Hi,
Just thought I'd post a quick comment about what seems to be the 124's major weak spot.
Spent a while last night on this forum because the central locking was very sluggish / inoperable - sometimes worked if the engine was running, but at other times not.
Before attempting / looking for vacuum faults this morning I thought it sensible to check the fuse board. At first glance, everything OK. that is UNTIL you actually take the fuse out ('bullet type'), and inspect the end-caps........corroded as hell where they contact the holder clip.
Put in a new fuse - everything works fine again.
This must be the 8th or 9th time I've had 'odd' electrical problems with the car where corroded fuses have been the cause.....AND as a point of principle I change ALL the fuses for new ones every two years because of it.
I think(?) the problem emanates from using the alloy type fuses against the copper contacts...(electrochemical reaction?), so maybe the answer is to try and find a better quality fuse.
So the moral of the story?........don't just inspect the under-hood fuse board for blown fuses - take them out and inspect the ends for corrosion - replacing the whole lot every year would be minimal cost and might help stop a whole host of silly electrical 'glitches'.
Apart from this 'Achille's Heel' I think the W124 series was a landmark in build quality which sadly seems to have passed us by.
Hope this helps someone else,
Regards,
Spiro'