Which W124 engine is the best?
Best models for everyday use are the biggest of the four cylinders – a 230E or E220, depending upon age and preference. We’d pick a nice E220 if we could be sure that the wiring loom had been done, but a 230E offers the sort of reliability only a Mercedes can. Our pick would be the 3 Series because it’s a slightly better all-rounder than the C-Class, but the Mercedes doesn’t embarrass itself. It’s the best choice if you want a comfortable ride and dazzling interior tech that looks like it’s dropped from the next century.One of the most reliable used Mercedes models is the E-Class, and specifically the 2014 model, which sports a very respectable 87 out of 100 score awarded by J. D. Power.Winner: Mercedes-Benz The BMW 7 Series (8. S-Class, providing its own modern take on a world-class cabin. It also has a powerful infotainment system, though it has a bit of a learning curve.
What makes the W124 so special?
The W124 was the first Mercedes series to be fitted with the iconic 15-hole, flat-faced alloy wheels characteristic of Mercedes-Benz cars of the 1980s and 1990s. The design was both revolutionary and a sensible step forward for Mercedes-Benz. A wide range of engines were available, as was newly-introduced 4Matic all-wheel-drive. In all, 2,058,777 units of the W124 were built.Reliability: Many W124 engines, both gasoline and diesel, are known for their long-lasting reliability. It’s not uncommon to hear of these engines surpassing 300,000 miles (around 480,000 km) with proper maintenance. Over-engineering: Mercedes-Benz of the W124 era is often lauded for “over-engineering” their vehicles.
Is the W124 E500 a rare car?
Only 10,479 sedans were built, including just more than 1500 for the American market. Today it’s hard to find a 500E, let alone a deal on one. But consider that its original $87,365 base price adjusted for inflation is about $192K. A 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 55 AMG Sedan 4D has depreciated $1,227 or 14% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $7,020 and trade-in value of $4,928.A 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 500 Sedan 4D has depreciated $412 or 11% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $3,066 and trade-in value of $1,531.