Mercedes-Benz W124 buyer's guide

The modern classic — engineered without regard to cost, including the Porsche-built 500E.

Years: 1984–1995 · Models: 260E, 300E, 300CE, 300TE, 300D, E300 Diesel, 400E, 500E and others

Overview

The W124 replaced the W123 with a lighter, safer, more aerodynamic car and became the template for the E-Class. It spans sensible diesel sedans, the coupe and estate, and two V8s — the 400E and the 500E, the latter assembled by Porsche. Build quality is famously high, but the series ran for a decade and its later cars carry an age-related electrical weakness that buyers must check for by build date.

Engines

The M103 and M104 sixes (the M104 with four valves per cylinder); the M119 V8 in the 400E and 500E; and the OM602 and OM603 diesels.

What to check

• On 1993–1995 cars, the engine wiring harness: its insulation was biodegradable by design and crumbles with age, causing misfires and shorts. Confirm whether the harness has been replaced — this is the first question for a facelift car.
• On the M104 six, oil leaking from the head gasket at the front of the engine; most have been repaired by now, but verify.
• The air-conditioning evaporator, whose failure means removing the dashboard to repair.
• Rust is modest by Mercedes standards, but check the wheel arches, jacking points, and the estate's tailgate.
• On the 500E, the full V8 service history and cooling-system condition — it is a specialist car with specialist costs.

Values

The 500E stands in a class of its own and prices like it. Behind it, coupes and estates with the six-cylinder engines and full records lead; the market rewards documented, original cars and discounts modified ones firmly.

Buying tips

Start with the build date and the wiring harness on any later car. Otherwise buy as with the W123: records, originality, and condition over specification, with the V8 cars reserved for buyers who have priced their upkeep.

See the 4 W124 cars currently listed.