I compiled a WHOOPING 8 videos. Here are the videos:
S124 Video 1: Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W124 Faszination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrs7sWviGW8
S124 video 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvmmRHnYXrQ
S124 video 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=517IIbrnsR4
S124 video 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4HRBm429uQ
S124 video 5:
1994 Mercedes E320 Wagon Alex the Auto Sales Diva
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYfTbZRcv7Q
S124 video 6:
4-matic likes more snow...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWAX3FXdg_o
S124 video 7:
1993 300TE 4MATIC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJvhmlTj6dQ
S124 video 8:
Fifth gear TV show killing a NICE Mercedes!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saV3hUUry-4
Video 8, Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8eXlJKR5gk
End of videos...
BRIEF WRITE UP: The Saloon’s big brother: the Estate
The eccentric-sweep panoramic windscreen wiper made its debut in the W 124. This cleaned 86 percent of the windscreen – the largest swept area for any passenger car worldwide at the time of the launch of the W 124. Outstanding ride characteristics, on the other hand, were supplied by the tried-and-tested front and rear axle design from the compact class. This incorporated a shock absorber strut independent front suspension with anti-dive control and an independent multi-link rear suspension.
The history of the 124 series is characterised by a previously unrivalled diversity of models, body styles and innovations. The presentation of the Estate (S 124 series) in September 1985 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main represented an important step towards the assured style of the extended 124 family.
The Estate was largely identical to the Saloons in terms of technological and stylistic design. Apart from modifications to the rear, the raised roof and other concomitant changes, there were no differences to the body. The only alterations to the major assemblies, braking system and chassis were to adapt them to the increased payload; otherwise they were taken from the Saloons virtually unmodified. Depending on engine type, the drag coefficient of the Estate model ranged from cd=0.34 to 0.35.
Where possible the designers also incorporated into the Estate the safety standards achieved in the Saloons. In particular, they introduced the latest findings from safety research into the development of the rear body overhang, a critical area for estate car rear ends. One example of this was the fuel tank, which featured slanting abutting surfaces. This ensured that in the event of a rear-end collision involving deformation of the longitudinal members, the tank would be displaced downwards and held in check by arrester cables to avoid the possibility of contact with the road surface.
The close relationship between Saloon and Estate was evident in the engines with which they were equipped. The original Estate range consisted of eight models, which – with one exception – used engines that also featured in the Saloons. The 105 kW 3-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel used in the 300 TD TURBO was developed by the Mercedes-Benz engineers from the naturally-aspirated Saloon unit. In this modified form, the turbocharged compression-ignition engine was used in the export version of the 300 SDL from the S-Class.
1 AND ONLY USEFUL LINK: The GREAT Mercedes Benz W124 Buyers Guide. ENJOY:
http://www.germancarforum.com/older-mbs-vintage/18355-great-mercedes-benz-w124-buyers-guide.html
Here's a well written blog review sourced from "justacargeek.com". Enjoy:
1990 Mercedes 300TE 4Matic - The Perfect Beater
I've been shopping around for a beater lately. I've seen a bunch, all pretty good cars, but can't decide on which one would be right for me.
This one caught my attention, big time.
This one caught my attention, big time.
This is a 1990 Mercedes Benz 300TE. (The Craigslist listing says it's a 1989, but when I checked it on several different title search sites, it came up as a 1990.)Based on the Mercedes Benz W124 platform, these might be some of the most durable Mercedes Benz cars ever built. I may get some arguments from MB fans here, but in my opinion this line of cars was the last of the "over-engineered" Mercedes Benz cars.
The W124 design was introduced in 1984. In its day it was an incredibly advanced car. The front suspension was a simple modified McPherson strut set up, but the rear a sophisticated multilink system. This model also introduced the really fun to watch single wiper arm system. While it may look angular and disproportionate (as a friend said) it had one of the lowest Cd numbers of any non- sports car vehicle of its time, 0.29. (To put that in perspective, a 2005 Audi A4 is less slippery at 0.31).
The 3.0 liter engine in this car very reliable. I couldn't find 0-60 times for the station wagon, but a 300E (sedan) with 4Matic got to 60 MPH in 9.2 seconds. The time for the station wagon should be similar. It's not "oh-my-god-we're-going-to-die" fast, but certainly quick enough for a large car.This car has Mercedes 4Matic AWD system. This may be the one case where MB's "over engineering" made things a little too complex.
