Decision time (W124) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 02-09-2002, 01:21 PM

I own a 1989 260E (W124) with 312,000KM (193,000mi)on it.
It still runs beautifully and no major problems are expected. Transmission is slipping a bit (been slipping for 100,000Km), engine drinks a bit of oil (1qt for 600-800Km). The car is very clean.
I can trade for a 1993 300E 2.8, with the same mileage as my 1989. The car is equivalent to my 1989 in term of cleanliness/appearance. It runs very well, except for waht seem to be a weak A/C performance.
I can trade Trade for $6,000.Can (approx: $3,800.US)
What do you think??? In terms of performance and MPG, how will the 2.8 compares to the 2.6?
Your opinion would be appreciated.
Thanks
jackD

G-Benz · #2 02-09-2002, 04:12 PM

I'm not sure why you would want to trade for a later model of equivalent mileage, but here goes:

I have a 93 3.2, so I can't comment on the performance of the 2.8. The M103 (as well as the M104) has historically had head gasket problems...but at that mileage, it has probably been replaced at least once.

You do get a bit more luxury in the 93...they have the wood trim on the dashboard and door panels, absent on the 89-92 models.

A weak A/C may be a red flag though...the evaporator on these models are problematic, and replacement including labor can set you back as much as $2500!

These are solid cars, but have a tossable handling and feel, much like a car of much lighter weight. Just make sure you have a trusted mechanic do a thorough inspection. These are reliable cars, but if maintenance was anemic, then you will be chasing problems for awhile.

Good luck!

can-do · #3 02-09-2002, 07:33 PM

Greetings,

I'd have to agree somewhat with G-Benz on trading up to a car of the same mileage. I personally like the older Benzes myself, '88 and below, but that's personal preference based on how I think they are built now as compared to how they built them then. Personally I would invest in having the current engine rebuilt, either by yourself or a competent machine shop familar with Benz. If all else is running well with your current ride, why change? The tranny problem you are mentioning may simply be an adjustment that needs to be taken care of. In most cases, if the shift modulator is not set correctly it will make the tranny appear to flare or give the impression of tranny failure in the near future. I would fix this problem first, then have a leak down test done to find out where the oil is going on your current engine. I just think the money could be better spent reviving your current ride.

Charles

suginami · #4 02-10-2002, 02:04 PM

Mileage as an issue doesn't really bother me. As you can see with the mileage on the cars I've owned, I put a lot of mileage on them. Instead of buying new cars every 3-5 years and taking a huge hit on depreciation, I just drive my cars and fix them up as I go. Any used car is going to need maintenance and repairs.
Buying a car is is not just a logical purchase, it is also an emtional one. I really like the body cladding changes on the 91 and newer W124's. That alone would be enough for me to upgrade to a newer one. The newer ones also got the wood trim on the doors and dash.
I would think the 2.6 liter might be a little underpowered for a car this heavy, and would probably want to upgrade to at least a 3.0 liter, or at best, a 3.2 in the 93 300E / 94-95 E320.
If you are happy with a 2.8 liter engine, and feel comfortable that the car is in great shape, well maintained, etc., it wouldn't stop me from trading up.

Just my .02 cents.

#5 02-10-2002, 05:06 PM

Thank you for your reply.
The first two answers are exactly what I got from my wife..........
Why don't you fix-up your nice (green/beige) 2.6 instead of buying an unknown back on black.......
However, spring is coming (hopefully) and the new car frenzy is getting at me. Now, I'm totally confused.
I saw that gorgeous 1993 400E this afternoon (green on beige) with 100,000, on it in prestine condition. Clean as a whistle, all records, drives like a dream. Compared to the 2.6, it feels like it has twin engines.....
Now I'm really confused. Decision,, decision,, decision,,
JackD

suginami · #6 02-10-2002, 05:29 PM

Buy the 400E. Tell the wife its a safety issue. You know, dual airbags.

My wife always falls for the safety issue argument.

can-do · #7 02-10-2002, 10:03 PM

Greetings Jack,

I know the fever you are talking about. Last year around the same time I didn't own a single Benz, now I have three as well as a van another car a blazer and a pickup truck. The wife said the fever needed to break before we went broke, so I haven't bought any more cars in the last few weeks. Actually the blazer was purchased exactly two weeks ago. I imagine I will be selling the '80 300TD and the van and the car here shortly as that will leave me and my wife each with a Benz to drive in good weather and a 4X4 to drive in bad. I guess if I were you and was just looking to move into something different to drive, take your time and search all your options and test drive several of each class to find something that suits you well and will give you several years of enjoyment. Then I'd buy the one that offered everything I wanted and a price that I felt comfortable with as you drive away. Always did hate the feeling that the dealer got the better end of the deal, so haggle away and revisit on a regular basis until they're tired of seeing you and give in to your price.

That's my $.03 worth, but whom am I to talk, I own seven vehicles and a motorhome and only have two drivers in the family.

Charles

#8 02-10-2002, 10:17 PM

I will be going back to have a second look at the 1993 400E tomorrow morning.. I hope the weather clears-up because I might not get a very good impression of the 400E traction under the snow.
I discarded the 1993 300E 2.8. Too similar to my 260E, and my wife hates the color (Black on Black).
I tried the safety arguement.....She said:''Why would it be safer than your current car?''. I said: It's got TWO air bags instead of only one on the driver side. But she said '' It's twice as fast, so what.....?'' I never win with her. (lol)
Might also consider clearing up the fleet......

JackD
1989 260E (daily driver)
2002 Honda Civic (wife's car)
1997 Honda CR-V .... to tow behind the Motorhome (my toy)
1978 Corvette (my fun car)
1974 MGB (why do I keep that one?)
1967 Corvette (my retirement fund)

G-Benz · #9 02-11-2002, 10:02 AM

Jackd:

Let's talk about that 67 'Vette...

Okay, I want a 69 Camaro Z-28...AND a 65-67 Vette...the 427 fuelie with the factory side pipes and the knock-off wheels...preferably RED!

Trouble is, I'd have to cash in my retirement fund to get both of these!

suginami · #10 02-11-2002, 04:32 PM

I'm sorry the Safety issue didn't work with your wife. Mine hasn't had the intelligence to factor in speed yet to the equation.

Please don't let your wife talk to my wife.lol

Good luck on the 400E. Fwiw, If it were me, I'd narrow my search to any 93-95 W124. You get all the interior changes that were made to the W124 in its final 3 years. You get the M104 engine 6 cylinder engine or the V8. You get the dual airbags. Further, the only real significant flaw is the engine wiring harness issue in the M104's. If you buy a 6 cylinder, check to see if its been replaced. If not, budget $515.00 for the harness, and 2.5-3.0 hours labor to install.

I know the 6 cylinders leak oil at the head gasket, but the leaks seem to occur between 100,000 - 130,000 miles, and that's not too bad in my book. Besides, gaskets weren't made to last forever.

#11 02-11-2002, 09:17 PM

I had a second serious look at the 400E. I love the car but.......
It is for sale by a Mercedes dealer. They won't give me any warranty on the car Except: 5 years or 25 yards (whatever comes first) (that's the distance between the parking lot and the sidewalk). The engine has a weird sound (timing chain???) on start up and the car feels very loose (suspension/steering??). I don't feel comfortable with it. I decided to pass....
I guess I'll fix my faithfull old 260E and wait for a better deal/car.
Thanks for your comments.
jackD

franj · #12 02-12-2002, 12:58 AM

Shame about that 400E.......don't worry....this world is full of cars. When you think you've finally found the absolute best one, a better one will appear!!! At least it always happens to me!

Good luck!

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