[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by DudeWithaFiat

Something that I .... with our mechanic.

I'd go with the car at the dealer. I wouldn't worry about the lack of service history. If it was transferred to another state, then the original registration number is lost and so are the service records. Maybe you can ask your friend to check using the VIN number, I'm sure that is recorded as well.
The power window is a seriously minor issue, it's most likely that the gear inside has worn out and you'll need a new one. Not a tough task.

The diesel is noisy on start up, but it has a very relaxed way about it, even when you push the car hard.

Good luck! You're one of the lucky ones to have found a good car in a short search.

[DudeWithaFiat]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

I'd go with the car at the dealer. I wouldn't worry about the lack of service history. If it was transferred to another state, then the original registration number is lost and so are the service records. Maybe you can ask your friend to check using the VIN number, I'm sure that is recorded as well.

Same thoughts here. Will go with this one after a confirmation from our mechanic and if we get the pricing right (Dealer has said 4.75L negotiable. I haven't said my price). Can you tell me where I can find the VIN number? It is on the yellow stickers that you see when you open the bonnet

Originally Posted by Viraat13

Good luck! You're one of the lucky ones to have found a good car in a short search.

Well, I did say I am 'vehicle lucky' hehe.

BTW, engine bays are neat on both the cars, but more neat was the dealer's car.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by supercars

I am a bit scared to change to bigger coil pads as the car may become unstable at high speed or in the turns. Can someone confirm or disapprove of my fear ?

Yes at some places Mumbai have bad speed breakers :(

btw do you think my struts have gone weak if the car is touching the speedbreaker ?

I still would highly advise anyone in any vehicle to slow down to a crawl for speedbreakers.

No no, don't worry about it. Straight line stability remains A+, and turns aren't a problem either, but I'm not too qualified to say anything about that, I don't really take any fast turns as such. But if you're worried about driving in the ghats or the mountains, don't worry about it. It's all good.

Well, every city has those I guess. I'm lucky I don't have any of those on my usual routes.

It could be that the shocks are weak, cause it really does come as a surprise to me that a W124 scrapes over speed bumps. Do a simple pressure test on it. While your car is parked on a level surface, push down on the body over one of the wheels and make the car bounce a few times, and leave it suddenly after pushing downwards. If the car keeps bouncing after you've left it, you have your answer. Ideally speaking, after leaving it, it should bounce UP, and then settle into the resting position right after. This of course is a rudimentary test. You could maybe inspect it for leaking oil too.

Originally Posted by DudeWithaFiat

Same thoughts here. Will go with this one after a confirmation from our mechanic and if we get the pricing right (Dealer has said 4.75L negotiable. I haven't said my price). Can you tell me where I can find the VIN number? It is on the yellow stickers that you see when you open the bonnet

Well, I did say I am 'vehicle lucky' hehe.

BTW, engine bays are neat on both the cars, but more neat was the dealer's car.

See the attached picture for the location of the VIN number, it's marked in red. It is located here in all W124's. This is a picture of my E250D.

I don't think you need to worry about a clean engine bay. As long everything is original, you don't have anything to worry about.

[DudeWithaFiat]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

I don't think you need to worry about a clean engine bay. As long everything is original, you don't have anything to worry about.

Thanks Viraat.

Had conflicts with timing, so couldn't take the mechanic to check the immaculate W124 with the used car dealer, but checked another two W124s today. Both from OLX Kochi. 1st one was at Volkswagen's pre-owned car showroom and second one was at another used-car dealers place.

W124 at VW:

Looked nice when I saw it first from about 6 metres away. The SA (who was apparently not aware of my morning call to his 'supervisor') passed me the keys, got inside and the first thing that my eyes fell on was the cracked gear stick knob and the empty space where the stereo was at. Got put off instantly.

Problem areas noticed before cranking:

1. Crack-line on the front windshield.
2. Signs of rough handling on the dashboard (plus torn seats).
3. Gear-shift was very tight (as opposed to the gearshifts on the other W124s I checked).
4. Interiors - very untidy. This car was definitely not loved or cared well for.

Decided to do a visual check around the body after I take the car out since the car was parked between two other cars.

Okay, so decided to crank the car and see how she drives. Surprise. She wouldn't start. SA says, "oh, low battery. Haven't started the car in a while. I'll get the jumper leads", and disappears to the back of the office. He came back in a minute saying that the guy with the jump leads is off to lunch. I told him I will come back in the evening, but I had already decided that its not going be my W124.

The other W124:

Interiors : Neat.
Engine bay : Neat.
Bodyline : Good.

