Faults:

The accessory belt tensioner was going bad when I purchased the car. Had the previous owner change it.

Suspension bushings were mostly worn when I bought the car. Had them replaced.

General Comments:

After the disappointly unreliable car of previous, I decided its fun to drive and engaging factors were not worth the countless breakdowns and repairing costs it has incurred on me. At first, I wanted to purchase the W210 E200 model, but then I heard about the quality problems, so I decided to purchase this W124 instead. My fears of it being old and susceptible to breaking down quickly disappeared as I have racked up some trouble free miles on it in two years. Though not as fun to drive as my Alfa, it is much better built.

Interior is very well put together as it is still rattle free and shows very little signs of wear and tear. Switchgears and knobs click the way a Teutonic car ought to, even after 14 years.

The twincam, 16 valve engine is still very smooth at idle and low rpms. However, it is clearly not an engine made for enthusiasts as it shows signs of roughness and gasping for breath at over 4000rpms.I think this is more of a workhorse engine, which, for a daily driver, is fine by me.

I thought the suspension setting for the Malaysian spec model was a bit too soft. When I had the bushings replaced, I purchased a set of German spec springs had them installed. The car handles considerably better now, though there's a bit of penalty in ride quality. Though the original shock absorbers weren't leaking, I had them replaced as well while doing the bushings.

Body has no rust, and doors still shut with the famous Mercedes thunk. There are a few dents and dings from 14 years of being used daily.

I really wish Mercedes Benz still made cars this way. It is ashamed what happened to the reputation of this great marque, all due to the desire of maximising profit. Though Mercedes say they are going back to building cars the way they used to, only time can tell if they are actually telling the truth. I know that once your reputation and people have lost confidence in your brand, it takes ages to regain the ground that you've lost.

Faults:

Exhaust back box.

Relay on Air Conditioning.

Headlamp bulb.

General Comments:

Every time I sit in this car it makes me smile. It was one of the last 320 E Class's to be made hence was fitted with over £7.000 worth of extras as standard to help sell it over the newer E320 model. Full cream leather interior, climate control air conditioning, electric sunroof, electric seats, headrests, windows etc.

Very comfortable inside, plenty of room for four, even more legroom with just two!

Performance is very nimble with the 3.2 litre, 24 valve, straigh six unit. Handles like it;s on rails although the compromise for performance is a slightly harder ride. Compared to my previous 123 230 CE model that was like driving your favourite armchair, the 320E is very quick and precise in handling. It is easy to induce wheel spin with over zelous use of the throttle, so light aceleration from junctions is recommended if you don't want to appear like a boy racer!

I can't find a fault with this motor car. Build quality is superb. Unlike more modern Mercedes Benz models, there are no rattles leaks or bits of trim that drop off. My only regret is that MB are no longer built to this high standard.