New W124 Kid On the Block...

[Guest Jazz_Saint]

Dear W124 Owners,

I have been reading your threads before the purchase of my W124 1994 E200 Merc and I have gotten much insights from all of you. Indeed this is a very special car and I choose to get this COE car over other options because of its reputation and the way it stands out from all the new cars. However, I do also agree that breeding of such cars are on the decline since many would just like to have the convenience of a new car with less hassle.

So I begin my journey of bestowing perfection to this machine... well..as long as perfection doesn't burn too deep into the pockets (priority now is still milk powder, you see). This is the list of things that I want to change, and I welcome some advise to your expert opinion on how about to get them done. I have already sent the car for general servicing and some worn parts replacement at Carewell. Francis over there seems sincere about helping with the parts but it comes with a price.

Interior:

• Aesthetic on the air-con switches - Chrome Rings
  
• Aesthetic on the Meters - Chrome Rings
  
• Autogear handle - Original now, thinking of leather and wood combi with Merc logo
  
• Aluminium side panels
  
• Re-wrap the Steering wheel, - heard that there is a shop at Sin Ming that does the whole interior at S$1800, clothe with Italian leather, inclusive of washing the interior (not as good as German but will last for about 5~6 years).
  
• Seats - I don't see the regular MB-Tex seats when I took the car. It could have been changed but the seats are definitely not leather and it tires my butts out due to the lack of hip support. So I guess for comfort, I better get that same shop at Sin Ming to fill up the sponge. If you have an alternative place, please do share.
  

Exterior:

• Auto Lock and Alarm - Not so particular about the latter but remote locking means great convenience for me with my kids and when I am doing my grocery shopping. Any good recommendation for a Security System vendor?
  
• Wiper - Got stuck when turn on the first stage. Second and Third is ok. I guess I will have to ask my mechanic to sort it out.
  
• Tires - Thinking of upgrading to a 16" 205/55, but heard too much about fuel consumption and how it weakens the bearings. So I may get a used 15" Alloy AMG Rim
  

with a 205/60 tires instead of my current 195/65/R15 on steel rims.

Engines:

• For a 2L car, I would expect a better torquey acceleration. Unfortunately it loses to my wife's 8V 2L Passat with lesser horses. So I told the mechanic and they say they need to source for some parts to replace this system. I cannot believe how hard I had to press the pedal in order for the throttles to response. It feels better now after the servicing and some parts replacement.
  
• Suspension - I was advised to do an overhaul which will cost me at least S$3000. This is really going to be a pain....
  
• Gearbox - Some jerkiness initially but after the first servicing it has gotten better. But from the experiences of the SGMERC threads, it seems inevitable I have to cough out S$2000 for an overhaul.
  
• Steering - I wanted to do an overhaul as the steering wheel is a little "loose" at drive. Likes it to be in a "virgin" condition. But again this need time to source some of the parts by the mechanics.
  

Well, this is the first list for a start.... was hoping to get a E220 but they are quite rare. Nevertheless, I want to make this machine as driveable as a PARF car if possible.... at least no complain when my wife wants to use it.

[Guest ACSLK]

Hi Jazz,

welcome in.....do join our month-end meet-up ya.................

cheers

Jazz_Saint wrote:

Dear W124 Owners,

I have been reading your threads before the purchase of my W124 1994 E200 Merc and I have gotten much insights from all of you. Indeed this is a very special car and I choose to get this COE car over other options because of its reputation and the way it stands out from all the new cars. However, I do also agree that breeding of such cars are on the decline since many would just like to have the convenience of a new car with less hassle.

So I begin my journey of bestowing perfection to this machine... well..as long as perfection doesn't burn too deep into the pockets (priority now is still milk powder, you see). This is the list of things that I want to change, and I welcome some advise to your expert opinion on how about to get them done. I have already sent the car for general servicing and some worn parts replacement at Carewell. Francis over there seems sincere about helping with the parts but it comes with a price.

Interior:

• Aesthetic on the air-con switches - Chrome Rings
  
• Aesthetic on the Meters - Chrome Rings
  
• Autogear handle - Original now, thinking of leather and wood combi with Merc logo
  
• Aluminium side panels
  
• Re-wrap the Steering wheel, - heard that there is a shop at Sin Ming that does the whole interior at S$1800, clothe with Italian leather, inclusive of washing the interior (not as good as German but will last for about 5~6 years).
  
• Seats - I don't see the regular MB-Tex seats when I took the car. It could have been changed but the seats are definitely not leather and it tires my butts out due to the lack of hip support. So I guess for comfort, I better get that same shop at Sin Ming to fill up the sponge. If you have an alternative place, please do share.
  

Exterior:

• Auto Lock and Alarm - Not so particular about the latter but remote locking means great convenience for me with my kids and when I am doing my grocery shopping. Any good recommendation for a Security System vendor?
  
• Wiper - Got stuck when turn on the first stage. Second and Third is ok. I guess I will have to ask my mechanic to sort it out.
  
• Tires - Thinking of upgrading to a 16" 205/55, but heard too much about fuel consumption and how it weakens the bearings. So I may get a used 15" Alloy AMG Rim
  

with a 205/60 tires instead of my current 195/65/R15 on steel rims.

Engines:

• For a 2L car, I would expect a better torquey acceleration. Unfortunately it loses to my wife's 8V 2L Passat with lesser horses. So I told the mechanic and they say they need to source for some parts to replace this system. I cannot believe how hard I had to press the pedal in order for the throttles to response. It feels better now after the servicing and some parts replacement.
  
