W124 Re-Listed

[daveenty]

Mercedes W124 Coupe, very good condition

I was watching this on it's previous auction where it achieved c£2.5k though, unfortunately for the vendor, to a non paying buyer. I missed the end of the auction due to various other commitments, though must admit I'm tempted by it, and it's very local to me.

I've looked at the MOT history which isn't too bad, a bit of corrosion on the last one but nothing which can't be sorted. I quite like the car but just wondering if I'd just be buying a load of work. If I were to buy it, or something similar, it would be mainly for playing around with as a mini project during the Winter.

So, should I dip my toe in the water, or wait for something a bit more sensible to come up, like a 126 with a V8? A 500 E would be lovely but out of the budget unfortunately before anyone suggests it.

 

[Deleted member 11979]

I'm not sure if you've ever had a w124 320, but after recently purchasing one I have to say I love it

I've had w126 with v8 and i6, plus numerous w124 with various engines, and the 320 is so smooth and 'modern' compared to the others

It's horses for courses, a w126 is more of an event than a w124, but the w124 is just slick, and good ones at a decent price are rare

That one is the same colour combo as mine which looks even better in the flesh, go have a look and a drive and see if you like it

 

[d w124]

I would wait for a bigger engine

 

[daveenty]

Thanks for the reply.

The 124 I linked to is actually a 220, not a 320 so not as refined or smooth but I still like the look of it and it won't be doing many miles with me so no real need for a bigger engine. I've had lots of experience with the W123 back in their day as a guy I worked for at the time bought a new one every year, and I used to drive them nearly as much as he did back then. My 124 experience is limited, though I prefer the looks nowadays.

I'm still undecided though will be going to have a look at it, hopefully on Saturday if this rain ever stops.

 

[daveenty]

Cheers Dash,

Cross posted there. I'm considering the same to be honest, though it's not a deal breaker.

 

[Charles Morgan]

It's the manner of power delivery of the 3.2 that makes all the difference. The 2.2 integration with the gearbox makes it wearing and removes too much refinement from the drive. I can't recommend it.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Rust areas that need looking for - rear subframes, jacking points, front bulkhead (behind battery tray), around throttle pedal, inner wings, outer wings front and rear, sunroof area. Underbody rust is remarkably well hidden by the underseal. Last year I went to collect a W124 estate interior with Nick Froome of W124. With the carpets out, the floor pan had literally disintegrated - it was just underseal in most places.

Mechanical - loom deterioration, cylinder head gasket - yes the 4 cylinders also suffer.

Suspension - all the front and rear bushes, control arms, ball joints. A poorly maintained W124 will still ride better than a modern car so that will confuse unless you have experience.

Any W124 at this age that doesn't have recent, extensive and documented work will likely have lots of issues to sort. Frankly I can't see the point of spending good money buying one, spending more sorting one unless it is a six or at a pinch a 230E (much smoother engine with more low down torque).

 

[d w124]

Cheers Dash,

Cross posted there. I'm considering the same to be honest, though it's not a deal breaker.

The 220 is nice enough but you'll always regret afterwards

 

[daveenty]

All points above have now been taken into consideration and I've decided to give it a miss. To be honest it wasn't my first choice anyway and, thanks to Charles' list of "things to pay attention to", I've quickly come to the conclusion that I'd be better off paying a bit (lot) more and going for a well sorted example.

I think I'm just that little bit too old to start taking on "projects".

 

[Charles Morgan]

You're never too old to start a project. It's the finishing that's the problem! (Brunnhilde 30 months and counting!).

 

[zipdip]

I would love to say buy it ,but Charles has pointed out all the downsides to owning this vehicle,I know, I get the maybe I should buy one of these oldies and do it up feeling,I get it every time I go to Benze on the Green and see one of old cars sparkling in the sunlight,unless you have the garage space the time and the money to restore or even to keep one of these cars going as a daily runner best just let the chance pass by.

 

[brucemillar]

Older Mercs were based on the same principles employed by Circus Clowns in designing their comedy ring cars!!

You shut a door, a wheel falls off. Replace the wheel, the window falls out. Put the window back in, the engine blows up.

Some of the more recent offerings, fair not much better in the comedy department, where hilarity was brought to a climax with written phrases like: Anti-Corrosion Warranty. Ho Ho Ho.