Which is better, Mercedes Benz W123 or W124 in terms of reliability, comfort, and maintenance?

Question

Which is better, Mercedes Benz W123 or W124 in terms of reliability, comfort, and maintenance?

Answer 1

I've owned both, and they were both great cars in their day. But it's been a long time from Stuttgart for anything still on the road. You have to evaluate the cars that are available to you today.



If you could have them both from new, the 123 was probably the most over engineered car ever built. It is rugged, reliable, and very repairable. The 124 was also overdesigned, and is similarly reliable. There are a few exceptions, like the wiring harnesses on the very last cars, but a good 124 will go as far as a good 123, and be about the same to maintain. A 124 would be a bit more up-to-date as far as creature comforts: better climate control, better stereos, etc. I think that Mercedes transmissions were much smoother shifting after about 1987. Given the choice of either in like new condition, I'd probably lean to the 124. But a cherry 300CD would be hard to resist.

Answer 2

Perhaps my 2 most favorite Mercedes of all time are the 300D w123 chassis and the E320 w124 chassis. While both cars can last a VERY long time, I'd have to say that the w124 was much more comfortable to drive. It's still very easy to repair, when necessary. If you could find a 1987 e300d with the 6cyl diesel, then you certainly have a million mile car. The engine is nearly bullet proof and the updated transmission was much more reliable than what the w123's had in them.



Also, the stereo system in the w124 was a big improvement over the w123. Power seats, better cruise control module, more efficient A/C system and more structural rigidity. Geez, I think I'll go and look for one on Craigslist tonight! I've talked myself back into one again!



Actually, I do own a very nice 1984 300D and love it dearly. If I could find a w124 with the diesel 6 in it, I'd sell it in a heartbeat.



So, that all being said, go for the w124 and be happy no matter what engine you purchase. Just stay away form the v-8's. Not nearly as reliable as the 6's.



Hope this info helps.

Answer 3

W124 is far more comfortable than W123. More power, quieter, better handling, and over-all, better vehicle. You should be aware, the newest W124 is 1995 model, where as newest W123, I think is 1986 model. They are 13 years old and 22 years old respectively. (assuming you get the last model)



Please be sure you can afford the maintenance! W124 has well known issues such as wiring harness rotting away causing need for harness replacement, and throttle actuator replacement. They will cost you about 1500 dollars each, if you need it. Also, the M104 engine used on later model has a tendency to leak from head gasket. It will run you about 1800 dollars to do the work.



W123, because of age, anything can break at any time. Most W123 are Diesel models. If turbo goes or emission system goes (which is kind of known to happen), they will cost you quite a bit. Most of them has well over 200K miles.

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/awkNz



Since you asked several questions, I'm going to answer them all one by one. 1. The Lexus LS600hL is one of the most technologically advanced cars in the world. World's first: AWD V8 Hybrid, Advanced Parking Guidance System, front and rear Advanced Pre-Collision System, Advanced Active Headrests, Driver Monitoring System, LED headlights, etc. 2. Mercedes-Benz does have a very long history of technological innovation, I don't think anybody could deny that. But Lexus is right up there with them when it comes to technology. 3. The LS is fairly boring to drive. It focuses mostly on comfort, whereas the S-class tries to balance comfort and performance, which it does quite well I might add. I can see why you would rather be driven in the LS rather than driving it. Who would want to drive such a boring car when you can sit in the back, get a massage, and watch a movie while sipping Champagne? 4. Old person's car? I guess I can see that because not too many people in their 20's and 30's can afford a car that's in this price range. By the way, the average buyer of an S-class is 56 so it's not like there's a lot of young people buying those either. 5. Do you consider Audi or Bentley to be rebadged VW's? Probably not. So why act that way about Lexus? Few Lexus vehicles are actually based directly off of Toyota's, and especially not the LS. In fact, there are more Audi's based on VW's than there are Lexus's based off Toyota's. 6. Mercedes used to be very unreliable (it was horrible in the early 2000's), however, their reliability has been getting better in recent years. 7. I suppose most world leaders are chauffeured around in an S-class, but recently there has been a growing number of them using a Lexus vehicle. The most notable world leaders include; Prince Albert II of Monaco, Donald Tsang, Sebastian Piñera, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, The Prime Minister of Japan, King of Norway Harald V, Sellapan Ramanathan, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and numerous British politicians. 8. Mercedes has had many innovations and you're correct, many people have copied them. But that doesn't mean that M-B is the only one who can innovate new technologies. Lexus has even come up with several things that Mercedes, BMW, etc have later used in their own vehicles. I also want to add this, don't listen to people who answered above. It's pretty obvious most of them have never driven a Lexus or a Mercedes, much less owned one.

Answer 5

Well, I had the ML320 (it is now the 350) about 7 years ago, and i now have the lexus RX 400 hybrid... firstly, let me tell you that the service for the Merc was awful. truly awful. however, for the lexus, the people there are great and are always looking to help... it's the little things that help... like a text message the day before your service is booked for, or something. secondly, the quality. merc boast top-class cars, but because lexus are the specialty brand of toyota, they can boast perfection, whereas merc still struggle to try and make their cars affordable, lexus dont need to worry about this. third, the fact that you are driving a lexus! the badge on the car is really what you pay for, and a lexus is better that the merc - let's face it: it's true!! i know these two cars mentioned above arent the ones you are looking for, but the three things i have mentioned above show why a lexus IS the better car :) good luck to you, and i hope you make the right decision - the lexus!! (by the way, i have heard great things about the Audi A8, and i looked in to getting one a year ago, but they are too expensive for me - however, they seem to be in your price range if you are looking at an LS and an S Class. Also, the A8 comes FULLY loaded, so there are no additional costs, unlike those you get with the Merc, and some with the Lexus!)

Answer 6

Parts are cheap for both vehicles and maintenence can be self done. These cars are very straight forward to work on. I never cared for the look of the 123, but was a very reliable, bomb proof vehicle. I have always enjoyed the style of the 124 body, especially with the m104 motor, very smooth runner. I don't recall any wiring issues with either of these models, that came later on the 202 and 210 bodies.

Answer 7

W124 Reliability

Answer 8

the W123 might not require coslty maintenance but i would go with the W124 comfort and performance way better.

Answer 9

the 124 is better in every way because it is newer. its more reliable, safer, might have less maintenance, more comfortable.