Best Classic Mercedes Family Vehicle

[TML89]

Hey everyone,

A light hearted Friday post: I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom to find which Mercedes served you and your family as the best family vehicle. The vehicle that balances classic Mercedes charm, fun, build quality with everyday usability and safety (within reason for a classic). Importantly, which vehicle - subjectively speaking gave you and your family the best memories when you look back?

I've been considering S124 Wagons, W140 (SWB and LWB), W124 inline 6 cylinders and 400E's, and they all seem like a strong contenders with their practicality and timeless design. I would love to hear what worked best for everybody else (even non Mercedes )-

To narrow down some higher ticket priorities:

• Reliability & Durability: As much as possible for a classic. Something that never leaves you stranded.
• Safety (for its era): Good bones, solid construction.
• Practicality: Enough space for a young family.
• Usability: Can handle regular (though not necessarily daily) - lets say weekend family duty.
• Classic Mercedes Feel: That iconic driving experience and build quality.
• Fun / nostalgia Factor!
• Driving experience

Secondary:
- Parts availability.
- Have a decent following for maintenance advice.
- Have seen some appreciation in value, or at least hold their value to some extent.

So, for those of you who have experience with these cars, especially with families, what are your thoughts?

 

[alabbasi]

Given that the W210 is now 30 years old, I would say that it is the best choice. They don't use as nice a materials as the 124/`126 but they're Toyota reliable, safe and easy to fix.

 

[gsxr]

All of the above options have good marks for classic feel, driving experience, safety, and 4 occupants (with 5+, consider the wagon with 3rd row seats). Mechanical / maintenance parts availability is acceptable as well, but interior cosmetics are likely NLA new. Zero issues with weekend duty or even daily duty. Values should hold assuming condition remains the same or is improved.

The 140 chassis, either SWB (W140) or LWB (V140), is a different animal. It's a substantially larger car in all dimensions. As an average-size guy, I found the V140 we owned to be just a little too big. It was great as a highway cruiser but felt obese around town. Larger size people, and/or really tall folks, might appreciate the extra space. Make sure to test drive a 140 (any variation) before buying. Also keep in mind the 140 is an order of magnitude more complex for DIY repairs. Totally doable with the internet, but plan on investing in SDS for diagnostics. The 140 has a relatively low fun factor, although the 5.0's (and 6.0's) will really scoot for a big ol' whale. I would only consider 1996-1999 model years for any 140 purchase.

Fun factor is kind of the wildcard on any 124. All the S124 wagons are a bit underpowered IMO, especially with the M103. The sedans weigh less. Personally I'd avoid anything without EFI, which means sticking with the 1993-up 6-cyl models, or V8. I'd avoid any M103 like the plague, it's just a step backwards vs the later EFI engines. I'm obviously biased and would strongly recommend a 1994-1995 E420 as the pinnacle of the W124 sedan for daily duty (assuming the E500E is not in the budget). I'd also recommend finding one with ASR and heated seats. This will require a nationwide search, and if you are picky about colors, a lot of patience.

 

[TML89]

Given that the W210 is now 30 years old, I would say that it is the best choice. They don't use as nice a materials as the 124/`126 but they're Toyota reliable, safe and easy to fix.

Interesting curveball @alabbasi ! They're definitely at the bottom (or close to it) in the depreciation curve. My old man had a TD W210 wagon that drove nicely but he never liked it as much as his W124 wagon (can't exactly remember why though)

 

[gsxr]

Given that the W210 is now 30 years old, I would say that it is the best choice. They don't use as nice a materials as the 124/`126 but they're Toyota reliable, safe and easy to fix.

The W210 is definitely worth a look. But it's more of a very nice, roomy Camry than a Mercedes. The fit, finish, quality, and driving experience is VERY different vs the 124 or 140 chassis. Again, test drive any 210 to get an idea what they are like.

The main advantage to the 210 is they are much easier to locate in nice shape with relatively low miles and a reasonable pricetag (due to the depreciation curve you mentioned above). The S210 wagon would be a strong competitor vs the S124. If you get a 210, stick with a 2000-2002 (facelift) model and ideally with the optional HID lights, and optional ESP.

 

[TML89]

All of the above options have good marks for classic feel, driving experience, safety, and 4 occupants (with 5+, consider the wagon with 3rd row seats). Mechanical / maintenance parts availability is acceptable as well, but interior cosmetics are likely NLA new. Zero issues with weekend duty or even daily duty. Values should hold assuming condition remains the same or is improved.

