I see that most 2nd hand W124s are quite reasonable on the market. They seem to range from RM30k-RM40k. Is the car maintenance as cheap as some people say and as reliable? Is it fuel efficient also?(assuming it's a 2.6L or 2.8L petrol engine)

Is it worth getting it as my first car as a fresh grad? Let's say I can get some financial support from parents. But they don't trust old cars especially European cars because of their negative perceptions towards it.

Which is more worth it? New Proton Saga or second-hand Mercedes-Benz W124?

Seriously not worth it at that price.Maintaining this thing is going to blow your pocket should the situation calls for it.

Only the timing chain itself will kill you.Mind you this engine is not using timing belt but its a timing chain.Plus the air-cond in this model is not cold and tend to blow hot air.The engine also has the tendency to misfire if you don't maintain it properly

My uncle has one 200E and this fellow is fuel guzzler.BMW E34 5-series same year as this will be a more viable choice should you want a prestigious car to show off.Owned one and then sold it off just three months ago.I think you can still find the link for the car in my topic

Fuel consumption is also high.With RM30k,go buy yourself a Proton Saga and don't buy this W124 just for the sake of showing off.

This post has been edited by 779364: Jul 9 2008, 10:16 PM

proton will be good if in that budget... easy to find and cheap spare parts.

Just to remind u that W124 u have to buy cash... But saga u can 90% loan...

In What year mercedes produce this W124?

many other cars also at market...
nissan..toyota..pick and choose..
toyota is famous for their robust engine...
honda also good...with 30k..u can find a good civic EG..powerful^_^

but go for BMW also can..with 30k u can get 1..


if me..with 30k i surely go for rx7 fc3s...
rotary freak^_^

This post has been edited by serigala: Jul 9 2008, 10:23 PM

my uncles W124 200E one is 1988.

the W124 merc is one of the most solidly and reliable merc ever built in the history... this car was said to have been over-engineered by merc even until today, the new E-class reliability can't be compared coz the newer versions are designed with less cost so to provide more profit for the company... however, if u dun have a deep pocket, i wouldn't recommend le coz the maintainance and fuel consumption itself is enough to make a big hole in ur pocket, lolx... i've personally taken this car 2 uni for 1 semester b4 (carpool wif my fren) and i'ld say it's a very comfortable ride with very gd suspension system, it's heavy so highway tavelling is not a prob at all, not to mentioned the rock solid body... other than that i'ld say the lower version which i've sat in (E220) is a bit inderpowered during acceleration due to it's heavy weight but going on higher speed is fine, my fren took it 2 160kmh once and the ride is still so compose and silent... dat's all i can comment for now i guess...

This post has been edited by Nelson88: Jul 9 2008, 10:28 PM

How much more can the maintenance be than a new Saga? Is it very marginal or huge difference? I know second-hand car sure need to spend quite a bit to restore the car, same as any other second-hand car I guess. How much would it be for the repair to get it up to decent standard?

if too old, is scared the anti rust start wearing off oni.

For example:

Brake pad
Saga - RM30 (Bosch)
W124 - RM120

Steering rod
Saga - RM30 (one side) exclude ball joint
W124 - RM160 (one side) with ball joint

Suspension control arm
Saga - Don't know (Wira is about RM90)
W124 - RM200

The W124 is one of the most reliable continental car. But I don't think it's suitable for a fresh grad to drive or maintain.

w124 + 2jz-GTE = sweetest ride ever

i'ld say the margin is 'huge' (about 3-4 times or more) of wat u'ld have to pay for the saga... since u're a youngster (i'm guessing based on wat u've quoted), i dun tink that car reli suit u coz it's not only big (the front end is reli long so parking would be a hassle) and it looks like an old man cars (at least to me), more suitable for working ppl as u will tend 2 spend a lot on the maintainance, not to mention the time u gotta spend on it summore... with the money u going to spend why not use the money to enhance the 'sportiness' of ur saga or buy urself a better car (such as the waja/persona/gen.2/myvi SE/2nd hand corolla/vios/city), u'll have a fresher new look and a car which suits u more (in my opinion)...

post the car pics to futher judge it more

dun worth it...
the maintainance is expensive

brother.. the brand new w124 coz 300k and saga new car price is 38k. which one u go in?

brand new?u mean mercedes e class new model?not that 1 la..
he is going for a second hand old model e class la..the 1 that worth 30k..masterpiece version if i'm not mistaken..

