My vote would go to anything before 1993. Small things in later cars were of reduced quality - paint, some trim, etc. I got a complete interior for a later coupé and we installed it. But some of the minor parts we retained from my 1991 and restored them.

And the early 104 is a treasure as long as you study the KeJet wisdom and have the best HT parts.

And then there's the eco-wiring thing ...

RayH

 

Heres the answer! Although I am sure some will disagree....!

No ECO wiring in 4Matics! Or water based paint!

Pardon our interruption...

 

The Mercedes W124 - 4 matic is top class motor, thats until you start having problems with the 4matic system so many end up in the pick and pull yards once problems do show up.

 

In my opinion, the 87 300D is the best.

 

The best one, is the one in best condition at this stage.
Can't comment on US spec cars but I really liked the non Cat 300E (188bhp) with the M103 as a fine all around car and probably less problematic that the later facelift M104 320's. As for a 4 matic version, no thanks.

 

The best one is the one in best condition at this stage.

This. Find the best one that you can inspect in person and that you can afford.

I've got an '87 diesel wagon (turbo OM603), a '94 gasser wagon (M104), and a '95 E300 (non turbo OM606). I love them all! Someday I hope to add an E420.

In my opinion, the rust proofing and the options and the looks got better and better with time, but other things suffered, like the eco-junk wiring. Each engine has its pros and cons.

Parts availability for all models is suffering, so finding a nice one is more important if you don't like 'adventures'.

 

I've been driving a 1992 3.0 300E daily driver since 2010. I believe it is a good old MB daily driver. However, it has become underpowered and a gas guzzler, two things that the updated engine post 1992 have the edge in. I gained some power and MPG with some modifications, but still not there and the same modifications can still be done with the latter to gain even more.

Can't say if the post 1992 W124 is not the better daily drivers for sure, but I'm sure that the older ones are good daily drivers. Just make sure it is a 3.0 300E if you want acceptable power, and avoid the early M104 engines (not that bad, but its cons make it not worth it). The 230E is great (make sure it's the updated one, 89-92, I think) and I think it's better than the 300E except for the extra HP.

My experience is with gas pre-facelift W124 only.

 

id say 94-95 e320 or e420. Probably tge e420 due to same mpg as the m104, more hp, and there’s more m119 parts available

 

Any mopf2 W124 with a OM606, M104, M119 engine

Eco junk is a easy fix vs chasing KE Jetronic gremlins

 

The one with the best maintenance history and in the best condition. They all have their gremlins.

I'm, now partial to E320 coupes, E420s and diesel wagons.

 

I have had both the W123 and now i own a W124. And i recon - you cant beat the W123 in any flavour .

 

The W123s cannot be beat except in the acceleration department and boat like handling

 

I had 3 W123's and 3 W124's. I drove the wheels off them all. They are much different cars. And, the diesels are different than the gassers by a mile. Looking back, I think my favorite was the 300TE.

 

Years ago when I was looking for a Formula Ford, I asked the local East Coast maven, AJ Pugliese which car I should buy - a Ralt, or a Van Diemen. His response: "buy the one with the most spares".

If you are looking for a bulletproof W124, whether diesel or gas, get yourself a W210. You will never regret it.

 

Rust is the hidden killer on the W210, besides the hohum looks.

I'd opt for a W211/S211 with the OM648 instead

 

This is one of the top things to look for in a W210 for sure. It is very possible to find a good one though. Both of my W210s came from local sellers and had zero rust when I purchased them (a 2000 and a 2002). The 2000 has exhibited rust on the leading edge of the driver's side of the sunroof and where the front bumper cover meets the sheet metal of the front fender. Any time I see this tell tale bubbling under the paint I repair it with POR 15 to stop it. The early cars were the worst though with their rusty spring perches so yes Steve, look for a late one 2000 - 2002. My wife's 2002 sits outside and has zero rust. Both cars had the Dealer-performed corrosion campaign performed on them and in their VMI.

As for looks, to each his own. I don't mean to say I love or prefer the looks of the W210 but they drive night and day better than most W124s ever will and are more "featured"; this is the best compromise over the looks in my opinion.

 

bjdealer To use a W124 as a daily driver in any flavour, is a bit of a gamble ..parts are hard to find some are no longer available in some cases . You should know being a W123 owner..