1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 E280 2.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Terrific long-distance express, apparently undimmed by age

Faults:

New water pump in 2001, after I reported a slight appetite for coolant to the garage. Coolant consumption unchanged - were they just making work for themselves?

Squeaky ball joint two years ago. £13 plus an hour's labour.

Filler flap refused to unlock. Cost: a couple of squirts of WD-40.

General Comments:

I bought this car for high-mileage business use, even though it was already nearly six years old. I've now covered 84000 miles (bringing the total up to 175000) with exemplary reliability.

Performance is still first class and the engine uses no oil. However, you do need to rev it - it lacks the low-down punch of my old V6 Alfa.

It's a very fine long-distance car, with good ride, virtually no wind noise (or any other noise) and comfortable seats once you have found the optimal position.

A couple of rust spots have appeared on the boot lid. Otherwise the car is unmarked. It's even surprisingly clean under the bonnet.

Handling is completely up to the job, but the steering could do with more feel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2002

1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 250 TD 2.5 diesel from Netherlands

Summary:

Very reliable car at low running costs

Faults:

The driver's seat is seriously worn. The front screen very sensitive for hits by stones.

General Comments:

Very comfortable, but not a fast car. The only thing replaced so far (beyond normal maintenance) is the end-part of the exhaust-pipe due to a hit on a traffic-ramp.

The car is very sensitive to different tire brands.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2001

26th Oct 2006, 14:41

The 250 TD is a good reliable car, however it lacks torque when driving around countryside hills and as a result it is constantly gear shifting the automatic box.

It does take a bit to get going, but on the open road top speeds of 120mph can be achieved.

Overall, excellent car that could do with a touch more power.

1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 220E 2.2 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Absolutely nothing... ever... Oh, but I have to put petrol in the tank now and again...

General Comments:

It's a comfortable, reliable express... not pretty unless you value function over form.

The performance is about what you'd expect, but the car really benefits from tuning. However don't expect it to be -too- cheap to run...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 1999

1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 200E Estate 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Just the usual tyres, brake pads etc.

Very solidly built.

General Comments:

Great car - very good on long journeys and has acres of space. Extra row of seats useful for kids.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 1998

1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 320CE 3.2 24V petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Dead battery after 2 weeks (car was 2nd hand).

Alarm (Mercedes fitted) sometimes won't unlock. (Have to disable the battery to embarrassing looks from passers-by)

Air-Con has a mind of it's own and blows hot and cold.

Drivers electric window slipped out of it's track.

General Comments:

I'm a sucker for punishment, after 4 Mercs, all but one (a TE estate) had only very average reliability.

Still, the 320 coupe is still my favourite.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 1998