From "Mercedes-Benz E-Class Owners Bible 1986-1995":
The first generation 4Matic system was originally a complex electronically controlled system with automatically engaging four-wheel drive (4WD), the system employs locking central and rear differentials to provide additional traction in slippery conditions. The center differential, also known as the transfer case, contains two clutches. Each hydraulically enabled clutch is controlled separately to allow for three modes of operation: 2WD (mode 0) where 100% of available torque is available to the rear axle while the front axle is disconnected, and two 4WD modes which allow for 35/65 front/rear axle torque split (mode 1) or 50/50 front/rear axle torque split (mode 2).
The rear differential lock, previously known as ASD on Mercedes-Benz models, can also be locked (mode 3) if rear wheel slip is still present when the transfer case 50/50 4WD mode 2 is engaged. Due to safety and stability concerns there is no front differential lock. The 4Matic system uses inputs from the three channel ABS system and a steering wheel angle sensor to decide when to intervene. 4WD is disengaged automatically if the ABS service brakes are applied. Engine throttle control is not inherent in the W124 system.
Two W124 variants of the 4Matic system were produced: the first system (1986-1991) used a mechanical pressure test lever to disable the system hydraulically while the second system variant (1992/1993) used an electrical test switch to break power to the system. The latter system variant when in test mode allows for continued operation of the rear shock self-levelling system (SLS) when installed.
Whew. Got all that? The bottom line is that while complex, it's no more effective than Audi's simpler Quattro system.
Problems with older MBs include automatic transmission failure and annoying, but usually not disabling, electrical failures. (Window motors, that type of stuff.)
Whew. Got all that? The bottom line is that while complex, it's no more effective than Audi's simpler Quattro system.
Problems with older MBs include automatic transmission failure and annoying, but usually not disabling, electrical failures. (Window motors, that type of stuff.)
This car has an amazing 240,000+ miles on it. It looks great. It has obviously been well taken care of. Here in New England, where rust is the big enemy, you don't often see a car this old, with this type of mileage on it, in this type of condition.The 3.0 liter engine is almost indestructible and good for another 50,000 miles, if treated properly. The transmission and 4Matic system, having lasted this long, will probably last that long, too.
This is a great "winter beater" car. Good for many more miles, it's priced so cheap ($1200.00) that when something expensive does fail on it, you can junk it and still feel like you got your money's worth.
Located in Quincy, MA, click here to see the Craigslist listing. (Be aware that if you do call, as I did, English is the second language of the owner. Chinese is most likely the first. He's friendly and helpful, but it takes some time to get all your questions answered.)
END OF A WELL WRITTEN REVIEW...
Without further ado, let's proceed to a WHOOPING 11 Owner's review sourced from "Carsurvey.org":
TE Owner 1: 1993 Mercedes-Benz W124 E220T review from Germany
"Rock solid car, very reliable and comfortable"
"Rock solid car, very reliable and comfortable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Generator voltage regulator: Coals worn out at 236000 km, regulator replaced.
Outside temp display too low by -10C - sensor replaced, temp display still too low, probably a problem in the display unit;
Front left window opener toothed rack lost a tooth at 239000 km, window stuck in closed position;
Precautionary repairs:
- Transverse control arm
joints replaced
- Several rubber joints on rear axle replaced.
General comments?
Rock solid car, very reliable and comfortable.
Almost no rust
, only where the outer hull has been scratched.
Driving comfort is unbeatable.
Fuel consumption between 8.3 and 10 liters / 100 km, average 9.2 liters / 100 km.
Lots of space inside.
Turning circle surprisingly narrow, better than many eco class cars.
Air condition works perfectly, fuel consumption is even LESS with the air conditioning turned on than without - beats me why, but it's nice!
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.8 / 10
Outside temp display too low by -10C - sensor replaced, temp display still too low, probably a problem in the display unit;
Front left window opener toothed rack lost a tooth at 239000 km, window stuck in closed position;
Precautionary repairs:
- Transverse control arm
joints replaced
- Several rubber joints on rear axle replaced.
General comments?
Rock solid car, very reliable and comfortable.
Almost no rust
, only where the outer hull has been scratched.
Driving comfort is unbeatable.
Fuel consumption between 8.3 and 10 liters / 100 km, average 9.2 liters / 100 km.
Lots of space inside.
Turning circle surprisingly narrow, better than many eco class cars.
Air condition works perfectly, fuel consumption is even LESS with the air conditioning turned on than without - beats me why, but it's nice!