This post has been edited by serigala: Jul 9 2008, 11:58 PM

suddenly come in and shoot

yep..not worth it..my mom driving old E-class masterpiece the fuel consumption and maintainance

but its still a very good car to drive

Honestly, doesn't look that bad. I was thinking if Proton brake pads RM30, Mercedes-Benz RM500. Obviously Mercedes one should be more because needs more stopping power. I think it's not too bad. If parents can chip in and help a bit also should be ok, right?

This post has been edited by Sensui: Jul 9 2008, 11:58 PM

if u very sure u can handle the maintainance and f.c. then it is worth it

OO, I thought W124 refer to "mata belalang" e class

This post has been edited by eastwest: Jul 9 2008, 11:58 PM

Why the need to get a Merc for a first car?? Cars maintenance will increase almost exponentially when it's getting older. I don't know about you but going back to my parents asking them to chip in for maintenance every month is not something I would do.

I think BMW E36 is better than W124 in term of maintenance n FC. Look sporty also...



This post has been edited by aarex: Jul 10 2008, 01:27 AM

pls don't compare proton parts with merc parts pricing.

cheap 'proton compatible' parts are not as robust or long-lasting as merc's. The cheap proton parts are indeed coming from imitation/third party brands with questionable quality. Not many use the original parts supplied by proton/OEM due to expensive price. Just think about the oil filter.

i means the time that w124 launching cost almosr 300k when it's new. Between, i will chose w124 280 anytime since i had try driving it from ipoh to penang. You won notice that you runing 160km/h. Sure the feel of driving w124 is much more better than new model toyota or honda. So do you think that proton can compare with old old model mercedes?

sure cannot. but u need to understand that extra ability does come with extra price. for normal working class people, even old Merc like this one cost not more than 50K, but to maintain such car, will be a problem. TS not asking about "which one better? Old Merc or new Saga?" That is a no brainer.. he`s asking.. "is it worth it?"

I really think for fresh graduate, this car will be a problem to maintain. Unless u very rich

fresh grad not affected by fuel crisis?

Ok let's forget about the W124 for awhile. What about a W123? The price for second-hand unit is soooooooo cheap, even below RM10,000.

What are your opinions on the W123 as a car for fresh grads? Don't forget W123 (RM10,000-RM15,000 excluding repairs and maintenance yet) vs new Saga (RM40,000?)

W124 is produced from 1985 till 1995... for its age, it looks pretty modern. its one of the most reliable merc ever build and yes it is over engineered...for year 1994-95 it is given a facelift where ppl called masterpiece version.. although many older ones were converted to this MP
back in the 90s W124 didn't cost 300k, the price of them in 1995 is:
E200 = rm225k
E220 = RM245k
E280 = RM267k
but now the 2nd hand price are all around 40k..
some of uni mate drive it .. full tank rm200 for now..


W123 is also a tank... if u want something less common just drive an old continental cars la... all students now only drive myvi viva kancil saga, all common wan but maintainance la prob

This post has been edited by phas3r: Jul 10 2008, 11:01 PM

Its a tough call bro. Although the W124 is a good car, the fuel will not come cheap.(Thanks to you-know-who) The E230 is the best of the range but maintanance is gonna be higher than a Proton. Safety wise it was the first production model for MB to use the ABS . (Mercedes invented ABS). If u're thinking of safety, the W124 is the car . Quality of the car is fantastic. (Even better that its successors). But I think RM 40K is on the high-side. RM 30 to RM 35K is the normal price. If u do decide to buy it, have a experienced MB guy or mechanic go with you. Look out for Gearbox wear and tear. Its a Mechanical car with minimal electronics, so many cheaper workshops can repair it. Protons are good and reliable, i've had 5 of them but safety is very much compromised. Repairs will be frequent in the Proton but at a lesser cost. ...Moral of the story....Flip a coin la!

