I too am in "search mode". Good thing we're on opposite coasts. My X5 lease is up in December and I've been obsessed with the W124 since I watched them line up in the carpool lane when I was in 5th grade. I live and work in the city and only put about 7,000 miles a year on my car, so it seems stupid to spend a fortune leasing a new car that only gets driven on weekends. I've got some time, but if I found the perfect car now, I've got a place to keep it in the interim.
I'm leaning more towards a 93 400E or a 94/95 E420. I just feel like the V8 isn't much more money and elevates the car to another level. I'd love to find one with less than 90K and I'm planning on spending about $7500 total (either a car in excellent condition for that price or a car that needs some minor cosmetic work for less). I'm going to keep it as stock as possible but add a new radio headunit with cd/sirius/bluetooth/ipod input to modernize the car.
My top color choices are:
Brilliant Silver/Black (if only silver were as popular in the early 90's as it was in the late 90's!)
Moonstone Grey/Black (tough to find)
Navy/Palomino
Black Pearl/Grey or Black Pearl/Palomino
Black/Palomino
Happy searching. Let me know if you find anything good on the east coast!
In 1994 Mercedes changed their naming scheme across all model lines so that the letter designation came first (the 400E became the E420, the same way the 300E became the E320). There were no major engine changes leading to the name change (I believe the 300E got the new 24v engine in 1992). That said, 1994 marked a major refresh for the E-Class, at least cosmetically. There was a new hood, grille, headlamps, bumpers and tail lamps as well as some detail changes to the interior. The look became more "Euro" and more closely resembled the new (1992 forward) S-Class.
Forgot to mention 300E became E320 in 1994 and 1995 when they did slight body changes. Things are extremely similar mechanically between the two.
Good Luck with your search. Hope to see pictures of your acquisition soon.
Please be careful out there. The w124 chasis can be addictive. I purchased a 1994 E320 coupe in 2003 and fell in love with the ride and style. In 2004, I bought a 1994 E420 sedan because I needed 'just-a-little-more' and now have put 60,000 miles on the sedan since I owned it. Just a few weeks ago, I shook hands on a deal for a 1994 E320 wagon. Not sure why I bought it, other than I needed a 'work-horse' around the house. So, if you're asking me, do I like the w124? I would say, maybe a little too much! Amazing value can be had in these cars if one is patient and knows a little about the mechanical issues that go with the w124. Good luck in your pursuit.
Please be careful out there. The w124 chasis can be addictive. I purchased a 1994 E320 coupe in 2003 and fell in love with the ride and style. In 2004, I bought a 1994 E420 sedan because I needed 'just-a-little-more' and now have put 60,000 miles on the sedan since I owned it. Just a few weeks ago, I shook hands on a deal for a 1994 E320 wagon. Not sure why I bought it, other than I needed a 'work-horse' around the house. So, if you're asking me, do I like the w124? I would say, maybe a little too much! Amazing value can be had in these cars if one is patient and knows a little about the mechanical issues that go with the w124. Good luck in your pursuit.
Well, Dick, now that you've got that CD changer for the wagon, my guess is you'll want to drive it all the time. Maybe I'll have to take that 420 off your hands.... Seriously. You have way too many 124s.
__________________
Scott in MD/DC
94 E320 Wagon (Just getting broken in)
95 C280 (RIP)
87 190E (Sold)
"There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes"
My X5 lease is up in December and I've been obsessed with the W124 since I watched them line up in the carpool lane when I was in 5th grade. I live and work in the city and only put about 7,000 miles a year on my car, so it seems stupid to spend a fortune leasing a new car that only gets driven on weekends. I've got some time, but if I found the perfect car now, I've got a place to keep it in the interim.
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