The 140 chassis, either SWB (W140) or LWB (V140), is a different animal. It's a substantially larger car in all dimensions. As an average-size guy, I found the V140 we owned to be just a little too big. It was great as a highway cruiser but felt obese around town. Larger size people, and/or really tall folks, might appreciate the extra space. Make sure to test drive a 140 (any variation) before buying. Also keep in mind the 140 is an order of magnitude more complex for DIY repairs. Totally doable with the internet, but plan on investing in SDS for diagnostics. The 140 has a relatively low fun factor, although the 5.0's (and 6.0's) will really scoot for a big ol' whale. I would only consider 1996-1999 model years for any 140 purchase.

Fun factor is kind of the wildcard on any 124. All the S124 wagons are a bit underpowered IMO, especially with the M103. The sedans weigh less. Personally I'd avoid anything without EFI, which means sticking with the 1993-up 6-cyl models, or V8. I'd avoid any M103 like the plague, it's just a step backwards vs the later EFI engines. I'm obviously biased and would strongly recommend a 1994-1995 E420 as the pinnacle of the W124 sedan for daily duty (assuming the E500E is not in the budget). I'd also recommend finding one with ASR and heated seats. This will require a nationwide search, and if you are picky about colors, a lot of patience.

Thanks @gsxr ! Yep, I couldn't believe how smooth the W140 is when I took one for a drive. It had plenty of power even with the smaller 320 engine (the fifth gear probably helps?). That said, some of the fun is lost with such a separation from the road and lack of any noise. It's also hard to picture a w140 with a roof rack, kayak and bicycles strapped onto it for a weekend in the mountains. It's more Park Slope and less National Park (a quick google image search proved me wrong though). All reports suggest heavier maintenance as well. All roads seem to lead straight back to an E420 sedan or 320 Wagon, again!

 

[alabbasi]

But it's more of a very nice, roomy Camry than a Mercedes

It's that rack and steering that people are talking about on the other thread I think that that if you buy any Mercedes Benz that was introduced in the last 30 years (not the stragglers like the 140 and 129), They'd drive closer to a W210 vs anything older.

Lighter materials, rack and pinion, functioning a/c etc.

 

[alabbasi]

Interesting curveball @alabbasi ! They're definitely at the bottom (or close to it) in the depreciation curve. My old man had a TD W210 wagon that drove nicely but he never liked it as much as his W124 wagon (can't exactly remember why though)

W210 Wagons are huge but their proportions are a little off IMO. The W211 wagon was a better proportioned and better looking. You can now import W210 CDI with a 6 speed manual. It should be interesting.

 

[Bogeyman]

That's easy - my '87 TDT. Not a quick machine but no computers or gadgets. Just a competent, reliable machine. Oh, and I think it looks great too...

 

[gsxr]

That's easy - my '87 TDT. Not a quick machine but no computers or gadgets. Just a competent, reliable machine. Oh, and I think it looks great too...

The 1987 300D/TD are fantastic. When running properly, the stock OM603 turbo has enough torque to feel almost like a 400E (but, runs out of steam at higher revs). The OM603 can be tweaked to make 500E power levels (and beyond!) if you want. Only problem is there are not a lot of these uncirons around... IIRC, only ~1500 of the 124.193 were imported to USA and many lived a rough life hauling kids, dogs, and groceries.

 

[TML89]

W210 Wagons are huge but their proportions are a little off IMO. The W211 wagon was a better proportioned and better looking. You can now import W210 CDI with a 6 speed manual. It should be interesting.

The W211 is definitely a great looking Merc and a nice drive but (for me personally) it goes past the nostalgic fun analogue car and more into the digital age!

 

[TML89]

The 1987 300D/TD are fantastic. When running properly, the stock OM603 turbo has enough torque to feel almost like a 400E (but, runs out of steam at higher revs). The OM603 can be tweaked to make 500E power levels (and beyond!) if you want. Only problem is there are not a lot of these uncirons around... IIRC, only ~1500 of the 124.193 were imported to USA and many lived a rough life hauling kids, dogs, and groceries.

Now we're talking ! If only the 320 M104 was easier to add a little extra power to .....

 

[gsxr]

Now we're talking ! If only the 320 M104 was easier to add a little extra power to .....

It can be done (a al Turbo Bandit, R.I.P.) but it's neither easy nor cheap to do properly.

 

[TML89]

@gerryvz love to hear your thoughts

 

[duuder]

Ummm... the only car that has never left me stranded was Japanese... all my German 83, 92, 2008 and Italian have stranded me

If you have an open checkbook, get everythingdone the first, you are good!

