Advice please on Merc W124 coupes

macker64

I would be much obliged if any Merc experts could comment on the general reliability of this Merc., specifically the 2.2 coupe.

Going to look at a few over the next few days, anything in particular to look out for apart from the usual.

Thanks!!

macker64

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macker64 wrote: »

I would be much obliged if any Merc experts could comment on the general reliability of this Merc., specifically the 2.2 coupe.

Going to look at a few over the next few days, anything in particular to look out for apart from the usual.

Thanks!!

mike65

Great car and great value these days. A touch of class. No huge issues, just check the front wings for light corrosion, the lower suspension linkage at the front also needs checking.

swhyte027

As stated before we have Afew of these still knocking around our place every now and again.just check for rust.the ball joints will be a common faliure but are cheap to replace also that model has a problem with the engine wiring loom from the heat of the engine the loom goes to muck.at this stage tho I'd be sure if she's driven good that it's being sorted already.i remember not to long ago having to make my own loom up I tought it was just a small bit but with the stripping it turned into a 3day job.oh also check the front springs normally the bottom ring breaks off

SilverBell

macker64 wrote: »

I would be much obliged if any Merc experts could comment on the general reliability of this Merc., specifically the 2.2 coupe.

Going to look at a few over the next few days, anything in particular to look out for apart from the usual.

Thanks!!

I can't comment a lot on the 2.2 (although its a good engine from what I hear) but I've had a 300CE for over 8 years and I still love it.
Things like bushings and links will wear out, but you can easily get bits from MB, OTTO or the bay. Front and rear ball joints are common items to go (there is a barrel shaped one in the rear called a "ball joint" or something like that).
Loose steering can be cause by shot wishbone bushes, ball joints, drag link, or tie rods. Also the idler arm can have play. All easy to replace. The front anti roll bar bushings and top strut mounts can cause clunking, easy to fix. The box can be adjusted, but I've managed to cure a lot of steering play by taking it out of other bits, leave the box till last!!!

Wandering on motorways can be caused by shot rear subframe bushings, or loose multilink arms. You will get clunking from the rear with this though.

I would do a good check on bodywork, as said above, front of the front wings can rust, also check the jacking points, spare wheel well, and the 2 pocket wells each side of the boot.
Check the door bottoms for rust, and also check for wind noise inside, this may point to bad door seals.
Interior trim bits can be a bit harder to find, so try and get the best interior you can. If it looks like it wasn't cared for, then it probably wasn't.;) Ideally you want all electrics to work, including the belt presenter.
These cars are tough, but a lack of care will show. Periodic maintenance will help a lot with reliability, ie oil (box and engine) changes, plugs, filters etc. The 220 can also have issues with ignition coil units crapping out.

I've had some engine problems, but they were specific to the 300 engine so wont go into them here.
I've had no electrical problems, apart from occasional window switches, these can be opened and cleaned. Job done.
I had an unusual problem with the fuel tank, a vent got blocked and the tank sucked in.

The ignition barrel and door barrels can often get stuck. Replace ignition barrell IMMEDIATELY. You can get for a new (but not specific to the car) ignition barrel for about €50, so the car needs two keys, or you can go to MB and get the proper coded lock. Keeping the car on the original key is more convenient.

Front and rear screens have a habit of delaminating (white at the edges). Its on them all!! The rear will also lose its demister over time. The CE shares no glass with the E class. Its expensive to replace, but your windscreen cover may help.

If I think on more I'll put it here, or feel free to ask. I've written a lot, but not to put you off. The car should drive nice, and feel solid. Comfy beasts they are!!
good luck with the viewing and get back here!

macker64

Thanks for all the helpful information, very much appreciated!!

SilverBell

macker64,

Did you view the 220CE? I've been looking for a trade up from my 300CE for a while and from what I viewed yesterday, it'll will happen soon. So my car is up for sale.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=76812957&postcount=1597

FYI only, no worries!