Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 230 E 4d Auto (W124) (1991/H) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
We bought ours at 10,000 miles and 18months old, so was a lot more than its worth now. Typical prices about £1500 to £3000 for a 230E depending on mileage, condition and equipment
Costs
Using Mercedes Specialists to keep the servicing costs down. Costs between £45 and £50 to fill 70 litre tank (depending on how much fuel is at the time). You get about 350-400miles to a tank, depending on driving style.
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On the road
Driving
Mine has the Sportline option, with slightly lower, stiffer ride, and bigger anti-roll bars. Handling very good. Engine a little underpowered, but can still pull 126, and will cruise all day 100. How many cars at 192k can boast that!
Performance
2.3 8v unit quite slow. On paper, 0-60 is 10.4 and Vmax 124, although timed 0-60 at 11 flat & 126 flat out. Still respectable figures for cars of the time. No kickdown at 80mph, which can be annoying on motorway
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Living with it
Reliability
Excellent, however faulty distributor just before a major service (ie. would have been picked up then anyway). Also had head gasket, cylinder head skim and exhaust back centre section, back box and manifold go at between 180k and 185k miles
Image
Very good. Renowned for superb build quality, reliability and longevity. True old skool merc. Well put together and very strong body. Very good in accidents, although lack of air bag is a concern
Comfort
Sportline interior as well comprising more bolstering to seats and smaller steering wheel. Very comfortable on long journeys. (no sore backs or achy joints in my experience! - typical long journeys for myself being 120-300 miles non stop)
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Security and Service
Security
No alarm or immobiliser. However had no problems with thieves, touch wood!
Service
Use a Mercedes Specialist. Much better, more personal service than at a main dealer, plus a lot cheaper. More economical with cars of this age.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
No rattles, however look for high temperatures compared to normal (around 80C on 230E), and high coolant consumption. Means you could be heading for a head gasket problem. Also if a blowing sound from engine, look for a crack in the exhaust manifold
Other
Replacement gearbox and various engine work mentioned above, along with normal servicing fees can be costly, however some examples can go on for even more miles with out anything done to the main mechanics of the vehicle. Just keep to regular 6k servicing
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes