Reliability of W204 vs W124

[classicw124]

Hi everyone, my father is thinking of getting a used W204, but with the high COE prices leading to bad value for cars <10 years, I was trying to steer him towards the W124, a personal favourite of mine.

 

Can anybody comment on the reliability of the W204 compared to the W124?

[arkaneslayer]

W204 quite reliable so far...

[solar]

No breakdown at all within my 60k driving prefl w204.

Other than oil and filters, only changed wear and tear items like suspension, mountings, battery, brake discs and pads.

[classicw124]

What are the maintenance costs like?

[kepiting1sg]

Hi everyone, my father is thinking of getting a used W204, but with the high COE prices leading to bad value for cars <10 years, I was trying to steer him towards the W124, a personal favourite of mine.

Can anybody comment on the reliability of the W204 compared to the W124?

See my signature!

36 yrs driving exp & in my 7th MB

All are very reliable rides!

imho even the last W124 Masterpiece is about 》17 yrs old.

Unless previous owner/owners took good care if it, might have to spend $$$

if there are repairs.

Depending on budget & requirements - can consider the W204, W203, W211.

Parts from stockists are relatively cheap.

Many "competent" workshops outside.

[aflop]

09-11 w204s are a no no for me.

Big regret buying (and driving now).

As much as the pleasures of MB does flow through, given my experiences, i'd choose any other model.

 

My personal experience -

 

Green Key Issue

Electronics going nuts constantly

Rear tail / front Fog lights keep giving warning signals and going off randomly

High FC (i've got a fat foot perhaps) - average 450km/full tank (11.5-13l/100km)

 

But that's just me. i'm sure others have got fantastic experiences

[Pumper]

Bro, did you get a lemon?

 

After 3yrs plus of drving, my 2010 W204 gave me zero problems at all! The most reliable car I have own so far. Previously I have a couple of jap cars that gives me little problems here and there. Not my W204 though.

 

I am able to achive a pretty constant FC of 7.6-8.5l/100km (80% highway).

 

So to me this car is definitely a keeper!

[Ricebandit]

The 124 was famed for its robustness, and the fact that there are still so many on the roads is in a way testimony to the build quality. The oldest ones on the roads today are pushing close to 30 years, and many have been through numerous owners, and not always maintained properly. That said, all cars, if not properly maintained, will break down, including new generation cars less than 5 years old.

 

Find a reasonably well maintained car (whether new or old) and take some time and effort to go through it to bring it back up to factory level, and you won't be disappointed.

[g8crasher]

Hi everyone, my father is thinking of getting a used W204, but with the high COE prices leading to bad value for cars <10 years, I was trying to steer him towards the W124, a personal favourite of mine.

 

Can anybody comment on the reliability of the W204 compared to the W124?

 

There are 2 known variants in the current W204 line up. Launched in 2007, the W204 was equipped with the reliable M271 Eaton supercharged engine until the introduction of CGI M271 turbocharged units in 2010.

 

I believe the CGI turbocharged versions are the more fuel efficient vehicles of the 2.

 

As mentioned by plenty of members, all MBs are pretty much reliable cars save for some lemons or trying electrical gremlins in some unfortunate cases. 

 

Your main issue will be buying into the right pre-owned car and as it stands, many W124s are starting to show their age and many owners rather unfortunately address the more pertinent issues by resorting to economical patching if you will. W204s on the other hand would have seen just a fraction of the average W124 in the market. This usually means rubber weather seals are still supple (if not abused and parked outdoors most of it's life). 

 

Regular maintenance and service history is a must for any car. W204 M271 Eaton supercharged engines have very few problems to address and these are well documented. Eaton superchargers need an oil level inspection every 60,000kms or so. They run independently of the engine oil system. Most workshops here just tend to replace the supercharger as an entire unit as it is a quicker turnaround than disassembling the supercharger and replacing the seals and rotors. Supercharger belts, tensioners and pulleys typically need inspection at 60,000kms just to be on the safe side. I'd venture to say 60,000kms here because start stop traffic and heat mean we don't get stretch the legs of our cars as much as we'd like.

 

Engine oil tends to break down faster in turbo applications because the engine oil flows through the turbochargers bearing system and turbos run hot! Turbocharger seals and bearings will eventually wear and break down and that needs to be factored into the maintenance cost.

 

If you manage to find a good example and you're willing to accept the challenge of the upkeep, then I daresay the W124 may be a more rewarding experience (since it is a personal favourite of yours already!) otherwise the W204 is ultimately the more comfortable and refined car that gets you from A to B without breaking a sweat.  

[solar]

one thing about the supercharger.. when i did the 60k servicing, the outside workshop skipped this check.

 

is there anyone you would recommend?

pls pm if you find it inconvenient..

[vt5sport]

Bro, did you get a lemon?

 

After 3yrs plus of drving, my 2010 W204 gave me zero problems at all! The most reliable car I have own so far. Previously I have a couple of jap cars that gives me little problems here and there. Not my W204 though.

 

I am able to achive a pretty constant FC of 7.6-8.5l/100km (80% highway).

 

So to me this car is definitely a keeper!

