W124 E36 estate keep or sell?

[Biglips]

I'm thinking of a change but will I regret selling? I have done over 20k of very enjoyable motoring. It is a very special car for the sort of budget available to me, but I am a serial car changer. This is the longest I have owned a car (2 and a half years) I am thinking of a w211 e55 or 500 estate (need 7 seats). I am in no rush as car running very well, so may not sell, but what do the panel think?

 

[Deleted member 11979]

I vote keep, of all the cars I have sold in the past, it is the rare ones that I now regret parting with.

Land Rover Series 1 in great condition

1980 Audi Quattro Turbo in Saturn Metallic

Seemed like a good idea at the time, and there were always more pressing homes for the money, more suitable cars available.

 

[amg_Charged]

If your thinking about it, then it's time for it to go

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Couldn't you fit two extra seats in the boot somehow?

That really is a very rare car you have there (which I'm sure you'll already know) and as long as the miles aren't lunar, then it will only appreciate in value.

 

[Biglips]

I vote keep, of all the cars I have sold in the past, it is the rare ones that I now regret parting with.

Land Rover Series 1 in great condition

1980 Audi Quattro Turbo in Saturn Metallic

Seemed like a good idea at the time, and there were always more pressing homes for the money, more suitable cars available.

This is my worry. Unlikely I will ever own another one if I sell, and the grass always seems greener etc.....

 

[Biglips]

Couldn't you fit two extra seats in the boot somehow?

That really is a very rare car you have there (which I'm sure you'll already know) and as long as the miles aren't lunar, then it will only appreciate in value.

I have retrofitted the seats in the boot so I have the 7 seats I need. This is the nub of it, I really don't need to change - I just have the itch.

The miles are lunar on mine! It is never going to appreciate but should hold its value. I would just like to get back about what I paid.

 

[trapperjohn]

Having just changed from a 124 12v 300TD Estate to a 210 300TD Estate may I just say I am constantly looking for a 124 24v TD Estate. There is just something about 124s (for me) that the newer models do not have and that something is presence. Your current car is the very epitome of 124s.

True, I love the ride and greater space of the 210 - the speed limiter and cruise control and turbo are magic - its just not a 124. My 124s are a talking point where ever I go. The 210 hardly gets a look.

You say you have done 20K of enjoyable motoring - Well long may that continue. Perhaps let it see you through the winter or your next MoT.

Good Luck what ever your choice is and keep us informed please. I voted to "keep" BTW.

 

[Biglips]

Having just changed from a 124 12v 300TD Estate to a 210 300TD Estate may I just say I am constantly looking for a 124 24v TD Estate. There is just something about 124s (for me) that the newer models do not have and that something is presence. Your current car is the very epitome of 124s.

True, I love the ride and greater space of the 210 - the speed limiter and cruise control and turbo are magic - its just not a 124. My 124s are a talking point where ever I go. The 210 hardly gets a look.

You say you have done 20K of enjoyable motoring - Well long may that continue. Perhaps let it see you through the winter or your next MoT.

Good Luck what ever your choice is and keep us informed please. I voted to "keep" BTW.

I know what you mean about their presence and character. i did have a brief dalliance with a w210. lovely to drive but lacked a certain something. May also have been put off as it started sprouting rust everywhere (!) and i got back into a 124 as quick as I could.

 

[Deleted member 11979]

In my opinion, and I know others will disagree, is that the W124 is a truly great car, very advanced for it's time, durable, characterful, handsome, classless (now) capable and practical.

The later E class variants maybe technologically superior but can't match the above, so are possibly less endearing.

Having said that I've just sold both my W124s and replaced them with something sporting a BMW badge - my head is hanging with shame............

 

[kth286]

In my opinion, and I know others will disagree, is that the W124 is a truly great car, very advanced for it's time, durable, characterful, handsome, classless (now) capable and practical.

The later E class variants maybe technologically superior but can't match the above, so are possibly less endearing.

Having said that I've just sold both my W124s and replaced them with something sporting a BMW badge - my head is hanging with shame............

that will just be another BM banger in a few years time when the newer models are introduced.

It will be mighty hard by then to find a good 124 at a reasonable price, especially now that the 'classic centre' at Mercedes Germany are controlling the parts supply etc.

 

[tonywashere]

you've got the itch, it's not logical, make the change and give one of us the chance to own it

 

[poormansporsche]

Mate, scratch the itch in other ways, not sure if yours is kitted, aero'd , recaro'd etc etc , if it was me I'd concentrate on making it as special as possible. There really is a special magic about sorted old wagons. Just check jays build thread, a 210 just does not compare.

 

[Palfrem]

I love my E36 saloon and have done 8000 miles in it since I had it in May.

Stupid I know, but I just enjoy driving it.

It's the only car I've ever had where I have been tooted and given a thumbs up and where a long conversation has been started at a motorway services.

I (well, Costco) put two new Continental tyres on the rear last week, I'm getting it serviced this week and then it will be garaged for the winter.

I reckon it's a keeper.

 

[d w124]

I reckon it's a keeper.

Good,so you can bring it to the 124 day next summer

 

[Biglips]

Mate, scratch the itch in other ways, not sure if yours is kitted, aero'd , recaro'd etc etc , if it was me I'd concentrate on making it as special as possible. There really is a special magic about sorted old wagons. Just check jays build thread, a 210 just does not compare.

Thats a good idea and i've thought about this. Certainly could do with some new paint and recaros would be nice. i want to keep its originality though so wouldn't want to do too many mods. Also i don't want to spend a fortune if I am going to sell it on as I won't recoup that money. Very unlike me to be so indecisive!

 

[Biglips]

Good,so you can bring it to the 124 day next summer

What date is the 124 day?

 

[Palfrem]

Good,so you can bring it to the 124 day next summer

I definitely will

 

[bolide]

Realistically the only thing you can replace an E36 Estate with is an E500

Nick Froome

 

[horatio]

Having just changed from a 124 12v 300TD Estate to a 210 300TD Estate may I just say I am constantly looking for a 124 24v TD Estate. There is just something about 124s (for me) that the newer models do not have and that something is presence. Your current car is the very epitome of 124s.

True, I love the ride and greater space of the 210 - the speed limiter and cruise control and turbo are magic - its just not a 124. My 124s are a talking point where ever I go. The 210 hardly gets a look.

You say you have done 20K of enjoyable motoring - Well long may that continue. Perhaps let it see you through the winter or your next MoT.

Good Luck what ever your choice is and keep us informed please. I voted to "keep" BTW.

I really, really miss my 250d. It was dog slow and as beat as hell but I loved it.

It needed a few quid spent on it (brakes, suspension, front wings, sunroof repair) which I would have been totally happy doing if it weren't for so many of them being nicked. Every time I parked in london I was half expecting it to be gone when I walked back! Didn't want to splash the cash for it to go missing a week later

 

[Biglips]

Realistically the only thing you can replace an E36 Estate with is an E500

Nick Froome

Agreed, but until the kids fly the nest I need 7 seats.