We are thinking of adding a 94-95 E320 convertible to the stable. It will be my wifes daily car. Any owners in our group with the pros and cons regarding the model?
Of course it has all the issues and non issues of our coupes, sedans and wagons and maybe some specific to the convertible.
We are thinking of adding a 94-95 E320 convertible to the stable. It will be my wifes daily car. Any owners in our group with the pros and cons regarding the model?
Of course it has all the issues and non issues of our coupes, sedans and wagons and maybe some specific to the convertible.
Any tips and recommendations are appreciated.
Horrifically over-priced (compared to the sedans and wagons), but as with all W124s, a good, solid vehicle, especially as a daily driver. The 95s are probably collectible as the 'last in a line'. As with all purchases, take it to an indpendent mechanic who knows these cars for a PPI to confirm that the big ticket items have been done - the wiring harness, head gasket and evaporator.
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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"
There are eight hydraulic cylinders that operate the top. Three of them sprung a leak on mine. I ended up replacing all eight instead of doing it piecemeal. They will have to be replaced. It's not a matter of "if" but "when".
Other problems:
- The alarm sometimes has a mind of its own and needs to be disconnected.
- Seat backrest vacuum-operated locking mechanism doesn't last long (no biggie, can live without).
- Seat belt presenters can either have a mind of their own or stop working all together.
- Leather seats don't last long on a convertible.
I've had my 93 cab for over 3 years, with no problems worth mentioning. It's a very enjoyable and unique automoble. You won't see many on the road.
As others have mentioned, the downside is higher costs both initially and over the long run. In addition to what you've read about already, the cloth top will wear out and that's $1,200 to replace.
There are eight hydraulic cylinders that operate the top. Three of them sprung a leak on mine. I ended up replacing all eight instead of doing it piecemeal. They will have to be replaced. It's not a matter of "if" but "when".
They have to be replaced at some point only "if" you want an automated top, which you don't have to have. It's a personal choice but I wouldn't sink money into an automated top for one of these cars as depressed as current prices. Maybe when they start appreciating substantially but that's not going to be anytime soon.
I have had my 95 cab since it was new and it has been a fabulous car. Now have approx 113k miles; there have been some repairs, but (fingers crossed) so far they all have been relatively minor.
I will say since buying that car I have had two MLs on lease and they were both a nightmare. When the last one came off lease, since I heard so many bad stories about the current models, I decided since my experience with the cab has been so good, I would get a wagon of the same vintage. Long story short...my son calls it the money pit.
I believe the cabs which listed for $80k when new must have been built with greater care than lesser models. And if you find one that checks out well, I'd get it!
Great feedback! Since I gave up on lease cars, and drive my 95 e320 and 88sl, my wife has realized the possibility of driving a beautiful well built car for not much money and minus the monthly payment.
Of course, the yearly maintenance has to be factored in. I usually do everything myself except for more difficult areas which I might not have time for.
The cabrio will suit her needs since she will loose the cargo capacity of her X5 and previous 325 sportwagon, but will be able to transport larger objects with the top down... except for winter
Anyway, I still have 2 1/2 months to find something. There is one locally but with no heated seats it might be a problem for those cold winter mornings!
I have w124 E36 AMG cabrio 55 000km and i am very happy with it.I also have w124 E36 amg coupe 68 000 km so i can compare them.
I dont think that cabs are overpriced since only 33.000 pieces was produced(AMG ONLY 36 PIECES).So it is rare and prestige car.Since it was usually used like a "second" car it is easy to find good one.Only problems that i have noticed is the plastic handle of the soft top...you have to use it to finish the folding of the top.That handle is plastic and easy to brake.Since my car is low mileage i did not have any problems with it..one charactersitic thing about my cab is that it have hard top!So my soft top is like new.But i must notice that my coupe is more sporty then cabrio.It is easyer to handle when driving fast.Also it is a little faster since it weight about 200 kilos less than cab...
One more thing i noticed,cab have 55 000km and coupe 68 000 km....and it look to me that leather on cab is lower quallity.Or...i dont know...maybe it is the same quallity but the cabs are mostly driven with top down so it is exposed to atmosphere much often than coupe leather is...i dont know...
Expect higher operating costs
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