---

Added on July 10, 2008, 11:18 pm W123?? At least if you get saman, you can say its your dad's car!....(sometimes they let u go...for free that is )

This post has been edited by zenabi: Jul 10 2008, 11:18 PM

W124

very nice to drive ah!!!

you drive one, then u go test drive Proton Saga/Toyota Vios&Altis / Honda etc.etc...

confirm you go back to W124. (it's silent at high speed also)

Take all these cars up to genting and back. you will know what i mean.



This post has been edited by fillet: Nov 4 2008, 06:22 PM

I'll definitely go for this German marque compared to a shabby Proton. Why everyone with a sane mind would compare a German marque with a jungle-clearing manufacturer?

I agree with Fillet. It's miles apart compared to Proton, City and Vios.

This post has been edited by SleeplessEyes: Nov 4 2008, 09:00 PM

My dad's 300SE still working like a charm till today
Engine still very powerful

sensui, i am taking over my parents w202 c200, the w124 is a good car, theres lots of these owners in www.mybenz.org. there was one owner who owned a honda city, but he changed it to a w202 c200. my maintenance for proton is sadly quite expensive. i am driving a proton satria neo and most parts break easily than my 11 year old benz. sometimes the parts is cheap, but the accumulated maintenance would be more than a 1 time fix for a merc. if ur buying a used merc, set aside at least 10% of the car's value for maintenance, e.g. 30k, set aside 3k to fix all. my friend spent 10k to fix his c200 up to his level.

btw instead of the w123, i suggest the w201 190e , its a small cc , small sedan, grandpa to the c-class. u can even get the cosworth tuned 2.5 litre engine halfcut with amg body kit for about rm12k.

I do think about taking over my mom old E280 Masterpiece.. I love the old Merc all around.. the engine sound.. the strong body.. the comfort.. but the fuel consumption is very high (at least for me as a student/part time worker)

And lucky for me my Wira maintainance is very easy and straight forward.

But in the end, if my mom decide to get another car I will not hesitate to argue with my big bro (he like the Merc too) who going to take over that car... Its really worth it

small part of coz easy to fix la but what happen when big part breakdown>? Like air con which cost a few thousand

Depending on whether ur mechanic is trustworthy & skillful.

The aircond system is basically the same as any other car. Denso compressor etc.

Most expensive would be the cooling coil. RM800+. But I got quoted RM1200-1500 also for the same part.

merc no good hevy no power lar

no power?
depends wat spec
used merc wasnt good for fresh graduates
good for young exec which can afford abit more on the maintenance part instead to have tight loans monthly on brand new car

hmm i think got for newer car

124 is my fav merc model......i think most of it have to buy cash .....or credit ....spare parts also easy to find.....

to those who are unsure how W124 looks like, its basically an E class, called 200/230/260/300E from 85-92 and called E220 etc 93-95



facelift 93-95/masterpiece


the nice coupe version

me myself got a e280 masterpiece...still running very well lo...no electrical faulty or malfunction...good ol tanker.. ..pass down by elder generation..but dont think is suitable for fresh grad..need to spend lotsa of time to rebuild the car condition...need lotsa of effort to..not to mention..findin a proper merc workshop..replacin parts that are old..involve lotsa money as well..not to mention the FC kinda damage ur wallet as well..abit la..if u dont rev it too much should b fine..

