[aquavelva]

I have come across a 1996 W124 E220 Petrol car with a used car dealer in Mumbai. The price quoted for it is Rs. 2.50 lakhs.

The few problems that i observed during my inspection are as follows

1. The doors were sqeaky.
2. The Muffler/Silencer was making an unfamiliar sound.
3. The pickup was sluggish.
4. The monogrames in the front and rear were missing.
5. 2 out of the 5 tyres are not in good shape.

That is what my un-experienced eye could observe on casual inspection.
While driving the engine seemed in decent shape except for the sluggishness and the suspension did not seem bad.

Can someone suggest an experienced specialist who knows the intecracies of the W124 who could aid me in finding out the problems in detail and helping me take the decision.

This is a Huge upgrade for me from my Santro. I have keenly observed various detailed information provided in other threads on the forum.

[toms_2191]

from what you have written, its pretty abused car and don't be carried away by the price offered. you will end up in spending spending twice in up keeping this one. there are 2 cars on sale in Team-Bhp market space check those out. they look decent to me. specifically the silver one.

happy hunting

[AirWind]

2.5L seems okay... remember its a 13 yr old car, so need to give it a through check and do so from a Merc authorized dealership to avoid surprises. Do search for W124 threads to get info on a local mechanic for regular maintenance. Note the mileage of 50% and maintenance of 5x compared to your Santro.

You didnt mention the miles logged, an intial servicing would be required based on the run. But against your points,
1. needs greasing
2. might require tightening
3. filters require servicing, the E220 has one heck of pickup and can do sub 10 sec to a ton
4. typical of Mumbai
5. depends on the run, check the make of all the 4 or 5 tyres

Originally Posted by aquavelva

I have come across a 1996 W124 E220 Petrol car with a used car dealer in Mumbai. The price quoted for it is Rs. 2.50 lakhs.

The few problems that i observed during my inspection are as follows

1. The doors were sqeaky.
2. The Muffler/Silencer was making an unfamiliar sound.
3. The pickup was sluggish.
4. The monogrames in the front and rear were missing.
5. 2 out of the 5 tyres are not in good shape.

That is what my un-experienced eye could observe on casual inspection.
While driving the engine seemed in decent shape except for the sluggishness and the suspension did not seem bad.

Can someone suggest an experienced specialist who knows the intecracies of the W124 who could aid me in finding out the problems in detail and helping me take the decision.

This is a Huge upgrade for me from my Santro. I have keenly observed various detailed information provided in other threads on the forum.

[aquavelva]

Thanks a lot airwind for your advice.

You didnt mention the miles logged --->The car shows 68000 kms
1. needs greasing ----> Will get that done.
2. might require tightening ----> Do you mean tightening of the door hoinges ?
3. filters require servicing, the E220 has one heck of pickup and can do sub 10 sec to a ton -----> This one was quite slughish in the pickup. Would some tuneup help ? Could someone in the Forum suggest some Technician who can help wqith the checkup and tuning ?
4. typical of Mumbai ---> Thats very true
5. depends on the run, check the make of all the 4 or 5 tyres ---> The tyres are 205/60 R15 Bridgestone make and may last for a few thousand kms more. It has alloy wheels.

[AirWind]

Originally Posted by aquavelva

Thanks a lot airwind for your advice.

You didnt mention the miles logged --->The car shows 68000 kms
1. needs greasing ----> Will get that done.
2. might require tightening ----> Do you mean tightening of the door hoinges ?
3. filters require servicing, the E220 has one heck of pickup and can do sub 10 sec to a ton -----> This one was quite slughish in the pickup. Would some tuneup help ? Could someone in the Forum suggest some Technician who can help wqith the checkup and tuning ?
4. typical of Mumbai ---> Thats very true
5. depends on the run, check the make of all the 4 or 5 tyres ---> The tyres are 205/60 R15 Bridgestone make and may last for a few thousand kms more. It has alloy wheels.

2. tightening of the stays that holds the tail pipe, but the weired sound can also be also due to a rusted silensor prevalent in coastal areas

3. PM GTO

5. The Indian W124's came shod with JK tyres as OE, so the B'stones could be the 2nd pair, check their mfg dates to see when the tyres were changed?

68k KM's in 13 years smells fishy, but given this is a status symbol and the owners probably had a dozen other cars in their garage - probe this further.

[GTO]

Can someone suggest an experienced specialist who knows the intecracies of the W124 who could aid me in finding out the problems in detail and helping me take the decision.

As Airwind recommends, Auto Hangar is your best bet for a complete evaluation. Best 5,000 bucks you will ever spend on a W124.

The forum has lots of information on 124's, please search.

[Screwdriva]

I currently drive a W124. There is no better Benz sold in India (some will say the W126 and the W140 were better cars and I agree. But they were never sold here which make parts enough of a headache to prevent them from being the primary vehicle)

I agree with the Autohangar evaluation. I did the same with my car. Sure, they came back with a ridiculous estimate bill for work that wasn't needed AT ALL but that is something an honest mechanic will point out.

I take my Benz's to Ahura Motors in Byculla. Some folks have had mixed opinions about them but they've always been the right combination of fair priced and knowlegable for me. My Autohangar bill was for 1.5 Lacs. My Ahura Motors bill was Rs. 17,000/- after most of the work suggested by Autohangar was deemed pointless.

[PhantomLord]

@aquavelva, What are you planning to use this car for? Daily drive? Vacation Car?. If you are looking for anything economical please give 250D a thought. Its much simpler engine compared to petrol, easy to maintain and has good fuel economy too.