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.8 / 10
TE 0wner 2: 1992 Mercedes-Benz W124 300TE review from Australia and New Zealand
"Mercedes Benz were perhaps stupid building a car that lasts for so long.."
"Mercedes Benz were perhaps stupid building a car that lasts for so long.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Self leveling rear suspension failed, and subsequently it handled like a hearse.
Spheres replaced and hydraulic pump reconditioned.
This was costly to fix, but it has done wonders for the handling and ride - worth doing.
Rear window jammed as the insulation in door frame had perished. Cleaned out and running fine now.
Self leveling rear suspension failed, and subsequently it handled like a hearse.
Spheres replaced and hydraulic pump reconditioned.
This was costly to fix, but it has done wonders for the handling and ride - worth doing.
Rear window jammed as the insulation in door frame had perished. Cleaned out and running fine now.
General comments?
The doors close with a fine clunk..
Loads of space and versatility. Fits 7 with ease, but can fold the seats down in all sorts of permutations - can take 3 adults and 3 surfboards inside, 2 adults and endless crap or treasure in the back, etc etc.
I love the attention to detail - like the toolbox and fine first aid kit. Even the fuse box is pretty cool.
Cruises all day quietly on the open road with plenty of grunt for passing trucks and things, and on roadies does 10.5l/100km (and not driving like my deceased grandfather either).
It has a great lock, so parking is fine for what is a pretty big car. Relaxing to drive around town.
One gripe with the car is that the top of the steering wheel obscures my view of the top of the speedo (80-130kph) and I have to bend down to see what speed I'm doing. What the hell were they thinking?? I guess measuring speed is irrelevant on the Autobahn.
Quite a few people have given me a hard time for driving a Mercedes, and lump me into the filthy rich capitalist pig basket, but comparing it to other cars (soul sucking people movers, Japanese wagons that tempt harikari, butt ugly vans) that cost the same, it was an easy choice.
So far it's reliable, it was well priced, and I plan to have it until the kids leave the roost.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.0 / 10.
The doors close with a fine clunk..
Loads of space and versatility. Fits 7 with ease, but can fold the seats down in all sorts of permutations - can take 3 adults and 3 surfboards inside, 2 adults and endless crap or treasure in the back, etc etc.
I love the attention to detail - like the toolbox and fine first aid kit. Even the fuse box is pretty cool.
Cruises all day quietly on the open road with plenty of grunt for passing trucks and things, and on roadies does 10.5l/100km (and not driving like my deceased grandfather either).
It has a great lock, so parking is fine for what is a pretty big car. Relaxing to drive around town.
One gripe with the car is that the top of the steering wheel obscures my view of the top of the speedo (80-130kph) and I have to bend down to see what speed I'm doing. What the hell were they thinking?? I guess measuring speed is irrelevant on the Autobahn.
Quite a few people have given me a hard time for driving a Mercedes, and lump me into the filthy rich capitalist pig basket, but comparing it to other cars (soul sucking people movers, Japanese wagons that tempt harikari, butt ugly vans) that cost the same, it was an easy choice.
So far it's reliable, it was well priced, and I plan to have it until the kids leave the roost.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.0 / 10.
TE Owner 3: 1990 Mercedes-Benz W124 300TE review from UK and Ireland
"Still perfection on wheels - after 13 years"
"Still perfection on wheels - after 13 years"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear silencer replaced at 141,000.
Slight oil leaks from cylinder head and rear differential - dealer advises just to keep an eye on these.
Rear window regulator replaced at 148,000.
Rear silencer replaced at 141,000.
Slight oil leaks from cylinder head and rear differential - dealer advises just to keep an eye on these.
Rear window regulator replaced at 148,000.
General comments?
This car replaced my first Mercedes, a 230TE which, unbeknown to me, had been rebuilt after a major smash. It consequently needed much work, including a re-manufactured engine that finally blew up with a total vehicle mileage of 142,000. Oh dear!
My current 300TE is so different. It had been carefully maintained by its previous owner, and I've continued to use the local main Mercedes dealer who provides excellent service with a 'mature Mercedes' discount that keeps the costs in hand.
It is a joy to drive, with that silky-smooth straight six engine and barely perceptible gear changes.
Handling is predictable and safe, the ride is gloriously comfortable, but neither too harsh nor soft.
The interior shows very little wear, although I'd have preferred darker coloured seats to the somewhat naff light beige jobs that I'm saddled with.
