e200 w124 ??

Ricardo G

Hi Folks, not sure if this should be in the classic section or not but here goes ! I'm currently looking at a 92/93 Merc e200 w124 for sale and am just wondering if there is anything in particular i should look out for? i hear a lot of people saying they are pretty bulletproof but i'm not too familiar with Mercs. As stated above i'm ideally looking for a 92/93 reg saloon in manual if possible (herself wont drive an auto:rolleyes:) Its going to be a weekend car so wont be covering massive miles. Anything in particular i should look out for ? What kind of money should i epect to pay for a clean, nct'd e200? not too put out if its not highly spec'd. Many thanks

mondeo

Nice cars! I'd make sure it was not a Taxi for a start..

Ricardo G

Wont be goin down that route;)

mike65

GET AN AUTOMATIC

repeat

GET AN AUTOMATIC

I cannot overstate how important this is, the manual shift is terrible, like stirring cold porriage. Why is your other half against one? The Merc is made for an automatic transmission they only made manual boxes versions in for poorer people with too much ambition.

Ricardo G

I must be one of those poorer people because i drove the manual not too long ago and it felt perefectly fine to me, not saying i would'nt prefer the auto but either way i'm easy on transmission, if i were to drive it everyday then yes it may become an issue but this will be used 1-2 days of the week at the most

si_guru

mike65 wrote: »

GET AN AUTOMATIC

repeat

GET AN AUTOMATIC

I cannot overstate how important this is, the manual shift is terrible, like stirring cold porriage. Why is your other half against one? The Merc is made for an automatic transmission they only made manual boxes versions in for poorer people with too much ambition.

+1 the only Manual merc to buy is a Vito.. or Vario.

Plus the parking brake means you have 4 pedals. Try doing a 3 point turn on a hill... it is piece of mental torture!

mike65

Thats a good point! The parking brake alone makes the auto preferable.

Ricardo G

Going to view this one at the weekend any idea what i should look out for?? Price seems ok too. Sorry don't know how to get the link up but she is on Donedeal at the mo

mike65

Well if you are determined!

Panel inside the boot under the windscreen - check its solid
Jacking points (look for pop out plastic covers) open them up and feel inside for rot
Get the heater working and check that the temp and fan speed knobs work on both sides
Check for any signs of heater matrix leakage (under carpets in footwells) as its a bugger to replace.
Work wiper on full speed.

Go for a spin (refuse to do business if they say no) and check for

That anti-lock light goes off when engine running.
Transmission shunt from rear end
That steering is straight and true
Try a hill start with parking break on
Engine temp should be 80c
Oil pressure should be near 3 (as in photo) in cool-normal ambient temps.

by the way I googled the phone number and got the following

For Sale: CHEAP Turbo diesel NCT €950. Price: €950 - DoneDeal.ie
Xsara cannot be contacted by email; Call Xsara on 0851I78781. Viewed 1 times. Ad Administration. Report ad. Publisher only: ...
m.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1713797 - Cached
For Sale: CHEAP hdi Xsara 60mpg €895. Price: €895 - DoneDeal.ie
Xsara cannot be contacted by email; Call Xsara on 0851I78781. Viewed 4 times ...
m.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1681694 - Cached
For Sale: Bargain Carisma NCT €400(read carefully). Price: €400 ...
Seller cannot be contacted by email; Call Seller on 0851I78781. Viewed 2 ...
m.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1760708 - Cached

looks like a driveway trader, carefull!

2cv

mike65 wrote: »

GET AN AUTOMATIC

repeat

GET AN AUTOMATIC

I cannot overstate how important this is, the manual shift is terrible, like stirring cold porriage. Why is your other half against one? The Merc is made for an automatic transmission they only made manual boxes versions in for poorer people with too much ambition.

+1 again...

There's no excuse for a manual Merc

Ricardo G

Thanks Mike, he told me striaght up that he buys and sells a few cars so at least he was being honest i suppose .
Thanks for the advice re what to look for also, how about price ? there does'nt seem to be too many around for sale so hard for me to compare?

And lastly guys " I'm going for a manual" so all the pro auto comments are really needless lol. I understand most tank cars like these are probably a sweeter drive in automatic but there just not my cup of tea !!! cheers anyhow

mike65

Assuming all is well 900 notes is a fair price I'd say, remember to take a 20 with you for fuel!

Anan1

I'd go for the pre- August 1993 facelift 200E rather than the post-facelift E200 myself. Apart from looking more elegant, the earlier cars benefit from not having biodegradable (in the car) wiring & paint.

SilverBell

Anan1 wrote: »

I'd go for the pre- August 1993 facelift 200E rather than the post-facelift E200 myself. Apart from looking more elegant, the earlier cars benefit from not having biodegradable (in the car) wiring & paint.

I'd agree with Anan, the earlier engines are easily maintained too. Very little electronics.

mike65

Anything happen with this Ricardo G?