320]

Facelift?

 

[moonloops]

Listed as a private sale, but the advert wording has all the hallmarks of a trader ?

 

[Darrell]

Fully loaded?

 

[horatio]

Good for you. I'm glad we disagree. Your S211 has, however, compared to your 190, better brakes, better steering, better handling, more space, better safety, better performance... the list is long. I'm glad you like it, but I prefer the better car (for a given value of 'better', which rather depends on the criteria you use...).

I know people who think their elderly Nortons are still better bikes than 'Japscrap'; I disagree with them too.

What is an f/l, by the way?

Lazy typing sorry, facelift!

In an ideal world you would have old school build with all the modern gizmos but that would probably result in bankruptcy.

The 211 isn't a bad car but after 'proper' Mercs, to me it feels more like a modern Ford in terms of build (that's not a huge criticism, Fords are ok these days!). Being a bit OCD, I am constantly chasing annoying rattles with bits of felt tape! Lots of the trim is frankly a bit Fisher Price.

The 211 is obviously way better on the motorway with modern aerodynamics and the all important extra gear. The 190 deals with crappy local roads a lot better. It glides over everything in it's path (the 211 can be a tad crashy in comparison) and doesn't need suspension components changed every other week.

The 190/124 have a multi-link rear set-up so are by no means antiquated to drive when everything is fresh. The suspensions/steering is usually so worn on most of these old cars that they drive nothing like they used to. The shocks, linkages etc. seem to gradually deteriorate over the years rather than break so they just get left. I couldn't believe the difference when I had the 190 freshened up with new shocks, springs and bushes. Maybe your R129 deserves it too

 

[d w124]

No, I've never had a W124, though I've ridden in one a few times. I do, of course, have an R129, 1994 vintage. I bought it on a whim, and I like it for the open-top motoring, but I'd not have one as my only car unless I did very little mileage; it, too, is an old car, and on it, too, it shows when compared to a W211.

Now this would be a little fun
How about on a GTG you get your 211 next to a 124 (mine for example) and let members vote as to which one they would rather take

A 124 can stand proudly next to a modern car,some call it old but I call it modern classic

 

[horatio]

Pile of old scrap, you should swap it for my W211. I'm only offering because I'm a gooner and it would make a good backdrop for a Wenger Out placard!

Seriously that is absolutely stunning, I am green with envy!

 

[d w124]

Pile of old scrap

Point taken,what's the scrap making now day might as well run it in,just an old car

 

[Rob77]

Point taken,what's the scrap making now day might as well run it in,just an old car

Yep, no use to man or beast. Same with the Manx Norton

 

[ftb]

Now this would be a little fun
How about on a GTG you get your 211 next to a 124 (mine for example) and let members vote as to which one they would rather take

A 124 can stand proudly next to a modern car,some call it old but I call it modern classic

Even against a 211 AMG?? Of course if you let a bunch of old farts decide, they'll go your way. AMG drivers will but scoff at it.

 

[ftb]

Listed as a private sale, but the advert wording has all the hallmarks of a trader ?

He he

 

[d w124]

Even against a 211 AMG?? Of course if you let a bunch of old farts decide, they'll go your way. AMG drivers will but scoff at it.

So what you're saying is that the members are a bunch of old farts?!!
My car isn't an AMG but I still prefer it to a 211 AMG or not

 

[ftb]

So what you're saying is that the members are a bunch of old farts?!!
My car isn't an AMG but I still prefer it to a 211 AMG or not

Why try and twist what I have said?

You got my point though. With a 4x4 stance and 0-70mph in 3 hours, it will hardly be a choice for people who want to get anywhere in this life. It's old and unrefined for a daily and had had it's day. An old grandpa chugging around a village at 20mph in a 30mph zone is all it's good for. You may not like what I said but even older folk prefers newer tech for anything but an odd GTG nowadays.

 

[d w124]

Why try and twist what I have said?

Not twisting anything,that's the only way I can understand what you said

 

[E55BOF]

Now this would be a little fun
How about on a GTG you get your 211 next to a 124 (mine for example) and let members vote as to which one they would rather take

A 124 can stand proudly next to a modern car,some call it old but I call it modern classic

Stand a 1960s Norton next to a 1980s Honda CBX750, and in any gathering there will be those who would take the Norton, too. It all depends on the criteria they apply and the purpose for which they want it. Stand my R129, manky old heap that it is, next to my S211, and there would be those who would take the SL too...

I'm not sentimental about cars. I couldn't possibly comment on the priorities of those who go to GTGs*....

Your car looks to be in superb condition, but "Modern Classic" still = old. I have my S211 as my daily driver; I can live with my R129 SL500's limitations compared to a later, better, version because it was a whim purchase and I wanted a convertible, but for a long run I'd always take the S211 unless I was in no hurry and did not need the extra space.

Overall, it's easily a better car than the SL500, and your W124, in all the dynamic areas that matter.

* not least because I should be at BOTG this year; the SL's rewired throttle body arrived back from Sileck this morning. Thunderbirds Are Go!

 

[d w124]

Good job you said those and not some old farts
Good to hear about the SL,did you manage to find the jacking point covers?

 

[ftb]

Not twisting anything,that's the only way I can understand what you said

Look on the bright side. I could have said walking dead

 

[d w124]

Look on the bright side. I could have said walking dead

Haha bet I'm younger than you