W201's have a pretty good ammount of interior room for the front passengers, not much for the back. If you have access to a 190d, I say get it. It is really reliable, and great on gas. The engine is alot more modern than the w123, but yet still easy for the diy'er.

Im not sure about the gas w123's since there arn't many of them in the U.S.
190e's are reliable though. You will want to check for a headgasket failure, as this is a common fault. Also, make sure you test drive it for as long as possible, to make sure there is no stalling or overheating problem.

 

I like the W124, a good compromise between the two others, the reliability and build quality of the older cars but with some more modern touches you would find in the W201 and more actually being that it was a "higher" model. The looks are classic and they just feel like a tank on the road. Check for head gasket leaks and all rubber components of course in the suspension and hoses, etc. Good luck with your search.

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

The 190E has dropped off into a distant 3rd place and I have turned my sights almost entirely on the W124 and W124. I really love the look of the W123 - even the W124 looks a little too modern, but I am familiar with the W124's and a few of the newer features and safety equipment is hard to ignore!

The two models which I am leaning towards are the 230E (w123) and the E220 (w124). I would love one of the six cylinder motors, but I think the fuel bill may be a little steep.

Thanks again for the help so far. If anyone has any further advice please feel free to shout!

Thanks,
Graham.

 

As mentioned previously we don't have many gas 123 here in the USA. Comparing the diesel 123 versus the gas 124, the purchase price for both is very close to each other. The cost of ownership is probably a bit cheaper on the 123 side but this obscures the benefits of the 124. The 124:
- is faster (gas versus diesel)
- handles better
- stops better (ABS)
- does not leak water into the car through the windsheild or rear window seals
- has better vacuum systems
- rusts less than a 123
- is "tighter" from a suspension and build quality perspective
- is better appointed (telescoping steering column, electric seats, seat memory, better sound system (barely),
- etc.

The 123:
- is simpler,
- has much nicer bright trim pieces,
- in diesel form requires much less repair
- has better headlights than a 124 (interesting that they went backwards here)
- probably has more room in the interior and in the trunk

 

probably has more room in the interior and in the trunk

Wow! I really would have thought it would be the other way around - guess I really do need to now try and experience the two cars in the flesh

 

I have 20 years under the belt as a Mercedes technician and currently own four of the cars i think are best. W124 E420 '94, W124 200E '91, W123 240D '82 and finally W123 230E '83

 

Pretty sure you will get different answers from everyone depending on what they own, so as you can guess, Imma say a W124.

The W201 are nice, but they're small... that and I have NEVER understood the placement of the trunk button on the rear of the car, this alone would stop me from buying one.

The W123 are very nice, and classic, and that's just not what I would be going for. That and, another weird quirk, the windshield wipers. Theyre just so... I dunno. compared to the ones one the W116 or the W115 I feel like Mercedes cheaped out, I dunno. They just look to normal to be on a Mercedes for me. Im weird.

The W124. THE Mercedes. It's a good size, with modern looks, and modern features. clearly the winner (to me)

 

yes all of them are lovely to drive. i share your idea. and i shall add that the w126 is a dream to drive. but this is my question too. I dont have space for two cars. and for traffic jams i need something smaller and compact. i recently found a very low mileage beautiful 190e 2.6. should i say no to it and go for a w123 2.3E? I know that the w123 is larger and more comfortable car. but the 190 has AC and Auto trannny

 

Overall I would say the 124, particularly the V8 400E/E420 which gets the same highway mileage as the 6 cyl models.

I and my wife are small and quite comfortable in the 124, but I have a large, tall friend who definitely prefers my 123 for overall space and comfort. In the 124, he literally has to "shoe horn" himself into the front passenger space even with the seat adjusted fully to the rear and in the back seat, he looks like he's sitting in a toy car. Don

 

One more vote for W124 as more advanced car. More HP while sipping less fuel.
Still W124 will not let me stretch my legs like W210 does.
All those are aged cars and they will need some work.
I am just helping my father fixing his 87 300dt.
The engine runs perfect, I made it clean, so no fluid leaks, yet deteriorated clima elements are bypassed, safety switch will not work on P , ignition switch needs some wiggling.
Even with the bulletproof engine, the car is roughly worth the value of tires and fuel in it.

 

As an owner of both a W123 and a W124, I'd say get either one that you can find in the best condition possible.

 

thank you guys.

 

Thread actually taught me a thing or two. I'd thought that the W124 was too trouble-prone to consider. Partly because I knew two guys who had them back in the day and they were always in and out of the shop. Head gaskets, wiring harnesses, whatnot. BUT I always liked the design (especially the later ones) so it's good to hear that they're worth considering. Meanwhile, however, the W123 is legendary with a number of examples over one million miles and counting.

Of course, for longevity, this one holds the record, or did...

 

Marsden said w123s are legendary,
I concur
Consider a mint condition, low mileage (under 100,000 kilometers).well maintained and everything stock.
That is the absolute jewel of the car. A car that goes forever and never goes wrong (with proper care)
Especially the later ones which are well equipped with fuel injectors, electric windows, sunroof, ABS, A/C, metallic color and manual 5spd tranny. And the pic you shared is one of the best colors, the other is deep brown.
I think the ride is smoother than w124.
But most of the people don’t like its older looks.

 

W123 are legendary and where I live I see 1970's models in pristine condition. The highly maintained paint sure makes impression, but we live in the mountains and taking a minute to accelerate on the ramp to freeway speeds is not to many likings.
Than compare 25 mpg on W123 300 t diesel to 35 mph on 320cdi diesel

 

Love From Nepal amazing to read all this beautiful conversation c

 

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