Problem areas:

Bumpy ride (bumpy by W124 standards).
Speedometer worked only occasionally.
Slight jerking felt on the seats at idling.
The lights on the console (except the hand-brake light) danced to a tune of itself while driving. Was like disco lights .
One of the power-windows wouldn't work.
The insulation/sound-deadening (not sure of the name) sheet under the bonnet is missing and there is a sponge sheet in its place.
Tyres. Uneven wear on the treads.
A hole in place of the antenna.

Now the question I have is, does the W124 has an AC 'switch' on the key? Hard to explain, but AC didn't come on when I turned on the fan knob, so the seller said that there is a trick to it and slightly turned the igntion key to the right (like the small play area of the key to unlock/lock steering before cranking). As soon as he turned the key to the right without disturbing the engine, AC came on. He said its like that on many of the MBs. Is it true? Would a Mercedes have such a crude setup for the AC?

So far, its that immaculate car at the dealer that I had checked a couple of days back that is best. I'll be out-of-town for the next week, so can take the mechanic back to that car only then. In the mean-time I will be looking at another W124 at Trivandrum.

BTW, how much it would cost to overhaul the suspension if I take it to one of the 'specialist' workshops than an authorized MB service center?

P.S : Its funny all the W124s that I checked had their rear left power-window problematic

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by DudeWithaFiat

Bumpy ride (bumpy by W124 standards).
Speedometer worked only occasionally.
Slight jerking felt on the seats at idling.
The lights on the console (except the hand-brake light) danced to a tune of itself while driving. Was like disco lights .
One of the power-windows wouldn't work.
The insulation/sound-deadening (not sure of the name) sheet under the bonnet is missing and there is a sponge sheet in its place.
Tyres. Uneven wear on the treads.
A hole in place of the antenna.

Now the question I have is, does the W124 has an AC 'switch' on the key? Hard to explain, but AC didn't come on when I turned on the fan knob, so the seller said that there is a trick to it and slightly turned the igntion key to the right (like the small play area of the key to unlock/lock steering before cranking). As soon as he turned the key to the right without disturbing the engine, AC came on. He said its like that on many of the MBs. Is it true? Would a Mercedes have such a crude setup for the AC?
BTW, how much it would cost to overhaul the suspension if I take it to one of the 'specialist' workshops than an authorized MB service center?

P.S : Its funny all the W124s that I checked had their rear left power-window problematic

Ignore both these cars. I think a good interior is essential, as the trimmings are not easily available, and can be very expensive. I wouldn't worry about worn out leather on the seats etc, as a good upholstery guy should have no trouble fixing it up.

Anyway, the solutions to the problems I've quoted, in the same order.

Excess tyre pressure, is the easiest answer.
Speedo cables can get worn out sometimes. If it isn't a bent cable, the gear slot where it goes into the meter can become rounded from inside and cause problems. A word of warning, the cable on the E250D is about two inches longer than the one for the E220, and the cable isn't available for the E250D, not in Delhi or Bombay, anyway.
Jerks on idling = worn out engine mounts. An easy fix.
No idea, could be potential electrical gremlins, or something as simple as a improper connection.
I've already told you, power windows aren't a deal breaker. Worst comes to worst, you'll need a new motor, which'll cost 10K. Anyway, a faulty motor is pretty rare, it's most likely an easy fix.
Happens very often. The original can't be expected to last so long, another easy fix. Replace foam with black high density foam which is bumpy, as it has sound deadening qualities. I got it done on my E220 and the E250D.
Poor wheel balancing and alignment.
The electric antenna and the rubber boot that surrounds it is stupidly expensive. An easy, but expensive fix.

When you say AC, I assume you wanted the fan to come on while the car was not on. In which case, the answer is yes, you do need to turn the key, like in any other car. Why would you expect otherwise? I think it needs to be turned to the position right before cranking. I don't really know, cause I always put it off before I start the car.

Parts and labour would run to 70K or there about for the suspension.

Rear left window, eh? Coincidence I suppose.

[DudeWithaFiat]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

When you say AC, I assume you wanted the fan to come on while the car was not on. In which case, the answer is yes, you do need to turn the key, like in any other car. Why would you expect otherwise? I think it needs to be turned to the position right before cranking. I don't really know, cause I always put it off before I start the car.

Parts and labour would run to 70K or there about for the suspension.

Thanks Viraat.

About AC, the engine was running. I had driven the first leg without the AC, and then I wanted to drive with AC on and then he did his little trick with the key while the engine was running. And that did turn the AC on. According to him, thats how it works in W124s, though I haven't noticed it before.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by DudeWithaFiat

Thanks Viraat.

About AC, the engine was running. I had driven the first leg without the AC, and then I wanted to drive with AC on and then he did his little trick with the key while the engine was running. And that did turn the AC on. According to him, thats how it works in W124s, though I haven't noticed it before.

If the engine is on, the AC should come on! That's utter nonsense!