This post has been edited by sucka3: Nov 5 2008, 02:20 AM

lol good for you then

cant say good...cant say bad...either way i not permitted to sell it...so..kinda stuck with it..

lol , then normal for you lor , fc ok ar ?

used to it liao....but compare to my iswara...the difference is obvious....so does the power of cos..

mau pakai merc i giv u w126, 15k with 1jz-gte engine inside. ekeke.

TS,don't listen to any crap for buying an local make car since u have the budget for a Merc. Believe me German cars have magnificent pros rather than cons as per contrast to local make...cons are always more than pros.
another things is,sometimes u might get lucky that a decent 124 may cost less than 30k! that is if u don't waste your time on motortrader,ontheroad or even mudah.com...put some effort for 2nd hand car dealer ussually u can make better deal.as they want to push those cars out even making loss than waste their parling lot and let the car rot w/o giving them any cash flow.trust me.u've made a good first step decision now u just need to learn more about the car and try hard to find a decent 124.

my dad has a 123 converted to masterpiece engine and the fuel consumption is quite low,say,about 22cents?(After the fuel hike)ok ok maybe some might say 123 is lighter than 124,my uncles (a few of them) has 124 as well and they also seem to agree with me that 124 is quite low on FC in its class. i don't really think 124 could eat up much fuel as my dad's another 140 320SL also have a 30cents +- FC.

as for spare parts,depend on how would u define cheap and expensive.
would u rather spent rm300 for almost more than 10 years of hassle free or u want to spend rm50 for almost 2years once break down?as for comparison between Merc parts,i think 124 has the most reasonable parts price compared to say,123,190E,etc etc.compared to other german make oso most of the time 124's parts are easier to find and cheap.

driving experience?i guess i could cut short on this.DON'T EVER COMPARE the driving experience with PROTON or watsoever local make cars,it's INSULTING.well,yes i'm a big supporter of german cars so i really hate it when ppl compare with local make cars.sometimes even comparing to jap's cars i don't feel right.european cars has their own unique and comfort.

i'm sure u've tested any 124 before u plan to buy this 124,am i right?so judge it with your own feelings.

as for fresh grad....if i (still a student) is manage to maintain a VW why not u a fresh grad?basically u got less time than me that's all.if u want to find good deals on parts and service center,i can intro u to a few friends during TT and u can ask them for guidance and maintenance.it is who u stick with that matters the most i believe.(if u really like cars.if u just want it to ride from point a to point b then totally different story.)

above is only my 2cents.the decision power is still on your own.
good luck and cheers!

TS start this thread on July 9 bro... I believe he already got his car now..

btw,did anyone still rmbr that one of our MB in certain state slash out all the proton perdana as their official's car and ganti with new mercedes?
still remember the reason?maintenance and repair needed.i really think what he pointed out makes sense.
don't think that if u buy new proton cars then there wont be any problems.rmbr the savvy call back problems?alot of cars until now doesn't get their parts changed.some bought new savvy and blm but complaint that their ABS light is always on,after checked with service center,it's the ABS chip faulty,some of my fren wait until to date (almost more than half year) still yet to get it settled as the service center always claim it's out of stock.

some forummers here has given u a very good suggestions,get someone who knows and driven a 124 with u to test drive and inspect AND BARGAIN the Merc that u going to buy.

for me,it's definitely WORTH EVERY CENT ON IT.

---

Added on November 5, 2008, 9:09 amoh isit?lol...i din realized that...anyway hope he come back and show us what car he bought.

anyone bought a Merc recently?

This post has been edited by askar_lcy: Nov 5 2008, 09:09 AM

i got but no engine. hahaha 15k going include transplant to 1jz machine,,, call me

IMO,even if u have the cash for it,but consider the wear and tear.
Anytime your car might spoil this or that and u need to take it to repair.
So most likely u will waste your some of your precious time in workshop.
Fresh grad just started work sure no leave,u wanna take unpaid leave coz ur car broke down and wanna take it for repair?

askar_lcy good to see many german fans out there, me still student, if got chance to change my car i definitely go for old german cars, their driving experience is diff than protons or jap cars i agree, in terms of maintainance just keep extra 15k in bank so that u dont feel the burden to maintain it.
so if say w124 cost 30k and then + 15k = 45k, thats still quite cheaper than myvi se and got prestige, comfort power and more rare etc

anyway if u said w140 it should be S not SL right ?

