Mercedes-Benz C124

Sellers of well-preserved A124 convertibles sometimes ask for six-figure sums. Of course, there were many more options in the coupe body, and in the long term, experts also promise a significant increase in cost. That's not surprising.

Review

Sellers of well-preserved A124 convertibles sometimes ask for six-figure sums. Of course, there were many more options in the coupe body, and in the long term, experts also promise a significant increase in cost.

That's not surprising. The two-door version, introduced in 1987, resists the influence of time. Not only does the coupe have solid mechanics, but the slender dynamic silhouette is not subject to time.

The roof line is 2 cm lower than the sedan, and the wheelbase is shorter by 8.4 cm. The four of us in this car are comfortable. The lack of central racks forced to strengthen the structure of the body. As a result, the C124 was heavier than the four-door sedan.

This coupe is a real 4-seater. Even adults in the second row will not be crowded, but it is not easy to get there. The seats are very comfortable and filled with sea grass. To destroy the upholstery of the chairs, you have to try hard.

Wide overlays

The linings, optically lengthening the car and stretching along the bottom of the body (also known as “Sacre boards”) debuted in the Mercedes C124, and then went to the W124. Before restyling, the shade of the linings along with the bumpers differed from the color of the rest of the body.

Only the early 230 CEs had handheld windows. Since August 1988, they have been electric, and the basic equipment includes ABS, central lock and electric heating of mirrors. Unfortunately, air conditioning is sometimes absent even in end-of-production cars, especially in versions with a weak engine.

A compact, elegant and simple front panel is a timeless ideal for many connoisseurs. The mileage meters often fail. Finding a fully serviceable instrument panel is becoming more and more difficult.

For the calm.

The weakest is the 8-valve 2-liter engine M102. 118 hp poorly cope with not too light car. The single-row drive chain of the timing system was short-lived.

The 2.3-liter version of this engine (M102) with a return of 132 hp provides better dynamics, but consumes a lot of gasoline. The KE-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system often causes problems. Not all mechanics can eliminate them. To make matters worse, the engine does not tolerate the installation of HBO, so cars with gas equipment are better avoided altogether.

Quite different things with 16-valve four-cylinder engines of the family M111, which came in 1992. 2-liter version with a capacity of 136 hp already lucky, and 150-horsepower 2.2 is able to deliver a little pleasure. More importantly, both engines are durable, fail-safe and consume less fuel than the M102 series predecessors.

For the more demanding

If you want to get a real pleasure from driving, then you should look for a coupe with a 6-cylinder engine. Offered from the very beginning of production M103 volume of 3 liters and 180 hp works nicely. Appeared in 1989, the 24-valve M104 (originally 3.0, and later 3.2) with a capacity of 220 hp sounds great and, according to modern standards, seems very alive.

Unfortunately, all these “row sixes” are very voracious, especially in the city. An even more serious problem is the susceptibility to overheating and, as a result, the gasket under the head of the block. It is therefore extremely important to maintain the cooling system in good condition.

Interestingly, with engines with a capacity of 220 hp, a manual gearbox Getrag was offered, where the first gear was turned on left-back, i.e. according to the so-called “dog leg” scheme. The manual transmissions do not work very accurately. Problems can arise with the gear selection mechanism. 4-speed automatics are considered unkillable, and 5-speed steels have been available since 1995.

The W124 sedan version was always available with a V8 engine. Mercedes feared that the coupe with such a unit would compete with the SL. Therefore, the V8 was installed only tuning studios, including AMG. It is worth remembering that AMG was originally an independent manufacturer. In 1993, the two companies officially launched the E36 AMG.

Corrosion

As with other versions of the W124, the coupe body rusts, especially the front arches. After many years, it is becoming increasingly clear that the metal of younger specimens is worse at resisting corrosion. Early C124s look much better and are therefore more expensive.

A rare option is the self-leveling suspension NIVO, able to deliver expensive problems in many years. Even without it, the sling is comfortable. In addition, the running gear is very durable, despite the fact that with each wheel behind works as many as five levers.

Attention should be paid to stabilizers. The fastening often rusts and can burst. Replacing will not require excess cash.

After many years, the ABS system can deliver problems. But it’s not always expensive to repair the system or replace the sensors. Often helps banal update of brake fluid.

Often in the compartment are layered back windows. And years later, the seals of frameless windows of doors are surrendered. The safety belt supply mechanism is also failing.

restyling

After restyling in 1993, the model name changed - the C124 became the E-class coupe. It is important to note that the engines of 2.2 and 3.2 liters were offered a year earlier, and the model index after the update changed from 220 CE and 320 CE to E220 and E320, respectively.

As part of the facelift, a new grille appeared, the turn indicators turned white, the design of the taillights changed, the bumper began to be painted in the color of the body. The paint palette and wheel design have been updated.

In addition, a central lock with infrared port control was proposed. In the interior, the steering wheel and the range of upholstery have been transformed.

A little history.

The predecessor of the C124 was the 2-door version of the extremely refined W123. For several years now, this elegant coupe has been a sought-after classic.

The successor to the C124 was the E coupe, executed on the C-Class platform. The engine range includes R4 with compressor and atmospheric V8. The main disadvantage is corrosion.

Technical specifications

Dynamic characteristics (producer data)

For the calm.

• The KE-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system often causes problems. Not all mechanics can eliminate them.
• More importantly, both engines are durable, fail-safe and consume less fuel than the M102 series predecessors.

For the more demanding

• An even more serious problem is the susceptibility to overheating and, as a result, the gasket under the head of the block.
• It is therefore extremely important to maintain the cooling system in good condition.
• Problems can arise with the mechanism of selection of gears.

Corrosion

• After many years, it is becoming increasingly clear that the metal of younger specimens is worse at resisting corrosion.
• A rare option is the self-leveling suspension NIVO, able to deliver expensive problems in many years.
• Attention should be paid to stabilizers.
• Replacing will not require excess cash.
• After many years, the ABS system can deliver problems.
• But it’s not always expensive to repair the system or replace the sensors.

restyling

• It is important to note that the engines of 2.2 and 3.2 liters were offered a year earlier, and the model index after the update changed from 220 CE and 320 CE to E220 and E320, respectively.

A little history.

• The engine range includes R4 with compressor and atmospheric V8. The main disadvantage is corrosion.

This big car for the weekend is quite suitable for daily use. In the line of engines Mercedes C124 were absent diesel units, and most coupes were operated not as intensively as sedans and station wagons. Spare parts are still available, though not always cheap. Prices for good ones are already rising, so don’t wait. Especially when you consider that the C124 is unique.

• Overview: Sellers of well-preserved A124 convertibles sometimes ask for six-figure sums.
• Wide linings: The linings, optically lengthening the car and stretching down the body (also known as "Sacco boards") debuted in the Mercedes C124, and then went to the W124.
• For the calm: The KE-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system often delivers problems. Not all mechanics can eliminate them.
• For more demanding: An even more serious problem is susceptibility to overheating and, as a result, the gasket under the head of the block.
• Corrosion: After many years, it is becoming increasingly clear that the metal of younger specimens is less resistant to corrosion.
• After restyling in 1993, the model name changed - the C124 became the E-class coupe.
• A bit of history: The engine lineup includes the R4 with compressor and the atmospheric V8. The main disadvantage is corrosion.
• Technical specifications: Dynamic characteristics (producer data)

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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