Mercedes W124 buyer's guide

The Mercedes W124 is the perfect practical modern classic: bank-vault build, reliability and lots of space. Here’s how to buy one

Words: Sam Skelton Images: James Howe

There have been few automotive model ranges quite like Mercedes-Benz’s W124-generation E-Class. Simple yet highly effective, it appealed equally to taxi drivers and business leaders, embodying exactly what a medium-sized saloon line-up should be, without unnecessary frills or concessions to passing trends. Its clean, square-edged design projected sense and solidity, and over a twelve-year production life it won over almost everyone who drove or rode in one.

Styled with typical restraint by Bruno Sacco, the W124’s reputation endured to such an extent that even during its time in the used and “banger” market it remained highly respected. Even if finances were tight, at least you still had a Mercedes. Built from 1985 to 1997, the range covered five body styles in total: saloon, estate, coupé, convertible, and a stretched six-door limousine. Each has since built up its own dedicated following.

Mechanically, the W124 was essentially an enlarged development of the new 190E compact saloon, to the point that key suspension components were shared. The four-cylinder petrol engines were also closely related, although the W124 gained a 2.3-litre version alongside the 2.0, which the 190 only received in certain export markets such as the United States. The 2.6-litre straight-six was shared too, while the larger 3.0-litre unit was sourced from the S-Class. From 1992 onwards, new multi-valve engines were introduced, shared with the C-Class. Most W124s were fitted with automatic gearboxes of Mercedes’ own design, although a manual transmission was available for those who preferred to change gear themselves, even if it was rarely specified. Diesel options included four-, five- and six-cylinder units, with the six-cylinder earning a strong reputation for its blend of performance and economy.

A mild facelift in 1989 introduced revised plastic side cladding, while a more extensive update in 1992 brought a redesigned grille, bonnet and bumpers. The saloon and estate were replaced by the W210 E-Class in 1995, the coupé followed in 1996, and the final cabriolets were sold in 1997. You may occasionally come across a 1998-registered E220 manual; these slightly raised cars were built in India for the local market, though slow sales due to high prices meant many were later imported into the UK.

Given the W124’s long production run and strong sales, there are still plenty on today’s modern classic market. But what should you be looking out for if you are thinking of buying one?

Mercedes W124

Mercedes W124 values

The days of finding decent examples for around a grand are long gone nowadays, and the best convertibles are now firmly in five-figure territory. However, you should still be able to find a tidy four-cylinder saloon for around £2000, while estates and coupes start from about £3500. Add around 50 per cent to those figures if you want a usable six-cylinder, and double them again for something genuinely excellent. Specialist dealers have even been known to push W124 estate asking prices into five figures due to their popularity, and the best convertibles on the market have pushed past £15,000, north of £20,000 in some cases, although at that level they need to be immaculate with low mileage. The halo 500E and AMG models, meanwhile, can range anywhere from £30,000 up to six figures depending on the specific model and its condition.

Insurance Costs

1991 Mercedes 300TE Estate, £5000 value

Example quote: £127.05 or £145.05 with Agreed Value.

Quotation supplied by Lancaster Insurance. Tel: 01480 400761

Quote based on a 45-year-old marketing manager, access to another car, no claims or convictions, club member, 3000 miles per year, no modifications, living in SP2 0HL. Disclaimer: Subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Bodywork

Rust is the main killer of these cars, particularly post-facelift models when Mercedes moved to water-based paint and thinner steel. Front wings are usually the first area to show trouble, and even if the outer panels look fine you should still reach into the wheelarch and inspect the inner wing, as this is a known rot trap ahead of the arch. A drooping bumper can also point to problems, since it is mounted to the wing. Water often collects under the washer bottle, causing the inner wing to corrode, while the crossmember beneath the sump can also trap mud and road dirt.

Rear wings can suffer as well. On estates, check beneath the rear windows by removing the inner load area trims. Rear subframe supports are prone to rust and are best inspected with the rear wheels removed, though it is still worth getting underneath with a torch. Any work on these areas or the rear brake lines typically requires removal of the rear axle.

Also inspect the jacking points, especially on later cars where they are concealed behind plastic trims, and be wary of heavy underseal. Some cars have been found with moisture trapped underneath, causing the floor to rust from the inside out – everything can appear sound until probed, when it collapses into dust and may be beyond economical repair. Thankfully, most panels are still available, albeit at a cost, so a committed owner can usually restore a cherished example if budget allows. Coupés are prone to leaking rear screens, while pillarless windows can also allow water ingress. On convertibles, check the hood carefully, as replacements are both costly and time-consuming if damaged.

Mercedes W124

Engine and gearbox

Most W124s are petrol models, offered with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines, each drawn from two distinct engine families. Alongside these sits the 500E V8, plus a trio of diesel options.

