Building the W124 wagon of my dreams.... New Purchase - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #1 11-19-2009, 08:19 PM

After selling my 2004 E500 last month, I began searching for a suitable W124 E320 wagon to create something similar to this:

Black with blacked out cladding, and AMG Aero IIs. I'm hoping to find 17" (I believe the ones in the photo above are 18s. I also am not going with a body kit, though it does look good.

While the E500 wagon was a blast, the high cost, depreciation, and fear of expensive repair items finally convinced me to sell it. The W124 has ample performance and is almost as comfortable for a fifth of the price.

I purchased my first E320 wagon with 149k for $2500. I had to spend nearly 2k to bring it up to date with maintenance and a head gasket replacement, then drove it for a trouble free 6 months and 6000 miles. I sold it to a family heading to California on vacation, naming it the "Wagon Queen Family Truckster" after the famous "Vacation" movie wagon.

I found my replacement online 1000 miles away in Sedona Arizona. The seller used to own Mercedes diesels, his last being an '87 300TD that was totaled in an accident. This was the replacement 4 years ago, and he was selling because his new job was only 2 blocks from home. 111k on the odometer, with a new head at 50k during its tenure with the original owner. The second owner reportedly replaced the wiring harness, but no documentation came along to support it other than no degredation. The third owner, who I purchased the vehicle from, kept meticlous records, and had gone through the brakes, AC system, and many other little items. I purchased her sight unseen for the same price I sold my first '95 E320 wagon, and booked a low cost shipper through U-ship.

The list of repairs includes a dead antenna, a few blown speakers, and a cracked rear impact strip. I had one of my mechanics go through the car, and he found no issues. I already have the rear impact strip sitting in storage, since my first E320 wagon had the same issue.

Friday it goes in for an upgraded stereo/speakers, and Monday it goes into the body shop for painting. I'm also having the hood and strips under the headlights repainted to eliminate the road chipping and subtle cracking on the hood from the harsh Arizona sun. Then I have to find the wheels.

I'm really looking forward to this car, and hopefully I can quit playing musical chairs with my daily drivers for a while.

scottmcphee · #2 11-19-2009, 09:13 PM

Sweet new car, can't wait to see the paint job!

ps2cho · #3 11-19-2009, 09:41 PM

Yeh I've seen that black wagon and I think its absolutely perfect. It creates a modern looking car without taking away a factory image. Its just perfect.

Bondavi · #4 11-20-2009, 12:15 AM

Excelsoir-A

Love your use of Trekkie sequences.

colincoon · #5 11-20-2009, 01:21 AM

Well this answers my question doesn't it?

Nice purchase, it looks really really nice! You should have the body shop realign the cladding for you while they are at it.

Man, I want one now.

JordaanDMC-12 · #6 11-20-2009, 01:32 AM

BEAUTIFUL! Oh man that is a sweeet wagon!!! congrats!! I love the black and the rims on it. Interior looks awesome.

JimmyL · #7 11-20-2009, 02:57 AM

It's about time you announced the newest wagon to the fleet!!
It is awesome, as usual, and like you, I hope you just enjoy this one for awhile. Like Ol' Turbo and Zippy, if you allow that bond to form then getting rid of it is almost out of the question.
Reminds me; after driving Smash for over a year I've formed quite a bond with this mutt. But one day he's gonna have to go. I'm not gonna enjoy it. I already deal with missing the Squash, but at least I know who has it and am happy with his new home.
Hang on to it Tyler, do your repairs, find your wheels, and enjoy that car for years to come. Keep it out of walls, and in turn he will keep your arse warm.......

tilac1 · #8 11-20-2009, 06:27 AM

Looks great. Will you lower it? What kind of rims will you upgrad to? Lastly, how was UShip? I'm shipping a car also.

Pete Geither · #9 11-20-2009, 06:45 AM

I've got the rims if you're interested. 17" AMGs.

remotemark · #10 11-20-2009, 08:00 AM

On the wheels, you might also check with David Hendy. He bought my wrecked E500 and said he intends to sell the AMG Mono IIs on it. They have almost new Bridgestone Grid 019s them. The wheels are almost new. Also, I have one refinished one if you need a spare.

Michael K · #11 11-20-2009, 10:15 AM

Very, very nice wagon. I say keep the OE wheels and loose the window tint - then sell it to me.

I forget the color code, but our wagon has that same interior. Mercedes calls it "saddle." My wife calls it "horse country brown." It's nice and is very easy to live with.

What about ASR, is it equipped with that dreaded system?

suginami · #12 11-20-2009, 12:41 PM

Beautiful wagon, and in one of my favorite color combinations. I have to admit I have a bit of wagon envy.

pawoSD · #13 11-20-2009, 01:16 PM

Nice looking wagon! Around here the 17" wheels would be a bad idea.....our roads would toast them in a matter of weeks.

You need as much rubber as you can get!

Joseph_Conrad · #14 11-20-2009, 01:37 PM

Hey, that's my favorite color combo for the wagon. Very nicely done. Keep us updated with pics as it evolves.

Texholdem · #15 11-20-2009, 02:15 PM

I no longer need and drive a wagon. However W124 wagon is more pleasant to my eyes than W210 wagon with the rounded back, but I prefer the W210 sedan.

Nice car, congratulations! What did you pay for the car and what is after all R&R?