 

 

Agree. Find that the W204 is sibei reliable. 

[g8crasher]

one thing about the supercharger.. when i did the 60k servicing, the outside workshop skipped this check.

is there anyone you would recommend?

pls pm if you find it inconvenient..

Unfortunately I have yet to hear of any workshop out there that does this check. As I mentioned, most just replace the unit when it becomes unserviceable.

Your best bet would be to visit a garage with experience in handling superchargers and I believe BVO Automotive in Sin Ming will be able to assist.

This MBWorld post gives you an idea what to expect >> http://m.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=368922&styleid=18

[kepiting1sg]

Unfortunately I have yet to hear of any workshop out there that does this check. As I mentioned, most just replace the unit when it becomes unserviceable.

Your best bet would be to visit a garage with experience in handling superchargers and I believe BVO Automotive in Sin Ming will be able to assist.

This MBWorld post gives you an idea what to expect >> http://m.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=368922&styleid=18

 

My previous W203 which I sold to my younger brother, the car is reaching 10 years old next Feb.

SC still working as good as day 1 without any necessary maintenance.

[aflop]

Bro, did you get a lemon?

 

After 3yrs plus of drving, my 2010 W204 gave me zero problems at all! The most reliable car I have own so far. Previously I have a couple of jap cars that gives me little problems here and there. Not my W204 though.

 

I am able to achive a pretty constant FC of 7.6-8.5l/100km (80% highway).

 

So to me this car is definitely a keeper!

 

Pretty sure i did, but nothing i can do about it.

Car has been nothing but trouble since day 1.

Got it 2 year old, PI. Few months later kena green key issue.

Same day, my warranty company decides to go bust. Cannot claim, pay cash.

 

I keep reading people getting damn solid FCs.. i drive at 1500rpm constantly also manage to get 8.5/trs per 100km. and frankly i i cant see how anyone can drive like that. i get piccantos high beaming me when the lights turn green cos it takes off too slowly at 1500rpm.

 

Very frustrated with this ride. Anyone know what kinda tuning can improve FC?

[solar]

On the 8.5l fc or lower.. I'm also not getting that unless I feather throttle on eway all the way. i usually get around 10l.

After reading around, it seems like 1.6 and 1.8 turbos, and 1.8 kom get better fc than 1.6kom.

[arkaneslayer]

8.5l/100km is good. Am doing 11.5...

[Jarebbsg]

generally the w204 is a good everyday car. IMHO

Some unfortunate cases....but look at the majority that is serving them well.

Including me.  

[ClearVision]

My experrience on W204 (2009) Purchase brand new from C N C.

 

1) Within 1st 2 years . Aircon flap (inside car) plastic break on centre piece, then 1 month later while waiting for stock from C n C the left and right side also break.....warranty under cnc but wasted 1 day  at cnc.

2) Within 1st 3 years, IU break down 6 times!!!! ok its has nothing to do with the car i guess.

3) Within 1 st year. Rear third LED brake light spoilt....charge under warranty.

4) Within 1st year, the driver side Visor flap spoilt. Waranty uner cnc

5) Rear brake bulb blow 4  times within 1st 3 years. Change myself not under warranty.. I drove 6 brand new Jap cars, each about 3 years and never change bulb before!!!

6) Within 1st 2 years, Change Caster n Camber bolt at CnC under warranty.

7) Within 1st 3 years, left front door lock spolit not under warranty.

 

My conclusion: its the small little things thats irrated me...compare to my last 6 new Jap cars.

Other than that no major issue and parts are cheap. Will i still change to Merc? YES   ,,,,,,Hahaha

[Jarebbsg]

My experrience on W204 (2009) Purchase brand new from C N C.

 

1) Within 1st 2 years . Aircon flap (inside car) plastic break on centre piece, then 1 month later while waiting for stock from C n C the left and right side also break.....warranty under cnc but wasted 1 day  at cnc.

2) Within 1st 3 years, IU break down 6 times!!!! ok its has nothing to do with the car i guess.

3) Within 1 st year. Rear third LED brake light spoilt....charge under warranty.

4) Within 1st year, the driver side Visor flap spoilt. Waranty uner cnc

5) Rear brake bulb blow 4  times within 1st 3 years. Change myself not under warranty.. I drove 6 brand new Jap cars, each about 3 years and never change bulb before!!!

6) Within 1st 2 years, Change Caster n Camber bolt at CnC under warranty.

7) Within 1st 3 years, left front door lock spolit not under warranty.

 

My conclusion: its the small little things thats irrated me...compare to my last 6 new Jap cars.

Other than that no major issue and parts are cheap. Will i still change to Merc? YES   ,,,,,,Hahaha

i like the last part.....Kinda Hate and Love.

Having read.... your journey with your W204 quite painful experience.

[aflop]

Mine's a 1.8KOM.. FC stinks.

I think the CGIs and 7Gs have better FC

[Wishbone]

Brought my FL w204 last year, now over 1 year old. pure joy to drive everyday with absolute zero problems. No regrets.

 

Oh forget, got one instance tyre puncture because hit a nail. count or not???