I do agree with you. W124 is the most over-engineered Merc ever made, until Daimler fell into red-ink (noboby buying new Merc cause the old Merc are still in good condition)

Yes the fuel is tremendous, but to say about relibility I'm sure go for W124 rather than Saga. But before using it spend summore about RM 10-15k for refurbishing the car, then for sure can 'tahan' for another 10 years (words from my friend as Merc mechanic, not me). Try to go for Masterpiece model as it is fuel-injection, and could save abeit on FC...

All the best to you..

W124 if later version is very good.. E220 masterpiece is very good.. feels comfortable to ride in.. maintainance is not tat bad.. tis is mercedes, not BMW.. BMW maintainance is killing.. but da older one is very good though.. feels classic.. nice to ride too

This post has been edited by ssyy: Nov 5 2008, 07:03 PM

wear and tear? consider buying the 2nd hand,not 3rd or 4th hands..
IMO,i believe those who bought this car brand new has some background or else must be a big fan of merc...
so in that case,what kinda wear and tear u're expecting?i can assure u that it's not hard to find a VERY WELL maintain Merc even though it has history and aged more than 15years.these are prestige cars not sports car or normal car,most owners drive it with care.u know that those parts are expensive,so does the owner,therefore they would do their best to care for the car as well.
"anytime your car might spoil" ???? bro,if u're talking about Proton,i won't deny u on this even if it's a new car.
but we're talking about Merc here.one of the Finest car maker in the world.


Old German cars eh...come on i show u some nice old VW Beetle..
muahahha...anyway i know off i good condition Audi 110 for sale..about 5k.interested let me know.i try ask the owner if it's still available...
Ah S320...sorry...my bad...what was i thinking just now?hahahhaa


if have the time and effort for the refurbishing,i bet it'll last for another life span until the owner wanted to change new car,provided he goes to the right shop and do the right way.

i admit the maintenance abit heavy on the wallet..plus as a daily car..the fc kinda high..spare parts aint cheap..ya can get from potong shop..but i prefer new ones..engine service need to find those qualified merc workshop..or else..lotsa side prob gonna appear if simply giv any foreman to service it...in the end more money spend...depends on individual actually...but for a fresh grad..is more like a burden...unless the previous owner really take good care of the car..

This post has been edited by sucka3: Nov 5 2008, 11:08 PM

much of merc bashers have no idea what they are talking about, look at a proven fifth gear video. its an internationally watched car-show, not like our ah-beng hypertune that tells u something else.

thats a hell one of a good video , nice one mate lol

i wont vouch for a merc, if the built quality is terrible like proton. i have a satria neo and the ABS module fell apart, along some squeeky things on the car i cant determine

is one helluva tank..i noe since i ownin it...lol..jus tat..maintenance..dont expect same lvl as national cars..provided with good follow up service and wide range of spare parts replacement..this car can last very long..even the electrical part can b fix easily..

This post has been edited by sucka3: Nov 6 2008, 12:40 AM

im taking over the w202 c200, its quality way better than the newer w203 mercs. they fall apart. the w202 has good fc too, so i hear

well new merc...come with new engine..perform better kua...not interested in new merc...w124 i think is the onli merc i like..eventhough widely use as taxi in other country.. ..my uncle new merc electrical circuit always kaput..dunno the qc on merc drop..or wat..

