Which 124? - Benzworld.org

Burkehare · 12-24-2007, 05:06 AM

I'm new to Mercedes but am considering buying a late 80's (or early 90's) 124.

For overall reliability should I go for a 4cyl or 6 cyl?

jhodg5ck · 12-24-2007, 07:22 AM

Both are Very/equally reliable. Driving a 4 cylinder I find to be very uninspiring..

Jonathan

sarasotajoe · 12-24-2007, 07:44 AM

Consider a turbo diesel...NOT just cause I have one but for reliability and fuel efficiency! 87 300D Turbo and 90-93 300D 2.5 Turbo. You may enjoy the 87 as it's a 3.0 litre...more pep.

Also, the 86 300E (inline 6 gasoline) was "top 100 cars" of all time...i think somewhere around 25th place...not bad for all time!

P.S. If you dont mind going back in time a couple of years you may do better with a W123 ...check out my post: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2672147-post12.html

Burkehare · 12-24-2007, 05:16 PM

Yes I'm both worried that a four will be roughish and sluggish but concerned about the gas consumption of the six. My friend had a 126 with the six and it guzzled gas. Would other running costs be much different?

I like 123's too, so will check your thread-thanks.

mariot · 12-24-2007, 05:50 PM

I own a 1994 E420 and I am very happy with it. ofcaurse I pay good money to keep it in perfect shape but for me is worth it. Gas consumption is between 14-18 and this is in NYC. Long distanse I get 24 mpg.and the car is full with 4 people and full trunk of load,driving with no less then 65 mph. and AC runing ofcaurse.

Burkehare · 12-25-2007, 07:35 AM

Isn't the four noticeably rougher and noisier than the six?

Megadiesel · 12-26-2007, 01:30 PM

Burkehare I suggest the 1995 e300. It's a six cyl. diesel very reliable awesome MPG's. I could be wrong but i've heard of figures between 600-700 miles on one tank! If I buy another MB it will be the e300.

Burkehare · 12-27-2007, 04:49 AM

Well I've always had a disdain for diesels, but I think you are right, now is a good time to reconsider! I think I will start looking for a local one to test drive. Was 1995 the first year for that model?

ChiefRider · 12-27-2007, 05:15 AM

My wife had an '87 300E a few years back- it was an excellent vehicle. We gave it to our son, who was in the Navy in S.C. He and I drove the car down, 80 mph all the way. With 160k on the clock, it still gave us 26mpg on this trip.

Nothing wrong with diesels- I had a 240D for years. If you live in a cold winter climate you will have some cold related issues- as far as I'm concerned, it's inevitable.

Maybe someone can shed some light on this for me, but I'm not familiar with a 4 cyl. 124.

Chief

94Wagenmeister · 12-27-2007, 06:30 AM

I think he means which 124 - sedan or wagon? I have always liked wagons because of the smoother ride related to longer wheelbase. And with my 124 I think I have the finest example of a wagon ever made. I have the ability to put the seats down and haul sheets of drywall or plywood, or haul 5 adults and their stuff comfortably while getting 24 mpg on long trips. For me, it's the best example of utilitarianism plus style and durability I have ever found.