What has more class??

[The Boss]

Hello, i'm considering another w124 cabrio.

the pre facelift was built between 1990 - 1993 i believe and the post facelift between 1993 - 1997.

What do you think looks classier? or which do you believe will hold their value better?

I personally am a big fan of the pre-facelift with the bolder grill, but then saying that, the facelift model looks quite elegant.

I have seen a few on offer, both pre and post facelift, but I am undecided on this matter. merc seller has 6 for sale, and classic cars for sale have a dozen or so. Manor garage has 3 facelifted models available, but if i think back, in the movie "The Firm" with tom cruise, he had a smoke silver 320ce cabrio, and i think this looks the classiest by far?? am i blind or is it actually a very classy style?

some images below:

Tom Crusies cabrio from the movie - "The Firm"

A pre-facelift cabrio

The left car is a facelift, the right a pre-facelift

A facelift cabrio

 

[Smiley]

I prefer the later ones - they look "bolder"

 

[stumpy1]

Post for me too

 

[Apial]

I've never really thought about it too much, but looking at the examples I prefer the larger grille model. It looks a little more pompous and self important. Both very nice cars though.

I would prefer the pre-facelift model more though to avoid the wiring issues.

 

[grober]

RHD Cabriolets really only date from 1992 in any volume so you are unlikely to come across earlier examples. The 1991's were all 300ce-24's and came with a 5speed manual box as std 4/5speed auto's were an option. The 4 cylinder 220 models started in 1993. Personally I feel these cars look best in a darker metallic colour with a light leather interior and this more important than whether they are pre/post facelift.

 

[SilverSaloon]

i like both facelift and pre-facelift 124s.

I think the older a merc gets (aslong as its in good condition) is maybe classier..... but the facelift does bring a more modern look to the car aswell.

i'd probably opt for a facelift one though if we are going purely on looks.

 

[Ade B]

My 2p

For the Coupe I prefer the pre facelift (but am biased). Straight headlights and two tone body work better with proportions and I think its aged well. The post facelift is a bit too portly without a body kit, and these are rarely done right.

The Cabrio works in both guises - take your pick, but I'd definately go for a sport chassis car, it has a nicer stance due to being a bit lower and with wider tyres.

The estate seems to look better post facelift.

I think the old mantra applies, 'condition and recent history are more important' criteria.

Ade

 

[Uberwagon]

The pre-facelift ones look like a more substantial car, a classier car.

The post facelift cars make them seem more like a C Class in size.

Dave!

 

[The Boss]

Hi Ade.

thanks for the thoughts.

My current car is a w124 320 sportline pre facelift - i am the second owner, and car has 26k on the clock.

all the service is present as are all old MOT's etc..

im just looking at getting a cabrio for day to day driving as i do not use this one due to the centiment of its age, condition and respect of the model in enthusiast world.

Im looking ideally for a smoke silver 320 sportline, dont mind mileage, just a car to use every day, and so dont mind facelift or not.. just a good condition car for everyday use as i feel sad seeing mine in my garage during the week and winter months.

 

[BaldGuy]

What about the 55 you have??

 

[The Boss]

Hi Bold guy.. what about the 55?

 

[Smiley]

I had a smoke silver e320 coupe a few years ago - it had a "brazil" interior - dark brown to you and me. Not the best colour but worked well with the smoke silver body. I dont remember ever seeing a smoke silver cabriolet though.