Merc e220 estate w124
Discussion
Hey folks, after months of pondering, I've decided I would like to buy a merc e class estate, w124. Just wondering if any of you folks have some experience with then you could share pros, cons etc, what specs to look for, but g advice or links to any you know that are for sale. Thanks.
)Check out Nick Froome's site for some useful info:
http://w124.co.uk/info.html
The 220 and 230 four cylinder models seem like the best compromise between performance and economy as the 6 cylinder engines are not very economical.
The later M104 sixes have issues with engine wiring loom failure and head gasket failure.
Corrosion tends to occur in the front wings ahead of the wheelarches and in the jacking points. Also in the rear subframe mounts.
Diesels are non-turbocharged, and slow.
http://w124.co.uk/info.html
The 220 and 230 four cylinder models seem like the best compromise between performance and economy as the 6 cylinder engines are not very economical.
The later M104 sixes have issues with engine wiring loom failure and head gasket failure.
Corrosion tends to occur in the front wings ahead of the wheelarches and in the jacking points. Also in the rear subframe mounts.
Diesels are non-turbocharged, and slow.
The E220 engine was introduced just prior to the facelift, so it's just possible to find an orange indiciator model . The engine has a weak headgasket , look at the head around the bulkhead area . The other big issue is the engine bay wiring loom on all multi valve face lift cars. This was made with a biodegradable plastic which doesn't like heat, a new loom is available . As you're looking at E220's they only came with the 4 speed auto , this is a good box with no real issues, the 5 speed auto which was an option on 6 cylinder cars has some electronics and is known to be problematic if not serviced. Two 5 speed manual boxes were listed , a bog standard 5 speeder and a close ratio version as part of the Sportline option(manual Sportline very rare in the UK). The Sportline pack offered as standard fittment, slightly lowered springs, stiffer anti roll bars , quicker steering set up with a smaller steering wheel and wider section tyres. A sports front seat was an additional Sportline option along with the close ratio 5 speed box. The area below the rear side windows on estates can rust as the seals are not good so check behind the trim panels if you can. All 4 pots are plodders but can be wound upto 70'ish all day long , ecomony is not a strong point either. A facelift diesel could be a good bet but can you find one! If you can live with lhd you'll have more choice from the continent , try searching Autoscout24.
harrykul said:
I see the OP has modified the title of the thread. If a four cylinder example is what you have in mind, I wouldn't discount the six cylinder diesels. They are super smooth, run forever and whilst on paper seem really slow, it's actually pretty reasonable when driving it.
I have one of these, a W124 E300TE with the multivalve OM606. As you say the performance stats don't seem like much – they don't so much accelerate as accumulate speed – but in everyday use I've never felt mine to be lacking and they are brilliant fast cruisers. 
There's a very nice Silver 1993 (pre facelift) 280TE listed in the classifieds which is nothing "cough" to do with me ;-)
But in all seriousness if you're looking for a decent one at sensible money It's been looked after and has had the wiring that affected the M104 engines sorted.
Freshly MOT'd and pretty good on fuel too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
But in all seriousness if you're looking for a decent one at sensible money It's been looked after and has had the wiring that affected the M104 engines sorted.
Freshly MOT'd and pretty good on fuel too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff