Should I buy W124 E220 auto with 101K ?

[tafia]

I have been told that this vehicle, N reg, is for sale locally at £2500. Full history, 4 new tyres, new exhaust etc. 101K miles.

Parkers car guide says watch for slipping auto box as mileage rises; also ABS problems with age.

Anyone know if the auto boxes are a problem?

Is this a good buy or goodbye.


Cheers

[hugoagogo]

millions of taxis in germany can't be wrong

[tafia]

hugoagogo said:

millions of taxis in germany can't be wrong

Are they all auto's?

[mustard]

tafia said:

hugoagogo said: millions of taxis in germany can't be wrong Are they all auto's?

...... well they certainly wouldnt wanna do it in a manual (horrid things)

101k is low mileage for a W124 certainly capable of much more

Regards price, sounds all the money, but if it is a genuine pedigree item its probably a better bet than a cheaper one that isnt

[iluvmercs]

the 2.2 16v 4 cylinder is a decent engine and will clock up many miles.

I have a 230E with the 2.2 engine's predecessor. Its a 2.3 8v 4 cylinder unit. Our 230E has 196,000 miles on it now, 101k aint all that much. If its got a full history, u shud b fine. Check the bodywork for signs of corrosion. Name rust on the front and rear arches.

Furthermore, auto box slipping could mean one of the clutches have gone. This may need a recon gearbox or at least a rebuild. This will cost £2-3000 depending on whether u use an independant garage or merc dealer.
(my advice is to use the former, as i believe they give a better level of service, compared to dealers who cant really b bothered with cars this age - IMO and entirely based on my personal experiences)

Another thing you shud watch out for is unusally high oil consumption and a leak under the car. Check the engine bay for oil residue. This could mean a head gasket. They can go this early on with these DOHC engines and can got around £1,000.

With my SOHC 2.3 engine, we needed a new gearbox @ 151k miles and a head gasket @ 181k miles. Also a new exhaust manifold @ 181k.

If its got a FSH, and it drives fine, then you shud b fine. This cars are pretty much bullet proof. Just check thru the history and mayb get the once over by a mechanic b4 you buy.

Good luck with your purchase!

Darren

[Kinky]

iluvmercs said:

.... This will cost £2-3000 depending on whether u use an independant garage or merc dealer. (my advice is to use the former, as i believe they give a better level of service, compared to dealers who cant really b bothered with cars this age - IMO and entirely based on my personal experiences) ...

I think it really depends on which dealer you use.

My own personal opion is the extreme opposite to Darrens above - but then my local [work] dealer was Purslows in Basingstoke - one of the best in the country.

Anyhow - one thing to be aware of - as the car is over 8 years old - you get a 40%+ discount on labout charges, and varying discounts on parts (I've had from 15%-25% parts discounts as well).

So please don't discount main dealers - either for prices or service - although it must be said that I understand from other MB owners that there are many who do provide appauling service.

K

[goodlife]

We had our 195,000 miler auto clutch start slipping. Star Motors in Caversham (Reading) are the best independant Merc speacialist out there, and charged us £600 for the recon.

[Tafia]

Thanks to all for responses. Could be a scrap job if auto box goes but hey, I might go first

Cheers

[volvos70t5]

I have one with 183k on it. Very very reliable. Built like a tank. Pretty much bullet proof engine and gearbox.

Make sure the geerbox oil has been regularly changed. Apparently some dealers think it is sealed for life. Which is bollox.

[volvos70t5]

I might be persuaded to part with mine if you fancy an M reg one. Depends where you are in the UK.

[Tafia]

volvos70t5 said:

I might be persuaded to part with mine if you fancy an M reg one. Depends where you are in the UK.

Thanks for the offer but too far away I fear.

Best regards

T