Team-BHP - View Single Post - W124 - Mercedes E220 or E250D? Which would you buy?

GTO · 14th January 2005, 15:18

Known as part of the "last real Mercedes ever made" series, the W124 E Class is the little brother of the supreme W126 S Class. The W124 had a brief but unsuccessful stint in India, primarily because the Indian market perceived it as an outdated model. True because Mercedes had already started selling the newer twin eyed series around the world.

That said, the W124 is more of a Mercedes than the cars that Daimler Chrysler is offering today. It is built like a tank, has supreme levels of ride quality and when you sit in one....you'd feel you are locked up in a vault. 2004 Mercedes require more upkeep than your wife does...but the W124s are pure German workhorses that are built with the most sincere German traditions. Purists will see themselves only in a W124/126 if not something a generation or two older. The Porsche built W124 E500 finds itself on the top 10 list of auto journos around the world.

Unlike the newer Mercs which have more electronic parts than mechanical, the W124s are also incredibly simple machines. Electrical problems are almost inexistent and mechanical issues are restricted to the regular maintenance and service schedules.

The good news for car guys is that W124's are today available for a song. Starting as low as 5 lacs rupees and going to a high of 8.5 lacs, you can get yourself a car that is built to last. Like I said before, a real Mercedes-Benz.

Which one would you buy?

Mercedes E220 (Petrol):

The Petrol Indian W124 is F-A-S-T, and who can forget the well-driven NOS charged E220 which whupped up a 1.8 Optras and some modded Citys/Lancers at the SpeedRun 2004. The E220 is incredibly refined and you really cant tell the difference between a running engine and one thats not.

Price when new : 21.58 lac
Engine : 2199 cc 4 cylinder
0 - 60 mph : 10.4 seconds
Top Speed : 180 kph (Electronically Restricted due to JK Tyres)
KPL : 6.5 City Driving

Mercedes E250D (Diesel):

The 5 cylinder design is unique with this engine offering the E250D phenomenal driveability in the city or on the highway. Even though the W124 series is one that requires the most minimum maintenance, the simplicity of this engine takes it further and is truly a workhorse. Obviously not as refined as the E220, the E250 by itself is pretty smooth even by german diesel standards. The 250D is the choice of most Indian car mags...Most Merc fans would never buy anything but a diesel Merc. Apparently the one to cruise across continents in.

The only problem with a E250D is finding a used example with low mileage. You can distinguish an E250 by horizontal vents on the right front fender.

Price when new : 23.33 lac
Engine : 2497 cc 5 Cylinder
0 - 60 mph : 15.9 seconds
Top Speed : 180 kph (Electronically Restricted due to JK Tyres)
KPL : 9 City Driving

GTO

14th January 2005, 15:18	#1 (permalink)
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 13,437	W124 - Mercedes E220 or E250D? Which would you buy? Known as part of the "last real Mercedes ever made" series, the W124 E Class is the little brother of the supreme W126 S Class. The W124 had a brief but unsuccessful stint in India, primarily because the Indian market perceived it as an outdated model. True because Mercedes had already started selling the newer twin eyed series around the world. That said, the W124 is more of a Mercedes than the cars that Daimler Chrysler is offering today. It is built like a tank, has supreme levels of ride quality and when you sit in one....you'd feel you are locked up in a vault. 2004 Mercedes require more upkeep than your wife does...but the W124s are pure German workhorses that are built with the most sincere German traditions. Purists will see themselves only in a W124/126 if not something a generation or two older. The Porsche built W124 E500 finds itself on the top 10 list of auto journos around the world. Unlike the newer Mercs which have more electronic parts than mechanical, the W124s are also incredibly simple machines. Electrical problems are almost inexistent and mechanical issues are restricted to the regular maintenance and service schedules. The good news for car guys is that W124's are today available for a song. Starting as low as 5 lacs rupees and going to a high of 8.5 lacs, you can get yourself a car that is built to last. Like I said before, a real Mercedes-Benz. Which one would you buy? Mercedes E220 (Petrol): The Petrol Indian W124 is F-A-S-T, and who can forget the well-driven NOS charged E220 which whupped up a 1.8 Optras and some modded Citys/Lancers at the SpeedRun 2004. The E220 is incredibly refined and you really cant tell the difference between a running engine and one thats not. Price when new : 21.58 lac Engine : 2199 cc 4 cylinder 0 - 60 mph : 10.4 seconds Top Speed : 180 kph (Electronically Restricted due to JK Tyres) KPL : 6.5 City Driving Mercedes E250D (Diesel): The 5 cylinder design is unique with this engine offering the E250D phenomenal driveability in the city or on the highway. Even though the W124 series is one that requires the most minimum maintenance, the simplicity of this engine takes it further and is truly a workhorse. Obviously not as refined as the E220, the E250 by itself is pretty smooth even by german diesel standards. The 250D is the choice of most Indian car mags...Most Merc fans would never buy anything but a diesel Merc. Apparently the one to cruise across continents in. The only problem with a E250D is finding a used example with low mileage. You can distinguish an E250 by horizontal vents on the right front fender. Price when new : 23.33 lac Engine : 2497 cc 5 Cylinder 0 - 60 mph : 15.9 seconds Top Speed : 180 kph (Electronically Restricted due to JK Tyres) KPL : 9 City Driving GTO __________________ GTO Change the way you think, and watch the world change around you. Please don't PM for support. Use the Contact Form instead. Please read the NEW Team-BHP FAQ section for all your queries.