Performance is smooth, effortless, and sometimes astounding when the kick-down comes into play.
Fuel consumption is fairly high, but as my annual mileage is also fairly low I am happy to live with it.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.8 / 10.
TE Owner 4: 1990 Mercedes-Benz W124 300TE-24 review from UK and Ireland
"A classic Mercedes, they don't build them like that any more"
"A classic Mercedes, they don't build them like that any more"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine mounts replaced at 70,000 miles.
Electric window switches regularly die, apparently the secret is to use them often! Same solution for keeping the air conditioning and electric sunroof working well!
Engine mounts replaced at 70,000 miles.
Electric window switches regularly die, apparently the secret is to use them often! Same solution for keeping the air conditioning and electric sunroof working well!
General comments?
Double overhead cam, fuel injected, 24 valve six cylinder, non catalytic converter makes this example the best three litre Mercedes ever made!
Built for high speed cruising comfort it still handles well around town.
Very roomy and comfortable inside, much better than coupe version.
Lazy power, there when you need it, but never intrudes or surprises.
Easy to work on, reliable, spare parts easy to come by.
Fully loaded, nothing I would want to add, all electric, air-con, all leather.
Solid feel to everything, just as you would expect from a genuinely coach-built car.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.6 / 10
TE Owner 5: 1990 Mercedes-Benz W124 300TE review from UK and Ireland
"Every family should have one"
"Every family should have one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Drivers side window lift, yet to be repaired.
Alternator failed after driving through a flood-well it was old!Repair cost £200 pounds.
Stone chipped headlamp lens cost only £35 to replace.
Drivers side window lift, yet to be repaired.
Alternator failed after driving through a flood-well it was old!Repair cost £200 pounds.
Stone chipped headlamp lens cost only £35 to replace.
General comments?
Astonishing build quality, I thought there were many new parts under the bonnet, they still looked new.
Despite the age and mileage
it is in great condition inside and out which is a tribute both to the manufacturer and the two previous owners.
It is comfortable and quiet. Despite the enormous size it handles and stops well with a great turn of speed for a family bus.
It has been cheap to run with few repairs and a very reasonable 30mpg in the cruise, it is a bit more thirsty around town.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.8 / 10.
TE owner 6: 1990 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300TE 4matic review from North America
"We have no real excuse to sell this car and expect to get the legendary 500,000 kms from it."
Astonishing build quality, I thought there were many new parts under the bonnet, they still looked new.
Despite the age and mileage
it is in great condition inside and out which is a tribute both to the manufacturer and the two previous owners.
It is comfortable and quiet. Despite the enormous size it handles and stops well with a great turn of speed for a family bus.
It has been cheap to run with few repairs and a very reasonable 30mpg in the cruise, it is a bit more thirsty around town.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.8 / 10.
TE owner 6: 1990 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300TE 4matic review from North America
"We have no real excuse to sell this car and expect to get the legendary 500,000 kms from it."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Constant overheating resulted in tightening of head. That didn't solve it. Replaced thermostat. No difference. Finally replaced water pump and now works fine. Spent nearly $1500 to have same shop resolve the problem.
A/C fan in dash began whining on & off, eventually a constant high pitch. Bought blower motor new on Internet site
. New mechanic pulled dash and discovered the motor was not the same as was ordered but a tiny black fan. Total replacement @$700.00 and I have a blower motor ready for replacement.
Botched wiring when Japanese radio was originally put in leading to shorts in courtesy lights, console lights don't work. Stereo wiring is stictly for MB products.
General comments?
This is a JDM (rhd) car imported in 2006. The body after 16 years was near perfection. Everything appeared original in and out, over and under. A trip to Las Vegas in July in 45 degree Celsius may have been the start of the overheating problems.
This car still draws looks and comments 18 years on. Great WOW factor.
The ride is velvet smooth, power is subtle and doing 140 KPH is effortless and quiet. The 4Matic only occasionally engages even in a Canadian Rocky Mtn winter. Only indicator is the warning light that AWD
is on.
Mileage is a surprise as we get the equivalent of 30-32 MPG
(Imperial gallon) combined in warmer months and 25 mpg in winter.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.8 / 10
TE owner 7: 1990 Mercedes-Benz W124 300 TE W 4Matic review from Switzerland
"A great car, perfect in every detail"
"A great car, perfect in every detail"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The 4Matic (4-wheel-drive) is beginning to cause some troubles (leaking).
