My black beauty
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 8:50 amI've bought this '91 Mercedes-Benz 200E in January. I've had a 2003 Hyundai Getz before that and although it was a very reliable, economical and practical little car I couldn't love it. It was crumped inside, the interior was terrible grey plastic all the way. And to above all, it was white so it looked more like a microwave-owen than a car. It needed to go sooner or later. But what should I choose for my next ride?
I've always loved older Mercedes cars, but I was afraid to buy a 20-30 years old vehicle. I've read many stories about how reliable and sturdy cars were these but it still seemed a crazy idea. My original plan was to get a W123 but after I consulted with some guys from the Hungarian W123 Owners Club I realized that a W124 would be a more adequate car for me. It's easier to find a rust-free, well maintained and low-mileage example of the later modell.
So after a long search I've found the one you can see on the pics below, bought it and I'm happy with it ever since. It's a 5-spd manual with a 2000cc petrol engine. What I like the most in the W124s that the early cars will reach oldtimer age next year and their shape still doesn't look dated! Its final design was approved in 1981 - just compare the W124 to other cars from that year! It'll look like a spaceship next to some of them.
When I drive it I don't feel that I drive a 22yrs old vehicle - the German luxury car feeling is stronger than the old car feeling. Ergonomics and visibility are perfect, the switches and buttons feel like new. The shifter needs firm hand like but not in a bad way - it's not hard to change gears but you can feel that you operate machinery - not the game-controller feel of the modern gearboxes.
I haven't regret yet to get an old Benz - I couldn't imagine myself in a practical (but dull as hell) Hyundai again.
I've always loved older Mercedes cars, but I was afraid to buy a 20-30 years old vehicle. I've read many stories about how reliable and sturdy cars were these but it still seemed a crazy idea. My original plan was to get a W123 but after I consulted with some guys from the Hungarian W123 Owners Club I realized that a W124 would be a more adequate car for me. It's easier to find a rust-free, well maintained and low-mileage example of the later modell.
So after a long search I've found the one you can see on the pics below, bought it and I'm happy with it ever since. It's a 5-spd manual with a 2000cc petrol engine. What I like the most in the W124s that the early cars will reach oldtimer age next year and their shape still doesn't look dated! Its final design was approved in 1981 - just compare the W124 to other cars from that year! It'll look like a spaceship next to some of them.
When I drive it I don't feel that I drive a 22yrs old vehicle - the German luxury car feeling is stronger than the old car feeling. Ergonomics and visibility are perfect, the switches and buttons feel like new. The shifter needs firm hand like but not in a bad way - it's not hard to change gears but you can feel that you operate machinery - not the game-controller feel of the modern gearboxes.I haven't regret yet to get an old Benz - I couldn't imagine myself in a practical (but dull as hell) Hyundai again.
