6th Jul 2006, 07:32

1985 MB 230E W124 102 petrol engine. Transmission (auto) oil leak on left-hand side of transmission housing - seems to be circular shallow dome-shaped cap or similar, near, but not apparently related to the selector. Any ideas what it is? "Technibooks" Workshop manual is very light-on about auto transmission.

Would welcome suggestions.

1st May 2008, 01:16

I am living in Bangkok Thailand. I have a 230E 4 speed manual, I wanted the reliability of the manual gear box. however I found that on highway cruising 5th gear would highly be appreciated. At 120km/h the engine is at a little over 3200 rpm ~ the rising fuel price makes me concious on the high engine rev!!! even with high rev I find that the car is the quietest around 140 km/h. So far my car had clocked only 100,000km with no major mechanical problems - gear box is strong and I am still on the original clutch with BKK famous start & stop traffic jam.

2nd Jun 2008, 21:27

I'm Samdeo from Ethiopia, I own 1987 230E W124. I like the model too much, and liked it since my childhood. After using for 4 years, the head lamp could not provide enough light when I'm driving during night, so I decided to change it. The light I changed is Cristal light made for the same model (w124) look very great. Actually I'm hesitating to bring back the original factory made head lamp. What do you think?

15th Jul 2008, 09:48

My father has2 Mercedes w123 one is 200d and the other is 230E I would to know it drinks in fuel could any one tell me!

24th Jul 2008, 00:18

I'm an owner of a great W124 230E Merc and it drives fine, it's a 4 speed transmission recently I'm a bit upset due to the excess fuel consumption, it used to give me 600 kms to the full gas tank, and now I get only 385kms, does any one know of some trick to get me back on track :o)

22nd Oct 2008, 16:22

I have just bought a beautiful W124 230e 1990, for only £425 what bargain. I'm from london and fuel prices are pretty high, that's probably why it was so cheap. But what a car, a real pleasure to drive. I have one question though, if any body could help me? I have been told I will get 5 miles/ 7 kilometre per litre. But I also have an economy switch, and I haven't seen one on any other W124. Can anybody please tell me, will I get anymore miles per litre?

2nd Nov 2008, 04:37

I'm from Malaysia. I bought my 1994 E280 in early Jan 08, and it has its up and down, due to some oil leaks, engine overheating and more.

Anyhow, I spent good money on it and will keep it and not let go. In terms of mileage, I found that the best mileage is based on the speed of 60km/h at 1500 rpm, giving me 12km/lite. If I turn off my air-conditioning, I can go for 14-15km/lite.

The car is good to drive, excellent power. I am looking to upgrade some areas such as AMG wheels, upgrade the leather and likely a more ambitious program of doing it up to look like an E500.

4th Jan 2009, 00:42

W124 e230, what a perfect truly over engineered car for the lifetime..

8th Jan 2009, 08:10

Hi, I am from Singapore and I drive a 1990 200E (Auto) 8V W124. I read with interest on the fuel consumption issue. Being a heavy car, mileage per litre is not going to be as good as a Japanese sedan. I am currently getting around 8km/liter in this city state. But I did experienced poor 5-6 km/liter mileage sometime ago couple with jerky autogear change. That problem went away after several servicing, cleaning of the fuel injection system and an overhaul of the auto gearbox.

Recently I also did a top engine overhaul at 200,000 km as a preventative measure. Now the car drives beautifully and response very well.

Having a good mechanic familiar with W124 is very important. The car is very reliable and gives good road handling. Have decided to keep it for another 10 years.

22nd Jan 2009, 09:14

Hi everyone. I am from Malaysia. I am thinking of getting a used w124 200, year 1990 with manual transmission. Would like some advice on whether or not I should go ahead with this purchase.

Are there any particulars that I should be aware of this car? Does it have high maintenance costs and what is the mileage?

Thanks for your advice.

11th Apr 2009, 04:15

Hi everyone.. I am from South Africa, I may buy a W124 230E manual and was wondering of the fuel consumption and maintenance costs.. also what should I look out for before I buy.. car looks like it has not driven for a long time.. but I will know in 2 days when I test drive. Thanks for your time.

11th Apr 2009, 17:53

Maintenance costs will be similar to any car with fuel injection. Fuel consumption will depend on a few things, but mostly how much city driving you do (stop and go) and if it's a hilly area. I'd think that a car like that with 4 cylinders, taking note it's a heavyish body, would at least get 9 km/L without using the air conditioning. On long drives, it can probably do 12-13 km/L.

Those were the last of the "real" Mercedes, over-engineered and designed for durability and longevity.

7th May 2009, 02:01

Hi there

I'm glad that this thread is still running because I just bought a 1990 W124 200E (Auto) (Injection model) recently.

I'd like to buy some second-hand parts from Singapore, example:

(1) Headlamp lighting switch (the knob comes off easily, has anyone has fixed this problem?)

(2) Wing mirrors (with LED indicators)

(3) Wing mirror (I need to replace the mirror glass itself)

(4) Gear knob

(5) Instrument panel lamps (can anyone replace these faint ones with LEDs)

Can anyone living in Singapore recommend me to a few places where I can buy the above?

Thanks a lot!

Peter.

2nd Jun 2009, 18:38

Hi.

I am from South Africa. I purchased a 1992 W124 230E, and enjoyed in for the short space of time I had it. I traveled over 450 km to collect it, and drove it home. Reason I sold at, practically the same price I bought it for, is that it was a disappointing buy. It was advertised as FSH, mags, radio, excellent condition etc, but when arriving, I had to just take it, as I negotiated a better deal than what it was advertised for. There was a clunk sound on gear change between 1st and 2nd gear, and not a pleasure to drive with an aftermarket cheap radio, AC not functioning, rear windows not opening, and leather covered in cheap covers to hide cracks and tears of negligence. Body work was still excellent, but interior sucked, and electrical wiring not the best. Anyway, despite the negligence, she still has a very solid feel. Glad to got rid of her to somebody who make take better care of her, as a diff repair to the tune of R8000 is just too muck.

Well, I am quite excited now in that I am about to purchase one of the most immaculate 1996 W124 260E, one owner, original keys, all three of them, with Becker system. Was hoping for a 230 in the same price, but will have to sacrifice on the fuel factor I guess, but also getting more power. Will be my 4th Benz to date, and trusting to get one to keep and not sell.

R25000 for this car is a whole lot of car for a little money.