The 4Matic (4-wheel-drive) is beginning to cause some troubles (leaking).
General comments?
By far the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Even smoother and more comfortable than my former Jaguar XJ6 4.2 Series III. Looks almost new after 270'000 km.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.4 / 10.
By far the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Even smoother and more comfortable than my former Jaguar XJ6 4.2 Series III. Looks almost new after 270'000 km.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.4 / 10.
TE Owner 8: 1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 300TE review from UK and Ireland
"No car is made this good any more"
"No car is made this good any more"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear suspension self leveling not at right height.
Rear electric window winder switch failed.
Air conditioning leaking gas, no gets less cool through the summer.
Rear wiper motor needed unjamming.
Leaks a little oil from somewhere in the engine bay.
Eats rear tires more than I expected - maybe that is my driving!
Rear electric window winder switch failed.
Air conditioning leaking gas, no gets less cool through the summer.
Rear wiper motor needed unjamming.
Leaks a little oil from somewhere in the engine bay.
Eats rear tires more than I expected - maybe that is my driving!
General comments?
The 3.0 liter 12v straight six gives nearly 190bhp and even given its weight and age, will rarely kick down to 1st. But when it does it takes all the passengers by shock!
Given its weight, handles very well.
Load capacity is huge. A 2 meter tall pine cabinet went in no problem.
7 Seater design miles better than current MP-Vs.
Built like a tank, and has very little body rust after 14 years of British weather.
Even though it does not have airbags, I pity anyone I hit in this. I have an A-Class Mercedes too and this has 4 airbags, but it is not built to the same standard as the 300TE.
Given its weight, handles very well.
Load capacity is huge. A 2 meter tall pine cabinet went in no problem.
7 Seater design miles better than current MP-Vs.
Built like a tank, and has very little body rust after 14 years of British weather.
Even though it does not have airbags, I pity anyone I hit in this. I have an A-Class Mercedes too and this has 4 airbags, but it is not built to the same standard as the 300TE.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.6 / 10
TE owner 9: 1987 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300TE review from Australia and New Zealand
"Outstanding vehicle"
"Outstanding vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Normal wear and tear, mostly under the car as expected for mileage and age. Always serviced by a specialist european cars mechanics who are very dedicated in Wellington, New Zealand called Page European (2003) Ltd.
Highly recommended as they service BMW's, Audis, Mercedes and Volvos (I used to take my BMW there too)
Wheel bearings, brake pads/disk, tyres.
Shaft drive rubber coupling, rear and front.
Power steering (2) hoses (leaked).
Normal wear and tear, mostly under the car as expected for mileage and age. Always serviced by a specialist european cars mechanics who are very dedicated in Wellington, New Zealand called Page European (2003) Ltd.
Highly recommended as they service BMW's, Audis, Mercedes and Volvos (I used to take my BMW there too)
Wheel bearings, brake pads/disk, tyres.
Shaft drive rubber coupling, rear and front.
Power steering (2) hoses (leaked).
General comments?
Very extremely reliable car as it still drives like a new vehicle, considering it's 20 years old.
The engine and transmission has never been reconditioned and still runs extremely well. Very roomy for luggage.
My one has the lovely burgundy leather seats/interior, and I fitted the later model wooden trims from another 300E on the doors and dashboard, as mine missed out on them as being the earlier model looks great too, and also fitted the clear front indicators and chrome fender trim around the guards.
I'm very impressed with this station wagon Mercedes.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 9.2 / 10
The engine and transmission has never been reconditioned and still runs extremely well. Very roomy for luggage.
My one has the lovely burgundy leather seats/interior, and I fitted the later model wooden trims from another 300E on the doors and dashboard, as mine missed out on them as being the earlier model looks great too, and also fitted the clear front indicators and chrome fender trim around the guards.
I'm very impressed with this station wagon Mercedes.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 9.2 / 10
TE owner 10: 1986 Mercedes-Benz W124 200T review from UK and Ireland
"A driveable armchair"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Just the usual went wrong. Exhaust, tyres etc. I also put on new discs and pads all round.
It leaked a bit of old, but I just used to get in and drive - it never let me down.
I didn't mind spending a few dollars on it coz it only cost me 500 on a D plate! I sold it for 1700 to pay off a bank loan and bought a BMW 323i auto with full service history and new gearbox from BMW for 550 and it's rapid!!
General comments?
