Interesting...

Ive had a 1989 124series 230E strauberg with 350,000 Miles (yes miles) on the clock for 5yrs now. I was the one who changed its 1st wiper. Had to take it to a mechanic.

Drawback it consumes more but character and service are a plus.

Would like to try a 260SEL 126 Series, those one with real curtains. These machines were 20 years before their time.

I've had a 1997 124 Merc E220 with the w111 engine for 2yrs. Its an excellent car with 175K kms on the clock and runs like a dream. I've had several offers from total strangers to buy it. I'm extremely satisfied with its performance and comfort having driven Subarus and Toyotas previously. Maintenance costs are good considering I rarely have to replace anything.

Ash Ock,

Boss. Looks like you know this stuff. Will take them for a test spin before deciding.

@Njung'e

Oof, we're trying to compare two different era's here. The E200 based on the W210 series has a much better engine than either the pre 92 124's or all the W126's (ignore most local mechanics who complain about the engine. When well maintained, it's practically bulletproof and far much better than the old M102 4-cylinder found in the 200 & 230 W124's).

In terms of efficiency / performance the E200 beats the W124's and W126's hands down as they simply have much better technology (DOHC and EFI), higher power output, no need to tune fuel / timing etc but in terms of over-engineering, it loses somewhat. The W124's and W126's are relatively easy to maintain (DIY), had real glass headlights (not the plastic nonsense found in most cars nowadays), a awe-inspiring "thunk" when closing the doors, and no coke-can feel to the body panels. On the other hand, the W126's do suffer serious rust issues underneath all doors and boot lids unless checks and precautions are taken.

Frankly speaking, if someone somehow gifted me a W210, I would more than happily keep it although I would keep in mind that the more "gimmicks" Mercedes added to the W210 compared to the W124, the more that could go wrong. I would also keep in mind that basic economics (and the Japanese) forced Mercedes to seriously look at the bottom line in the early 90's and therefore the golden age of Mercedes died with the demise of the W124 & W126. All in all a good solid car (except for the ex-Singapore junks) but all things being equal, I personally doubt it could ever last or even look as good as a well maintained W124 or W126.

Nice piece,

Mine is a 1984 Range Rover Deluxe ( later on called Classic/ Vogue). It comes with front and rear disc brakes, washable air filter( beat that)and a host of other features that Toyota is bringing in now. I am not sure of the mileage coz ilizungukana.....lol.. it had up to 99,999.. I don't know how many times it has gone around that. I have had it for the last 5 years and use it daily. It is extremely reliable. The challenge is consumption on the 3500CC twin carburetor system each pumping four engine cylinders on the V engine. But the sound my guy.... is one to die for.

You could enjoy the best of both worlds by getting the E200 or E220 models of the W124 series... they have the M111 engine that is in some of the w210 series cars. Mercedes would test the engines on the older models first just like you have some w123 series mercs with the M102 engine found in the 200/230E.

Rowan Atkinson or you know him as Mr. Bean or Johnny English, owns a 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom with a specially installed 9 litre, V16 engine. Petrol head right there.

Walalala... Ati 3500CC Twin Carburetor. Am sure the drive must be orgasmic.

Hakuna BMW freaks?

Such oil exists.yes..
but would it make sense if you have to replace everything after every 5k kms? No.
Just synchronize your servicing 10k kms is a good tradeoff.

This kind of a machine, how much would it consume say from Rongai to town...peak travel?
Twin-carburetor? My my my I had a 1500cc with a single carburetor and almost made me nuts.