20th Feb 2006, 09:17

I bought a 1990 230 CE in 2003 and I am now enjoying my fourth year as a merc owner. The car has been nothing, but brilliant. Not the fastest Mercedes, but utterly reliable, smooth and comfortable. Relatively economical (I get about 350 miles out of a full tank - 55 litres approx) I love this car with a passion. Having driven a few new mercs, they just quite simply do not feel in the same league. They may have more electronics than a military super jet and the kind of acceleration superman would be proud of, but that feel of opulent simplicity is all, but lost. Part of me wants to sell it and buy a more modern 320 but firstly I am not so keen on the face-lift model and secondly I have heard that the extra performance will cost me about 5 miles to the gallon. Since I am just starting a new business, I do not think it would be a wise move. So, as a final word, if you are considering purchasing a W124 in whatever incarnation (saloon, coupe, estate, convertible) stop thinking and buy. you won't regret it. There is a reason why those in the know say that the W124 is the best merc ever!!!

2nd Feb 2009, 09:51

I couldn't agree more!

Six months ago by accident (the accident being my neighbour buys one or two classic German cars every couple of months, goes over them in meticulous detail, sells them and makes himself some profit) I tripped across a gorgeous, near-mint-condition 1992 AMG Arctic White 300 CE-24 with 150,000 kilometres (94,000 miles) on the clock. The interior is in impeccable condition, still almost-new feeling and the Becker sound system sings.

I saw it in our underground garage, and bought it 15 minutes later for a very good price. It has been superb since the first day. This car has been seriously well-looked-after, and I intend to maintain this level of attention and care as the car ages.

Unfortunately, I had to replace the engine control module 3 months ago, and decided to put in a new one instead of a used one, because the car is in such top condition. Not cheap, but no labour costs ... my neighbour-mechanic from whom I bought the car bolted it on and 5 minutes later I was good to go again.

It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, silky smooth and I especially enjoy knowing I got such excellent reliability and quality from a distinctive car for so little money compared to even the barest-bones sub-compact new car.

I intend to drive it for at least another 20 years, and can't imagine any car I would prefer to drive on a day-in day-out basis.

13th Mar 2009, 19:50

I have my 90 model 300CE for over 5 years (bought Nov 2003 at 148k approx) and have now 194,000 miles. I had to change a head gasket after buying, and I have changed and renewed a lot of bushings, rubbers etc and the normal service items.

My troubles have been dirty distributors (using NON-Resistor plugs cured this), a faulty alarm left over from older owners, and some vacuum leaks causing rough running.

I also recently had the cyl head corrode, which I attribute to using non - correct and old coolant (get the proper Merc/ Febi stuff). This was a lot of trouble to repair but the cars now runs pretty good again (28-30mpg on long runs).

I love the 124CE cars and have a tough time wondering what will my next car be... whenever I come around to change that is!!

3rd May 2009, 13:28

I own a couple of these w124s. My coupe is my pride and joy. I have had a new rear screen, rust removed from base of the rear screen, a new windscreen, the wheels refurbished, and all minor corrosion removed from the usual areas, and had her resprayed front and rear, bumpers and all! Needless to say I hardly use her to keep her in pristine condition! Thankfully I have an e300 24v saloon which I use everyday. These truly are the best built Mercs ever.

2nd Sep 2010, 13:53

I own a 300d 1994 model since 2006. Am the 2nd owner. She had 97k on clock when I bought it, now the odometer reads 177k. Apart from normal services, I have replaced heater plugs, stabilizer bushes, water pump and thermostat.

Inside is still intact as new, paint work unbelievable clean. I can't fault the car. Have no in tension to change the car for any reason. It's reliability is next to none, and so is its economy.

25th Jun 2011, 05:19

Recently bought a 1990 300 CE Coupe from an older woman in Sarasota Florida. She was the original owner and has kept the car in the garage. I am wondering if someone can help me find out if this is an AMG car? The speedometer reads 160; it has a AMG chrome piece on the back. The car runs better than any car I have ever owned. Just looking for someone to tell me anything that might help me? Thanks Jim.

25th Jun 2011, 11:13

www.mercedesclub.org.uk is an excellent source of material and help. I strongly recommend it for info. The W124 is a great car, and the 300 even better, especially if it is a 24 valve engine.