Easy to work on due to brilliant engineering, the 124 chassis is possibly the best built model Merc ever made (just my opinion). It's a totally enjoyable ride. You don't hear or feel the bumps, the seats are well comfortable and the steering solid and safe.
But... It's a bit long and sometimes when you hammer it around tight corners the backend boats out - a bit of opposite lock helps!!!
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.0 / 10
Just the usual went wrong. Exhaust, tyres etc. I also put on new discs and pads all round.
It leaked a bit of old, but I just used to get in and drive - it never let me down.
I didn't mind spending a few dollars on it coz it only cost me 500 on a D plate! I sold it for 1700 to pay off a bank loan and bought a BMW 323i auto with full service history and new gearbox from BMW for 550 and it's rapid!!
General comments?
Easy to work on due to brilliant engineering, the 124 chassis is possibly the best built model Merc ever made (just my opinion). It's a totally enjoyable ride. You don't hear or feel the bumps, the seats are well comfortable and the steering solid and safe.
But... It's a bit long and sometimes when you hammer it around tight corners the backend boats out - a bit of opposite lock helps!!!
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.0 / 10
TE owner 11: 1986 Mercedes-Benz W124 230TE review from Singapore
"A beautiful car to own"
"A beautiful car to own"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I purchased this twenty year old beauty in Oct 2006 and as expected for a car of this vintage, Several items were attended to.
I purchased this twenty year old beauty in Oct 2006 and as expected for a car of this vintage, Several items were attended to.
New tyres. The auto was shod with Continental Premium Contact 2 tyres to replace the very dead Yokohama Aspec Db.
Front two seats were replaced due to some bizarre extreme wear on the springs. Never have I been in a Benz of this age with such poor seats. The were replaced with used ones from the scrap yard at a cost of USD$47 each.
During the service all belting's were replaced, Thermostat changed, brakes replaced and all fluids dumped. That cost me USD$300.
The garage informs me that the following will need attention soon. Rear propeller shaft coupling (thud thud sound,) steering box is seeping oil. A/C blower needs to be looked at and some rust on the underside and farside D pillar window will need to be addressed.
The garage informs me that the following will need attention soon. Rear propeller shaft coupling (thud thud sound,) steering box is seeping oil. A/C blower needs to be looked at and some rust on the underside and farside D pillar window will need to be addressed.
There are some electrical gripes for the moment, I'll need to address them gradually. The full on high beams don't work, it shuts off all the lights. the rear wiper is unable to work in intermittent setting, the dashboard clock is not working. The Economy meter (though non electrical) is inaccurate. Other than that, all seems to be OK.
General comments?
For a 20 year old car I am completely amazed that it starts first go everytime, the water temperature has maintained at less than 90 celcius, The gear box is very responsive and it is still very tight interior wise.
Performance
This motorcar appears to be oriented to higher torque albeit lower power. it move sufficiently well from standstill and cruises very nicely at 60mph. Only drawback there is that the ratios seem rather low at about 3000rpm @ 60mph. Thus there is a little more engine noise at cruising than contemporary cars.
Handling
Not quite the sharpest handling (worn steering box) there is now a lot of freeplay in the steering, one is still able to place the car through the corner to get the right line. Then again this is not the type of car.
Comfort
Top marks to Mercedes for having one of the best damping around. road humps are humbled. Small gripes are directed at the rear seats. the TE (estate) has a more opera style bench seat arrangement in the rear thus is not as cosseting as the sedan's rear seats. When I picked up the car there was some occasional body wiggle at highway speeds. That seems to have been disappeared. I don't quite know why.
Economy
As expected this 20 year old 2.3 engine pulling a 1.4ton body is returning about 7 km/l. Its high in todays expectations, but not too bad seeing that the factory specs of the car suggest 8.5 km/l in urban cycle. I'll be cleaning out the valves etc with those fuel additives and will be hoping to see some improvement. I'm also hoping that the new tyres which are narrower (original spec 195/65/15) than previous will also assist.
Space
I'm running the 7 seater version and it offers excellent versatility! Just about equivalent to the versatility of a modern Honda Jazz. Seats will fold flat or the seat bases can be removed to store large things in the rear seating area. Just excellent!
Street Cred.
Being my first Mercedes, its amazing the responses you get about the car. Most are impressed with how tight the car is after 20 years and more than 282000miles (that's 450000 km) Sitting in it is a rather serene experience. The older folks also tend to have a smile on their face as they acknowledge it's a Mercedes of a certain time and design. I haven't seen that acknowledgement with the contemporary Benz's like the A and B Class. Perhaps because they are not stately enough, perhaps they don't have the 3 pointed star at the end of a straight bonnet.