Probably the electrical switch behind the ignition tumbler isn't working right, which is why the fiddling is required. I know that it is available, just don't know for how much. Can't be too bad though.

[vikramvicky1984]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

Probably the electrical switch behind the ignition tumbler isn't working right, which is why the fiddling is required. I know that it is available, just don't know for how much. Can't be too bad though.

It costs around 4000

[DudeWithaFiat]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

Jerks on idling = worn out engine mounts. An easy fix.

Yes. I guessed so. One of the W124s that I had checked about a month back, was shaking so badly inside that I felt like sitting inside a lorry. I guessed it would be the mounts, but what disturbed me was that mounts had worn out so badly while the odo showed only around 1,50,000km. Is it normal to see mounts wearing out so quickly?

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by DudeWithaFiat

Yes. I guessed so. One of the W124s that I had checked about a month back, was shaking so badly inside that I felt like sitting inside a lorry. I guessed it would be the mounts, but what disturbed me was that mounts had worn out so badly while the odo showed only around 1,50,000km. Is it normal to see mounts wearing out so quickly?

Mounts, especially in diesel engined cars have to be changed more frequently. It's not to do with the mileage, but the age. Regardless of how many kilometres your future W124 has done, I'd recommend that you seriously look into changing the engine and gearbox mounts as a precautionary measure. It has the pleasant side effect of making the car significantly smoother on idle.

[zibby]

I am planning to purchase a W124 E220 Mercedes from team bhp classified.

The car is 1996 model MH reg located in Gujarat.
The car was purchased through Auto Hanger by the current owner.
The owner didnt get the noc in his name yet.
When I spoke with him he told me Auto Hanger can arrange the noc in my name.

The confusing part
After I bring the car to Goa
How much tax / insurance I will have to pay?
Is the tax and insurance calculated on current value of car or the value in 1996?
What is the process of transfering the car between state?
Will I have problem during passing of the car?

When I spoke with people in Goa they said void the car as prcoess is going to be
too costly.

This the first time going for outer state car

If this in a wrong thread please shift it to right one.

[vikramvicky1984]

Originally Posted by zibby

I am planning to purchase a W124 E220 Mercedes from team bhp classified.

The car is 1996 model MH reg located in Gujarat.
The car was purchased through Auto Hanger by the current owner.
The owner didnt get the noc in his name yet.
When I spoke with him he told me Auto Hanger can arrange the noc in my name.

The confusing part
After I bring the car to Goa
How much tax / insurance I will have to pay?
Is the tax and insurance calculated on current value of car or the value in 1996?
What is the process of transfering the car between state?
Will I have problem during passing of the car?

When I spoke with people in Goa they said void the car as prcoess is going to be
too costly.

This the first time going for outer state car

If this in a wrong thread please shift it to right one.

registration in Goa should not be a major cost. Since its beyond 15 year, you'll have to pay for the FC (fitness check for 5 years) which maybe be a couple of thousand. Add agent fees etc, maximum 6-7k. AFAIK unlike MH, there is no green tax in Goa. If you can arrange an address in Mh, this can be avoided.

A Little concern might be in obtaining NOC if the current owner hasn't got FC and paid green tax in MH. Since its over an year since 2011 ( 15 years since) 1996, car would legally be unregistered now. Without this, how will the NOC be provided! It should be doable through a competent agent. No idea of cost estimates. Check Mumbai directory for some agents and talk to them.

So the steps would be:

1. Get insurance if not yet done in current owner's name
2. Get car to Mumbai
3. Get FC and pay green tax
4. Get NOC for your name in Goa RTO
5. Get the car to Goa.
6. Get FC and registration in your name and enjoy ever after

P.S. - It is advisable to get your car serviced and stock regular parts while in Mumbai

@experts: pls correct if I missed anything

[tharakan9]

Can somebody help me to find the cost of the front windshield of my E250

[manikjeet]

Hi fellow W124 owner.

I recently bought Betz (1998 W124 E220) and I totally love her. I found a good example with only 224500 KM. She was previously owned by Govt of India, So all the issues have been sorted out. She has got a New clutch,Suspension,N10 relay, OVP relay,new wiring harness. She was one of the finest W124 available in Chandigarh.

Her interior is like new, All leather. She starts on half a crank.She is just prefect.

One thing I have come across is non availability of parts and if available they are highly priced.
I had to wait 2 weeks to get a speedo cable.
And I could find a rear power window switch and also a head light switch. So I ordered them from the US. As my uncle was coming to India he carried the parts for me.

I just had an Idea if fellow w124 owner want parts we can get together and buy the parts in Bulk and have them shipped to India. And My uncle owns a E500 in the states so he knows where to get the parts.

[DeepakMenon]

@ Manikjeet: I am game for a group buy