Cars built before 1992 use earlier four- and six-cylinder engines with two valves per cylinder. These are well regarded for longevity and robustness, provided routine maintenance is kept up. On four-cylinder models, the timing chain should be checked and typically replaced every 60,000 miles. Six-cylinder engines, meanwhile, are generally strong but should be inspected for oil leaks. From 1992 onwards, Mercedes introduced newer four-valve-per-cylinder engines, which improved both power and economy. Aside from potential stretched head bolts on high-mileage four-cylinders and oil leaks from the timing chain cover on six-cylinders that can damage the alternator, there are few major concerns with these later units.

With the arrival of these updated engines, Mercedes also introduced biodegradable insulation for the wiring looms in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. The downside was that the material could deteriorate while the car was still in service, leading to corrosion and, in worse cases, short circuits within the loom. Many cars have since had replacement looms fitted, but as this can cost into four figures, it is essential to confirm that the work has already been carried out.

Among the diesel range, the most commonly encountered is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit found in the E300D. Although naturally aspirated, a 24-valve cylinder head introduced in 1993 increased output to 134bhp, giving surprisingly respectable performance for a non-turbo diesel of the era.

There are broadly two transmission types. Manual cars use a Mercedes-built five-speed gearbox. While it was considered somewhat notchy when new, it is no worse than period rivals such as the Peugeot 605 or Saab 9000. It may not feel entirely fitting for a car of this calibre, but it is perfectly usable if preferred. The unit is durable and has no inherent design weaknesses, provided the oil is changed regularly.

Most examples, however, are fitted with automatic gearboxes. This is a four-speed Mercedes unit with two modes: Standard and Economy. The ‘S’ setting is often mistaken for Sport, but it is not; instead, gear changes are held for longer, while ‘E’ shifts earlier to improve fuel efficiency. It is normal to notice only three gear changes in use, as in ‘E’ the car will typically start in second gear, while in ‘S’ it will only select first under heavy throttle. This behaviour is entirely normal. Finally, check the automatic transmission fluid: it should be red. Brown fluid suggests it is overdue a change, while black indicates more serious issues.

Suspension, steering and brakes

Coil springs paired with separate dampers and a rubber top mount at the front follow the same layout as the smaller 190E, as does the multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and separate dampers. Many components are shared with the 190, which helps make replacement parts relatively easy to find. Estate versions add self-levelling rear suspension, using a system broadly similar in concept to Citroën designs, with gas spheres acting as dampers mounted on top of the suspension struts, helping keep the car level regardless of load. Rear coil springs are still used, so the car retains its rear ride height when parked. Unlike Citroëns, however, the ride height is fixed at a single setting rather than being adjustable.

The W124 braking system is straightforward and generally reliable, and shouldn’t present any major issues. It uses servo assistance and disc brakes all round. One key point to remember is that the parking brake is foot-operated and should hold the car firmly without allowing it to creep, yet also shouldn’t feel overly tight to engage – imagine a resistance similar to a clutch pedal and you’ll be in the right ballpark. If it doesn’t behave like this, expect that adjustments will likely be needed sooner rather than later.

Interior, trim and electrics

There are four main interior material options: cloth, velour, leather and MB-Tex. The latter is a premium vinyl and can be distinguished from leather by its narrow vertical pleating. On W124 models, leather seats feature flat panels, whereas Tex can easily be mistaken for leather by the untrained eye. It is generally less sought after, but is valued by dedicated Mercedes enthusiasts due to its durability and its place in Mercedes-Benz history.

Velour is the rarest, as it was seldom specified, although its soft, plush finish makes for a particularly comfortable cabin. Leather remains the most desirable choice in the market. Sportline models, when ordered with cloth trim, featured a distinctive checked fabric which is now considered highly desirable.

Exterior and interior colour choice also matters. Unusual shades can be appealing, but replacement parts may be more difficult to source. Common colours such as black, grey and cream are safest if you anticipate needing replacement plastic trim, while rarer tones like Palomino tan and red can be harder to match correctly.

Mercedes W124

Mercedes W124: our verdict

There are four main material choices: the W124 has rightly secured its place as one of Mercedes-Benz’s most well-regarded models. While corrosion is a known concern, the newest examples are now over 25 years old and it’s unrealistic to expect a car of this age to be entirely fault-free. It isn’t quite as engaging to drive as its E34 BMW 5 Series rival, but it more than compensates in every other area.

Good examples are still widely available, and with a bit of care you can avoid cars suffering from serious rust issues. It also has broad appeal, from basic 200E models with MB-Tex trim and manual windows through to the legendary, left-hand drive-only 500E performance flagship. Estates, saloons, coupés and cabriolets were all offered – whatever your needs, there’s a W124 to suit. As durable, relatively affordable cars to run, there’s very little reason not to consider one.

For everyday use, the best options are the larger four-cylinder engines – either the 230E or E220 depending on age and preference. We’d lean towards a good E220 provided the wiring loom has been addressed, though the 230E offers the kind of straightforward Mercedes reliability that’s hard to beat. For a weekend car, the smooth, sonorous 300E or E280 are equally appealing, though the trade-off for the extra performance is higher fuel consumption.

Mercedes W124