Summary
In my short living experience with the TE, I must say that I am very satisfied with what I have and the USD$2000 that I would like to spend on her over the next few months will last me for years to come. If, like me the smell of an older automobile and the prospect of tinkering and restoring appeals to you this is an excellent modern classic to purchase. To be extra special, i'd recommend either this TE or a CE.
Updates on the car will follow in the comments section.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.3 / 10
Updates on the car will follow in the comments section.
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.3 / 10
18th Nov 2006, 04:02
Here's an update of this Singapore TE. Here's an update on my TE... By the way, I've named her Big Bertha for her huge carrying capacity. So far so good. There have been little niggles here and there, but there was nothing that has ever left me stranded by the side of the road. As yet the old girl is having some of her rust spots attended to. There seems to be a lot of little areas that need attention. I'm not quite ready to give the whole car and good going over so its just spot work for now.
I've also recently had the wheel bearings (front) go noisy on me. Must have gotten freaked out at my recent high speed jaunt up Malaysia. My odo died... I usually reset it at each fill up and when the trip meter dies, it take the odo with it too. Have gotten that replaced with a used instrument cluster (thanks Benny) I also found out that the replacement cluster had the light mounts burnt out (i am informed that mechanics often install incorrect high wattage bulbs behind the dash.) Nam Sing of Singapore has kindly converted it to LED. I have not seen the effect yet, but I hope its not too 'Pimp my Ride'
Had most of the underside bushings replaced including the prop shaft et all. and the boot lid struts. Now it doesn't slam shut.
Overall, my spirits are still high with the car. I am enjoying her (when I drive her) She has not been with me very long as I've tried to settle as much of the problems quickily. Will update soon.
Drop me an sms if you'd like a TE chat, Paul 900 84094 owner of Bertha.
Drop me an sms if you'd like a TE chat, Paul 900 84094 owner of Bertha.
29th Mar 2007, 09:34
Just an update on Big Bertha, my 1986 230TE... She still starts first go everyday and am really pleased with her. But I will have to give fair caution to people looking for such an automobile. Numerous articles have written about the W124's bullet proof engineering, I do feel that that would be pushing it a little to far. True the car is engineered well, it has a lovely suspension design, I'm sure it's a safe car and all, but I've found her electrics not quite as robust as a similar aged Nissan. True they are small niggles and it will happen to cars of this age, but if you imagine buying one of these old Queens and expect to do nothing except put petrol in it.. you'd be mistaken.
So let's see, what has she done recently. I've patched another rust hole I found in the spare wheel well. I've had to replace her exhaust pipe (from header to centre box) as it was severely fatigued and had cracked. I replaced it with an original part for about USD$170. I've also developed a short circuit with the boot hatch. For some reason when the boot is open fully, the interior lights go out and the licence plate lights go on and the instrument cluster lights come on... Go figure! I've also replaced both bumpers. The rears were original MB parts and cost USD$680 and the fronts are OEM's at USD$130. She still draws admiration and she's still a very very comfortable ride. Much better than similarly aged Nissans! Will keep this updated. Thanks for reading.
21st Dec 2007, 23:54
In response to the post above this, I'd like to clarify to all who are reading this that I am narrating the events of Bertha not as damning evidence of a bad car, but instead as documentation of the realities of old car ownership. I love my car to bits and I am hoping that others could learn from the experiences I've gained. To some extent there are popular misconceptions that used benz's are absolutely bullet proof (and you can thank Fifth Gear for that too). Perhaps poor information and a reputation that is larger than the car itself. I guess my writings are suggesting that at the end of the day, its still a car like all others. things still fall apart and things still need mending.
So back to the Bertha updates!
She recently put a smile on my face as she completed a round trip 4000km+ journey to Bangkok. I'm happy to report she was 99% flawless! Two blown bulbs on the journey and some minor issue with the shock absorber mount that was done just before the trip. I know you must be wondering how an issue with a shock absorber mount can be relegated to 1%... It's a long story and I cannot blame the car. You'll have to take my word that it was fixed within 20mins at a tyre shop just outside of Bangkok.
She averaged about 10-11 km/l during highway drives and topped out at 200km/h @ 6000 rpm. In fact i got to meet a side of her that i rarely see. That is her love for driving over 140km/h. Bertha just wakes up and comes alive!
