Reliability of the W124s, poll.

[sprintuser]

Hello folks, I wanted to gauge the sentiment regarding the W124 (particularly 1995 E320). The scale being 1-10, where :

1 = fantastic, cannot go wrong with the car, must have and
10 = no way/complete stay from/ big mistake to get into.

Any other thoughts/words of wisdom would be, as always, greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[uberwgn]

1 = fantastic, cannot go wrong with the car, must have and


No car is perfect. I think they W124 is the last of the "dependable" Benzes. Your success (or failure) is going to be determined by the diligence of previous owners, of course.

[Battlecat714]

9. .. ... .

[Dean Yelenik]

124 is a pretty good car but 1995 E320 is towards the bottom of the heap - too many significant problems, some recurring, such as wiring harness, head gasket, engine actuator, ASR (when eqquiped), polished clearcoated wheels, etc. It's a clear exception to the rule that the last year is the best. Company was in transition from what it was to what it has become.

[sprintuser]

Jorge, what kind issues have you had (Dean has listed some major ones like wiring harness, ASR, head gaskit, engine actuator, have you had other issues than these?).

[Battlecat714]

Jorge, what kind issues have you had (Dean has listed some major ones like wiring harness, ASR, head gaskit, engine actuator, have you had other issues than these?).
When I bought the car, the head gasket and harness has already been replaced. As far as any other kinds of issues go, i've only had regular maintenance done required for an 11 yr. old car. i.e. fluid changes, bulb replacements, etc. The last big thing I had done were the motor mounts.

[Robby Ackerman]

From 90,000 miles to 160,000 miles, other than routine maintenance I had one repair -- I had to replace a faulty gas tank. In addition I replaced the engine wire harness, though at 155,000 miles, while the insulation was cracked, it hadn't caused a problem.

[lkchris]

Only for a Mercedes would someone ask ...

"I'm going to buy a 10-year-old used car. How reliable will it be?"

That's a compliment.

But, expecting nothing to be worn out is fantasy.

So is expecting parts to be cheap.

[DieselDave]

I have enjoyed my 1995 E300 Diesel immensely. It has 166,000 miles and is still going strong. Everything, down to some small indicator lights, works.

Not to say that it has not had it's problems. Largest was the faliure of the A/C evaporator, common in the 124s, expensive to fix.

All in all, a good car. Give it an 8.

If you are considering a gas 124, be sure the wiring harness has been addressed as well as the A/C. And parts are no cheaper in general.

1995 E300D
1997 E300d
2005 E320cdi
2006 CLK 350 cab

[lee polowczuk]

I think parts are cheap...and the car is an easy fix.

At least with the 103 engine.

I have little to no knowledge of electrical issues. I understand they come more into play with the 94-95 s or the 104 engine.

124's are the only cars that I have bought with more than 120k miles on them and feel comfortable and safe to drive.

although i don't drive them much any more... my son and wife do.

I do spend a regular allotted amount for spare parts... and have things like motor mounts, shocks, fan bearing bracket, assorted relays and a few other things i accumulate in a box. I am trying to replace this stuff before i have to.. or have the parts in house when needed.

i will be adding a spare water pump to the list in the next couple of months. I have no plans to get rid of either of my 124's and actually would like to add one or a 190e 2.6 to the stable.

[lkchris]

Well, I agree parts aren't bad for M103s, but I haven't had to replace fuel distributor yet. Or EZL.

[Donald Holm]

IMHO the very ealy 124s (86, 87,) had problems , and also the later ones had problems which have been mentioned above. I have a '91 300E which recently turned 200, 000 miles and I intend to drive it many more miles. It has ASR, which I need in Minnesota, ASR has been problem free. It has had a new head gasket @ 170M, which is not objectionable to me. I have had it serviced regularly, and have replaced parts on an as-needed basis, rather than preventatively. I have no objections with the service the car has & continues to give, I would rate it 8 or 9.

[jtripp]

Hi Folks: The rating system was set up backwards by the originator of the post. Higher numbers=worse rating!

[Battlecat714]

Hi Folks: The rating system was set up backwards by the originator of the post. Higher numbers=worse rating!
lol...in that case....2

[bill streep]

There ya go!

My '92, I would give a 1. I bought it when it was 8 years old and had 14K on it. It now has 132K. NOTHING out of the ordinary. I bought a $50K car for $12,500 and I've spent MAYBE $1500 on it.