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 The W124 had a brief but unsuccessful stint in India, primarily because the Indian market perceived it as an outdated model.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

Rtech · 14th January 2005, 15:24

For me, it would be the 250D simply because the W124 was never a very involving car to drive. So, I would be willing to sacrifice a bit of power for the extra torque the diesel would provide. Also, MB diesels are known to last even longer than their petrol siblings.

Hey, those fins on the right side of the 250D look cool too!!

Dippy · 14th January 2005, 15:34

I lust after a W124 Merc and it is by far one of the best Mercs ever made. I'd go for a the E250D too and first things first get rid of those JK tyres

Quote:

Hey, those fins on the right side of the 250D look cool too!!

Dippy

Sahil · 14th January 2005, 16:10

E220 for me ... Only reason i wouldnt pick the E250 is coz its not Cdi

X-Machine · 14th January 2005, 16:53

Has to be the E250D.Its one of the most accomplished Mercedes models that was in production during its time.And wot better than a diesel Merc to cruise around.

X

islero · 14th January 2005, 20:31

I'd take E250D. If I buy one of these, it would be for the daily run, and not for the performance. Diesel is so much more efficient.

lamborghini · 14th January 2005, 21:22

E250D for me ...
i have always wanted this one ...
waiting and looking for a good used one and if i find one ... lets wait and see
the new mercs arent what they used to be .
ive seen some w124s doing 1 - 2 lak km without any problems ...

Stratos · 14th January 2005, 21:34

The Diesel variant for me. It actually wont matter cauz I just love the W124 be it running on any kind of fuel. But as my mind is more inclined to the diesel, I would go for it. And as rtech mentioned, those Fins between the side indicators and the wheel arches look really nice!

.anshuman · 14th January 2005, 22:22

i agree with you gto the w124 e class was the last real mercedes,the car still looks more handsome than most cars,i would like the petrol option and enjoy the merc,its a steal at the price it is offered in second hand market,do u have any idea how much reglar service costs,is it lower than the current c and e class which cost around 25000bucks.

F50 · 15th January 2005, 00:57

Well I would go for Petrol, the E220 .... its damn comfortable and as mentioned its fast and it would be really fast if tuned properly. But tuning will take some big bucks... correct me if im wrong

lamborghini · 15th January 2005, 13:15

hey F
it need not take a lot of cash unless you get AMG stuff ...
if you et stuf from outside it shouldnt be expensive

shravan316 · 15th January 2005, 15:39

Diesel Merc for me... Like rtech said........ W124 isn't a very involving car to drive, i would like to go for looong cruises only in that Merc!

v12 · 15th January 2005, 15:46

Anytime the 250D since there was nothing too great abt the petrol Merc.

aadix · 15th January 2005, 16:25

the E250D,
with good alloys and rubber this car would look hot and as well as be economical

Aditya · 15th January 2005, 17:09

As most of you have pointed out, the E250D seems to be the more sensible choice. However, the E220 was India's first Mercedes and has a special place in my heart. I always listen more to my heart than my head. E220 for me. It's a faster car. Get rid of those JKs and shod it with good Michelin / Pirelli footware.

View Poll Results: Which W124?
Mercedes E220	77	35.00%
Mercedes E250 D	143	65.00%
Voters: 220. You may not vote on this poll

14th January 2005, 15:18	#1
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,546 Thanked: 300,761 Times View My Garage	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
	(1) Thanks

14th January 2005, 15:24	#2
Rtech Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,770 Thanked: 359 Times View My Garage	For me, it would be the 250D simply because the W124 was never a very involving car to drive. So, I would be willing to sacrifice a bit of power for the extra torque the diesel would provide. Also, MB diesels are known to last even longer than their petrol siblings. Hey, those fins on the right side of the 250D look cool too!!
	(2) Thanks

14th January 2005, 16:10	#4
Sahil Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 6,292 Thanked: 7,607 Times	E220 for me ... Only reason i wouldnt pick the E250 is coz its not Cdi
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 16:53	#5
X-Machine Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Mumbai/Tokyo Posts: 1,475 Thanked: 29 Times	Has to be the E250D.Its one of the most accomplished Mercedes models that was in production during its time.And wot better than a diesel Merc to cruise around. X
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 20:31	#6
islero Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,574 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	I'd take E250D. If I buy one of these, it would be for the daily run, and not for the performance. Diesel is so much more efficient.
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 21:22	#7
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,113 Thanked: 5,760 Times View My Garage	E250D for me ... i have always wanted this one ... waiting and looking for a good used one and if i find one ... lets wait and see the new mercs arent what they used to be . ive seen some w124s doing 1 - 2 lak km without any problems ...
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 21:34	#8
Stratos Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,609 Thanked: 1,449 Times View My Garage	The Diesel variant for me. It actually wont matter cauz I just love the W124 be it running on any kind of fuel. But as my mind is more inclined to the diesel, I would go for it. And as rtech mentioned, those Fins between the side indicators and the wheel arches look really nice!
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 22:22	#9
.anshuman Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Good-Gaon Posts: 7,763 Thanked: 11,064 Times View My Garage	i agree with you gto the w124 e class was the last real mercedes,the car still looks more handsome than most cars,i would like the petrol option and enjoy the merc,its a steal at the price it is offered in second hand market,do u have any idea how much reglar service costs,is it lower than the current c and e class which cost around 25000bucks.
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 00:57	#10
F50 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai/USA Posts: 1,707 Thanked: 103 Times	Well I would go for Petrol, the E220 .... its damn comfortable and as mentioned its fast and it would be really fast if tuned properly. But tuning will take some big bucks... correct me if im wrong
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 13:15	#11
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,113 Thanked: 5,760 Times View My Garage	hey F it need not take a lot of cash unless you get AMG stuff ... if you et stuf from outside it shouldnt be expensive
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 15:39	#12
shravan316 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,029 Thanked: 9 Times	Diesel Merc for me... Like rtech said........ W124 isn't a very involving car to drive, i would like to go for looong cruises only in that Merc!
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 15:46	#13
v12 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,739 Thanked: 7,213 Times View My Garage	Anytime the 250D since there was nothing too great abt the petrol Merc.
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 16:25	#14
aadix Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: hyderabad Posts: 1,597 Thanked: 14 Times	the E250D, with good alloys and rubber this car would look hot and as well as be economical
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 17:09	#15
Aditya Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 17,841 Thanked: 77,072 Times View My Garage	As most of you have pointed out, the E250D seems to be the more sensible choice. However, the E220 was India's first Mercedes and has a special place in my heart. I always listen more to my heart than my head. E220 for me. It's a faster car. Get rid of those JKs and shod it with good Michelin / Pirelli footware.
	() Thanks