Her temperature stayed perfectly steady at just over 80c in Bangkok's famous traffic jams which I've sat in for over 2 hours and more in one sitting.
That's it for now.
That's it for now.
4th May 2009, 06:42
Bertha Update... wow one more year has passed and I finally said adieu to those horrid Pirelli P6 tyres. They were just far too hard a compound! This time I've installed Continental Pro Contact and find them rather good, not quite in the same range as my ex Continental Premium Contact II but decent enough. Opted for them because of their huge water channels.
Lets see, what have I done with her so far. This couple of months have been good, I have noticed a bit more rust around the sills. I patched a couple of them and sealed up some rust holes in the floorboard and painted it up with Hammerite. Not the most aesthetic job but the best stop gap measure I could muster in the interim.
I'm still making some kind of plans for the installation of SLS. the custom shocks work somewhat but I think I need custom springs more than shocks. And stiffer shocks is just not the solution to this.
Apart from these little bits, old girl has started first go every time. Oh... did I mention that I had a fuel line in the back replaced because it rotted away whilst on the run... small problem, just inconvenient.
Apart from these little bits, old girl has started first go every time. Oh... did I mention that I had a fuel line in the back replaced because it rotted away whilst on the run... small problem, just inconvenient.
21st Sep 2009, 10:30
Hi all, it's been awhile since my last posting. Bertha still humming along.. have lost track of the things done. So far I've had most of the undercarriage bushings replaced, powersteering box (though I think I didn't need to because it think the bushings sorted out most of the wandering problems that I was starting to face.) and had the rear diff replaced with a second hand one. The rear diff is a frustrating piece to have to deal with. To purchase it new is about SGD$3000 and a scrap yard version is about SGD$600... neither can really guarantee you perfect silence. The parts seller which sells the new (possibly factory reconditioned) items cannot guarantee it, so it's quite like a $3000 lucky dip.
So far I must say that when things have been replaced on her, they stay in good shape.
To the previous poster, I would have spent something like $2000-$3000 in the first 3 months... but the caveat is that I bought it cheap and many things needed cosmetic sorting, like the broken seats, door cards etc. In retrospect, I think I bought what people may call a 'not very good example' no matter. We live and learn, I've another friend who bought a 'good example' and has spent far far less on car maintenance. So I guess the golden lesson is to get a good example from start perhaps even pay a little more... don't believe that you can sort these things out, because they add up quite quick.
Next up will be the full restore of the SLS (Self levelling suspension). All the parts except one has arrived. BTW it's SGD$4500 for every single part needed in the 230TE SLS system.
Cheers - Paul
8th Apr 2010, 11:10
Its the Bertha log again: SLS has been fully restored and the car rides wonderfully soft and plush. I have noticed though, that the car has some wiggle on some undulating surfaces. So I don't know if the rear bushings need replacement (they have not been changed yet).
The SLS restore was quite straightforward, apart from one problem I encountered. The hydraulic lines that I ordered didn't seem to fit. These are the lines that travel from the front to the rear of the car. But Mr Daimler and Mr Benz up in heaven must have been looking out for me, and coincidentally a 230TE was being scrapped at exactly the same time I was doing the SLS work on my car.. so I managed to salvage the hoses from the donor car.
Well it's approaching tyre time again. The Continental Pro Contacts that are made in South Africa served me really well. I am very happy with them from a value / performance point. Still would prefer the Premium Contact II, but they just cost too much money. So now I'm itching to try a different brand. I'm thinking of going Korean this round. Will see in two months.
The rust is really catching up with the car... no new spots... just the same areas getting worse. I really have to get round to sorting it out.
Oh, and I recently replaced my engine sump / splash guard; it's originally a fibreglass piece under the car, and have instead put in a metal one from a diesel Merc. The car is actually quieter now. I guess less noise deflection from the road. One the subject of noise, the rear muffler is probably dead too. It's not leaking, I think just dead internally. Anyway, will see about that.
Oh, and I recently replaced my engine sump / splash guard; it's originally a fibreglass piece under the car, and have instead put in a metal one from a diesel Merc. The car is actually quieter now. I guess less noise deflection from the road. One the subject of noise, the rear muffler is probably dead too. It's not leaking, I think just dead internally. Anyway, will see about that.
That's all for now.
Bye for now.
For more of Paul Lincoln's Bertha Ownership experience, visit His blog: http://sgmercedesestate.blogspot.com/
