Which is a better choice W124 or W210?

[Guest ianchua9]

Dear all,

I am shopping around for my first car and due to financial restriction, I have decided to choose a COE car. However it seems that the most trustworthy one are Merc. Thus I would like some advice on whether to get W124 or W210? Can I find AMG kits and rims for it in SG?

[Guest j888]

ianchua9 wrote:

Dear all,

I am shopping around for my first car and due to financial restriction, I have decided to choose a COE car. However it seems that the most trustworthy one are Merc. Thus I would like some advice on whether to get W124 or W210? Can I find AMG kits and rims for it in SG?

go for W210 kompressor !

[Guest 5725]

http://www.mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w124/375331-w124-vs-w210-reliability.html

[Guest poh6702]

I owned 124, w210, W211 model before facelift, currently having facelifted W211.

Personally I find W210 is as reliable as the W124, compressor model only introduced after year 2000, so if you are looking for COE car, the non compressor model is a better choice.

Since TS mentioned due to barget constrain that need to get COE car, then it is better not to get compressor model, the compressor break down will cost more then $2k to replace, 16 valves Engineer is proven. (I beleive the pre compressor model engine is same as 124 16 valves model).

The only setback I find in W210 is the headlight turning yellowist, that makes the car looks very old, the good news is that you can get a up to date design third party headlights for less than $1k and the car will looks fresh.

[Guest Frank_CL500]

Hello.

Although rust might not be the biggest problem in singapore, in regard to rust protection the W210 is a total mess.

From this persepective i would suggest a W124 up to MY93 or a W211 from MY04 on.

Cheers Frank

[Guest blackmercs]

Frank_CL500 wrote:

Hello.

Although rust might not be the biggest problem in singapore, in regard to rust protection the W210 is a total mess.

From this persepective i would suggest a W124 up to MY93 or a W211 from MY04 on.

Cheers Frank

Care to what kinda of mess?

[Guest Frank_CL500]

blackmercs wrote:

Care to what kinda of mess?

Every chassis part. Outside 1993 the water based paint was introduced, at the inner part the rust protection coating was bad and or incomplete.

Both cause the car basically rust away. (in Europe)

I even suffered this problem with my MY 2000 S500.

2004 the ceramic paint was introduced and coating for rust protection has also improved meanwhile.

Cheers, Frank

[Guest jtang]

Wow...thanks for the enlightening info. Does this rust problem exist in all merc models from 1994 to 2004?