If you are looking for a car that you will keep for long, skip this car and look for well maintained car, even if price is bit high. I have seen E220 examples that look like new car just out of show room.

Buying a cheap car and fixing things will be very costly. Pune I believe has good number of W124's for sale, also try MB authorized used car sales there.

[aquavelva]

Dear ScrewDriva

What is the process for getting Autohangar evaluation. I am not sure whether a seller would allow me to take his car for evaluation before i make my purchase decision.

I surely will gotto Ahura once i have the vehicle. Please pm your contact info if possible.

Phantomlord - I would like to use it for daily drive of around 40 km per day. I have not come across any worthwhile 250d as yet. I had seen a e220 in pune but the dealer was quoting 3.75 lakhs. If you come across any good one in pune or mumbai please let me know. MB authorized places dont have the any w124 they have the later models.

[speedy]

Originally Posted by aquavelva

What is the process for getting Autohangar evaluation. I am not sure whether a seller would allow me to take his car for evaluation before i make my purchase decision.

Take an appointment with Auto Hanger to have the car evaluated and take the car there at the appointed time. It could take a day or two to evaluate the car and the seller would agree to it. Your the buyer and have all the right to have the cr checked before you make the purchase.

Auto hanger has a used car section at worli and they do carry W124's too. Many people do not leave there cars there but can be brought on call. If you see the friday papers auto hanger generally gives adds and you can call the concerned person and inquire if they have a W124 for sale or know of any client selling theirs.

[GordonGekko]

Even I went and saw one today.

I wonder if it's just me, or are the gear shifts (manual) kinda hard? To be more precise, It took a bit of effort. I also managed to stall the car. Anyone know what I'm talking about.

[Dieseling]

Hi

I'm new to this forum and have a penchant for diesel cars. I'm typical 2 yrs out of business school, looking to put my money into a classic merc, than run of the mill hatchbacks.

I'm looking for a 250D, but came across a 1996 220 W124. The quoted price is 3L and can be negotiated down to 2.5L. I am going to see the car on saturday to the concerned dealer in Delhi.

Kindly help me with the following:
1. What to look out for. I have no expertise in such cars, and the price itself suggests that it might not be a mint condition and i might end up shelling out another 1-1.5L on restoration. But i would like to reduce the costs

2. Maintenance costs - After making the buying decision, how much would it ask for every 10k kms, apart from servicing which is assume is a 10-15k affair.

3. FE is important to me, and I know that 220 would not give more than 5-6 in city driving. Is it possible to have a CNG kit fitted in it
Yeah sure, tbhp family members might kill me this question, but i have to balance out daily economics with dream of owning a 220 !

Kindly help

Regards

Dieseling

[Ricky_63]

Hi

Is this car in Lajpat Nagar with a dealer ? Single owner, Colonel Retd. et al ?? Regn 5577 ? Black ? You will get that easily for 2.5

Considering that you have started out in life, it is every petrol head's ambition to own a Merc !! As was mine when I was closer your age. The restoration would cost you a "fair bit" (just completed my 250D's restoration), so I know what it takes.

Unless you have spare change, don't get carried away. Concentrate on your career for now, get the car when you have spare change.

The E220 will give you around 8kmpl, but it takes much more than the fuel bill to run a Merc. CNG in a Merc don't mess with it - not worth it at all. You may spend more than what you save.

Anyways if you are dead serious. There is a Merc E220 available - super mint for 4L. Single owner, leather interiors stock. Run around 50k. Mumbai registration. Car was always in Delhi since 1996, so no rust either.

I was offered this car just 2 weeks back, but I had already got my 250D or else I would have bought it.

Drop me a PM if you want to take this further.



Cheers

[rubin2006]

No offence meant to any one but buying A Mercedes Benz 14 years old and in not s good condition is not a Good idea ,And then installing a CNG i don't even know what to say for that never seen a mercedes benz waiting in long cng line

Like most of the BHPians i am a firm believer Seconds hands are a Great buys and Luxury seconds are the greatest ever

Every seconds person in India who can or cannot Spell Mercedes is passionate about them and want to own one ,so our argument that i love Mercedes and i will buy one even if its in not in good conditions or near end of its practical life or near its Maruti 800 pricing doesn't hold well

The best idea is to make your self some one first who will and should buy the swankiest Mercedes Benz and would not mind Shelling out 6 digit repair bills when called for is the one to have

Why would u want to buy a merc for 2.5 lacks and then spend 5- lacs keeping it for 3 -5 years and will face host of troubles . E class and worries about fuel Bills don't go hand in hand either

Get a decent upgrade like Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla and chill in life and join the Mercedes Club when u are actually invited and dear Friend when those choices in life would be clear your Ride could be a E or a S class also may be new may be 3-4-5 years old who knows

I think it would a be dream upgrade for any one from santro to corolla

People do restore old cars much older then 14 years but most of them have money and time or they are owners of a garage or they knw some pro`s they rarely have this one car as the main car

Rest its you money and your choice i just had an opinion

[k!ng_@thur]

In my humble opinion, the car will take not just money, but a lot of time away. Management consultant is a very concealing term so cant figure out how much free time you'll have, but given the time from college and assume you are in a decent consult, you might want to put your time to much "better " use - "better" i say from the perspective of building your career, etc.

and btw, what gave you the opinion that maintenance will cost 10-15 k per 6 months, expect close to 2 to 3 times that amount at least even if you have your own "faithful" mechanic

you mite want to refer the thread on sedans in the what car forum.