• Suspension - I was advised to do an overhaul which will cost me at least S$3000. This is really going to be a pain....
  
• Gearbox - Some jerkiness initially but after the first servicing it has gotten better. But from the experiences of the SGMERC threads, it seems inevitable I have to cough out S$2000 for an overhaul.
  
• Steering - I wanted to do an overhaul as the steering wheel is a little "loose" at drive. Likes it to be in a "virgin" condition. But again this need time to source some of the parts by the mechanics.
  

Well, this is the first list for a start.... was hoping to get a E220 but they are quite rare. Nevertheless, I want to make this machine as driveable as a PARF car if possible.... at least no complain when my wife wants to use it.

[g8crasher]

Hey Jazz,

Welcome to SGMERC. Thank you for taking the time to write about your newly purchased W124.

[*]Auto Lock and Alarm - Not so particular about the latter but remote locking means great convenience for me with my kids and when I am doing my grocery shopping. Any good recommendation for a Security System vendor?

You may wish to try Chuan Sing Auto Accessories @ Serangoon. They treat cars and car owners with respect.

[*]Tires - Thinking of upgrading to a 16" 205/55, but heard too much about fuel consumption and how it weakens the bearings. So I may get a used 15" Alloy AMG Rim

Not entirely true. I was running 17" AMG monoblocks with 215/45/17 tyres and my consumption wasn't that bad. No issues with bearings either.

Engines:

[*]For a 2L car, I would expect a better torquey acceleration. Unfortunately it loses to my wife's 8V 2L Passat with lesser horses. So I told the mechanic and they say they need to source for some parts to replace this system. I cannot believe how hard I had to press the pedal in order for the throttles to response. It feels better now after the servicing and some parts replacement.

It's a heavy car mate. Don't expect too much from the initial acceleration but once it gets up to speed, the midrange is punchy enough.

[*]Suspension - I was advised to do an overhaul which will cost me at least S$3000. This is really going to be a pain....

IMHO, that is too much money. A new set of shocks and springs will only cost you way less than $3k.

[*]Gearbox - Some jerkiness initially but after the first servicing it has gotten better. But from the experiences of the SGMERC threads, it seems inevitable I have to cough out S$2000 for an overhaul.

Yup that's pretty much the ballpark for an overhaul.

[*]Steering - I wanted to do an overhaul as the steering wheel is a little "loose" at drive. Likes it to be in a "virgin" condition. But again this need time to source some of the parts by the mechanics.

Steering slackness may be caused by worn joints, tie rods, bushings, dampers or worn suspension contributing to the steering problem you feel currently. There is an adjuster in the steering box which you can tighten to reduce slackness of the steering feel.

I've heard good feedback about Francis at Carewell Sin Ming so I trust you're in good hands. Take it easy

[Guest jonny7733]

Hi... Hope u can fix up to yr perfection soon.

[Guest Jazz_Saint]

Hi All,

just dropping a note to say thank you for all your responses. I am taking as much advices from you to get things moving. With regards to asthetics, can anyone advise where can I source for a 16" or 17" rims with sunken feature, i.e., similar to the AMG type that makes the wheels look wider and more aggressive? I am also looking for a Masterpiece steering wheel with the wood trimming.

[Guest YEN96]

i have a W124 steering wheel with centre horn wooden pad. let me know if u interested. can view 1st, no obligations. asking $450

9362 3352

[Guest YEN96]

http://www.sgmerc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14761

[Guest Jazz_Saint]

Thanks Yen96.

My steering is the one with airbag so the centre horn might not do. Looking more for that masterpiece version with half leather half walnut wood.

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Jazz_Saint wrote:

Thanks Yen96.

My steering is the one with airbag so the centre horn might not do. Looking more for that masterpiece version with half leather half walnut wood.

U might find it @ Propel!

Good Luck!

http://www.propel-auto.com/accessories.php

[Guest bimmernut]

Jazz_Saint wrote:

Hi All,

just dropping a note to say thank you for all your responses. I am taking as much advices from you to get things moving. With regards to asthetics, can anyone advise where can I source for a 16" or 17" rims with sunken feature, i.e., similar to the AMG type that makes the wheels look wider and more aggressive? I am also looking for a Masterpiece steering wheel with the wood trimming.

for rims, you can try Leong Seng at Ubi..they do have quite good choices..i just changed mine to 17" with conti 3 tyres and I am happy with it..tried 18" but the ride is just too bumpy for me.

I have an original masterpiece steering if you want..however, the leather part is abit worn so might like to re-wrap the leather part for it to look good. I also have the original masterpiece gearshift to match the steering..pm me if you are interested.

enjoy your ride.....

[Guest Jazz_Saint]

bimmernut wrote:

for rims, you can try Leong Seng at Ubi..they do have quite good choices..i just changed mine to 17" with conti 3 tyres and I am happy with it..tried 18" but the ride is just too bumpy for me.

I have an original masterpiece steering if you want..however, the leather part is abit worn so might like to re-wrap the leather part for it to look good. I also have the original masterpiece gearshift to match the steering..pm me if you are interested.

enjoy your ride.....

Hi Bimmernut,

you mind giving me your HP so I can text you off-line about the steering and gearknob? How bad did the 17" affect your acceleration or is your Merc a bigger cc than my E200?

Jazz_Saint