This post has been edited by sucka3: Nov 6 2008, 12:43 AM

lol the w123 is one of the stylish car ever which i like it but cant afford only haha

the qc on merc dropped when daimler benz acquired chrysler and became daimler chrysler. chrysler's near bankruptcy made merc to skim on its qc! now the merc's are coming back with the w204 c-class, which i told my dad is a better buy. even the c&c dealership , ipoh motors, tell me that the w203 c-class has wiring harness problems, that must be replaced at 100k km, imagine the costs!

wow , every 100k replace the wiring harness ? -.- wtf -.-

that im not sure, but i heard needs to be replaced at 100k km, maybe its a one time thing, maybe the c-class was flawed, lol

madness..i think previously my old engine hav same issue as well..wiring harness..but tat time uncle still ownin it..so he swap engine couple of times ..

lol , lucky you , now no problem right ?

my dream merc...190E!
who'd seen Taxi2 (or was it 3?) the french version...
those German babe driving the 190E...
argh! fell in love!

now..workin smooth since..my uncle pass down lotsa of his knowledge to me..even whre to service n get spare parts..im suprised..till now w124 parts still got new ones.. ..he himself own a few merc..

This post has been edited by sucka3: Nov 6 2008, 02:51 AM

lol taxi all i see is peugeot

W124 parts ofcaz still have new ones...
it's a german car makers policy that they'll supply the spareparts for a minimum of years even the car stop produce i think...
30years?correct me if i'm wrong..

germany got alot of w124 taxi..

malaysia got alot ngv taxi rofl

askar , i found a cosworth tuned 2.5 litre engine for the 190e, half cut with the whole car costs 12.5k , its a bargain

poison him gao gao ~!!

thanks KeV,i found a 2.0 (or 2.2) 190E(A) for only rm3k...
tiptop condition....but it's in Italy...LMAO!!!

LMAO lar you sibei lame

lol, i think u can get a 190e for 10k or so, its better buying here, no need to headache, haha, after shipping back and all. italy is left hand drive, so much conversion to do. shipping will cost rm5k, and conversion, maybe more expensive, haha

definitely more expensive.. shippin it back here is hassle..

oh,i forgot to mention,
the car was registerd HERE!
just it's located in Italy NOW becaz the owner moved there.
imagine all the original parts he'd installed to the car using the Euro specs!

Mercs are fun to show off on interstate highways.. it's crazy, you can go above 100 km/h and you don't feel anything at all, 110 and it's like you're sitting on your sofa at home the leather seats are squeaky though

ITS LIKE OMFG ITS A NICE CAR lol

lol onli above 100km/h meh...above 200km/h..mah..den can feel something liao..

200kmh also quite solid, tested with my mom's w202 c-class

heavy body also ^^ , stable

well...when i first got my Driving license...
i raced my w123 with a wira converted 4g63
i remember i step over the meter (max was 180 if not rmbr wrongly...)
i din notice till my friend sitting beside told me after the race.

hahaha, well even if u dont win, u could use ur merc and nudge him till he spins, hahaah, power of the merc as an interceptor

hahaha...it was a fun experience...
but a memory that i would not forget for my whole life u know...
my fren sitting at the back........
shown the middle finger to the wira when i overtook him...
in one corner where he overtook me he stop his car in front and two guys came down and pulled my fren out.
lol....lucky no one was injured.thanks to a "special badge" infront my car bonnet

haha maybe cos ur an askar, hahhaa

merc highway cruiser le..wira is no whre near..kasi pedal to the max..off u go..dunno its top speed though onli got balls to reach 240-250km/h

lol....we were just a bunch of school kids back then..
anyway the thing i want to say is...even a 123 step over the meter also felt like nothing...hehe

bro lets race with my w202 haha, or maybe better, the upcoming w204

lol...nope...i never like to drive the merc anymore after my dad converted to masterpiece....AUTO SHIFT! grrrrr

haha auto power, mine is 5 speed auto

nice 5 speed auto..mine is an autotranny 4 speed onli..haiz..dont need race la...petrol aint cheap.. ..go for touring better...

This post has been edited by sucka3: Nov 6 2008, 02:17 AM