All,

need your advise..

Want to get a (obviously) 2nd or 3rd hand either BMW e35 or Merc W124

Objective to achive..

1. Continental Classic which can daily driven
2. Still heaps of potong kereta spare part source
3. not expecting cheap Saga maintenance but also not make me bengkrapt
4. Car will be a 2nd car only use to office (20km one way) but very2 jam situation.. so an Auto is a must.
5. Still worth going for Valet parking (just pushing my luck)..

Variant to look at:

1. Must be 6 cylinder (If can)
2. Auto
3. Cheaper body repair/remake.

So what it will be?

Thanks for the all feedback, not so much about Benz dude.. but willing to learn haha..

W124 230E is the most common, any issues with the L4 engine?
W124 260/280E a bit rare, but good condition to start with  abit difficult to find.
W124 300E/CE couln't be bother as most of the car in the market expensive to start with..

How to apply classic road tax status ya?

Having owned both the W124 (E220)  and E32 (735i,  which is closely related to the E34 build quality wise,  except for the the engine) For durability wise, definitely the W124 is the more superior car, as the components of the W124 are more solid and the plastics hold together much better than the BMW's.

Engine wise, if you're looking for a reliable model, I would say the 260E is the engine to go for as, it's more mechanically sound compared to the later muti-valve E220 and E280, as they have those bio degradable engine harnesses, which is super expensive to repair, same goes for the throttle body wire which is wrapped in the same material.

Spares for the 124 can be sourced easily as well since, they still have support for 3rd party parts shop, around KL and PJ. If you need a specific part, halfcuts can be sourced easily from Hong Kong or Japan. BMW is a little harder unless you're talking about the 3 series.

Driving wise the W124 is a big old school  cruiser, whereas the BMW's driving dynamics is just a class above it, in every area. Comfort wise the W124 is definitely more comfortable than the BMW, but older german cars still ride better than most new cars today.

To apply classic, firstly the car must be 25 years old, then you must first have 2 cars registered under your name, excluding the 3rd car. The engine, chassis and interior must be original in order to qualify for classic and get that 80% road tax. Every 3 years the car must be sent back to JPJ and do inspection.

Hope this helps!

bro the first link is custom CE with 4 door extra door cheaper

Get the w124, you won't regret it. My dad gifted me one and been using it more then my myvi. Thinking of converting into a 2jz in the very future.

Anyway if you're around kl area I recommend going to the workshop called Merz. Prices might not be the lowest but totally worth it.

Edit. Left you a photo to appreciate the beauty of it

Looks pretty good.

The black engine known as the M103 I6 is a very reliable unit but also prone to oil leaks around  the gasket area. Oil,  plugs and coil make sure it's been changed, service records, the usual stuff.

Check make sure it doesn't leak. One unique thing about the 124 is that the carpet which comes with a sponge like material underneath can be removed on the driver and passenger side. Make sure those aren't wet as, some cars tend to rust near battery tray area (due to lead acid batteries) or the drains tend to get close to clogged by leaves, thus causing the water to enter the cabin and cause rust.

Interior build quality is really solid for a 25 year old car. But do check if the electronics are working, lights, air con, tyre wear, exhaust leaks, cold and warm startups.

Good luck hunting for the last great Benz!

true, i hate those idiot everyday asking change 1jz, 2jz, rb, sr and bla bla ........ if wanna change, change same manufacturer .....
me still looking K8 engine from mazda for my miata