 

[TML89]

Ummm... the only car that has never left me stranded was Japanese... all my German 83, 92, 2008 and Italian have stranded me

If you have an open checkbook, get everythingdone the first, you are good!

@duuder My prior car for 15 years was a Landover Discovery Series 2 so my baseline of what's considered reliable is quite low ...

 

[gsxr]

@duuder My prior car for 15 years was a Landover Discovery Series 2 so my baseline of what's considered reliable is quite low ...

We have a Discovery 4 (known as "LR4" here in the colonies) and it's been surprisingly reliable.

 

[TML89]

We have a Discovery 4 (known as "LR4" here in the colonies) and it's been surprisingly reliable.

To be fair to the old girl, as long as she was leaking oil then everything was okay . The local farmer did the servicing for next to nothing and with some wax oil underneath all was well. Bolted a roof tent on and did a few laps around Europe when I lived in France.

 

[northNH]

If one occasionally moves around the gear shift lever on M104 cars, they don’t feel that underpowered to me.
Unless running poorly or heavily loaded…

 

[TML89]

 

[TML89]

View attachment 215744

That's her! That's the TD5 model. Tall enough so that passengers are able to see over the hedgerows in Ireland and the UK!

 

[TML89]

If one occasionally moves around the gear shift lever on M104 cars, they don’t feel that underpowered to me.
Unless running poorly or heavily loaded…

 

[TML89]

@northNH I believe it's a car for relaxing and enjoying the drive, not getting there as fast as possible !

 

[northNH]

It can get to anywhere I need to go faster than I need to get there.
But like the bumper sticker says “Go around, I’m retired”.

 

[TML89]

@northNH some of your old Volvos must have been pretty good family touring cars?

 

[gsxr]

If one occasionally moves around the gear shift lever on M104 cars, they don’t feel that underpowered to me.
Unless running poorly or heavily loaded…

My complaint was specifically on warm summer days, with AC on, in the S124 wagon, trying to pull out into 55mph traffic from a stop. It just would not start moving until >3krpm. Note this was at ±2500' elevation which makes a noticeable difference vs anywhere near sea level.

In cooler temps with AC off, it was fine! Also, I row the shift lever frequently on all my 124's, including the M119's...

 

[TerryA]

I’m Over the years I’ve owned 6 different Mercedes starting with a 1957-190SL, 1964-220SEb Coupe, 1967-230, 1986-300E, 1984-Euro 500SL and my current 1993-500E. What sold me on Mercedes was my first one the 190SL that was 20+ years old when I purchased it for $8,500.00. It was still felt like it was built like a bank vault. It was a PITA car that I ended up rebuilding the whole drive train engine, trans, drive shaft and differential but I still loved it. The biggest pain was the keeping the Solex duel carbs in tune and having to give it an “Italian Tune Up” quite often because my wife drove it to slowly all the time. We had 2 accidents with it. The first was mine where an alien girl w/o a driver’s license pulled out of a side street and I slid into her wiping out my DS fender and door for the most part. My insurance paid around $7,500.00. I paid another $1,500.00 to the body shop plus I had to find and supply a DS door to the body shop which cost me $250.00. The second accident by my wife wasn’t that bad. She hit a guard rail on a curved transition from the from the 5 Frwy to the 55 Frwy in a rain storm and took out the DS fender and grill this time. I thank God for knowing the guy I bought the DS door from because he had a brand new grill opening that he loaned me so the body shop could reshape my grill properly. I don’t remember exactly what I paid the body shop this time but it was around $5K with the insurance plus I had the whole car repainted the original Red this time. I also had the whole interior reupholstered and carpeted in original Black leather. All of this over a period of about 10 years. Sadly my wife and argued over where she parked all of the time and we ended up selling it for I think $18K and it was on a plane to Japan the next day. I also sold an extra windshield frame that came with the car to a Benz parts guy for another $1K.

My second venture was the 1964-220SEb Coupe in Arctic White/Black Leather w/ 4 speed trans and the Euro one piece headlights. I bought it from the same guy (who had become my friend) that loaned me the 190SL grill part and sold me the 190SL door. It sat in his warehouse for 10 years never running once. I paid 3.5K for it. I put a new battery in it and used some starter fluid in the intake and it started immediately. What a surprise! I drove it home about 6 miles and threw most of the rubber off of the tires. After purchasing a new set of Michelin tires and flushing out the brakes. This car ran great and I really liked it but I ended up selling it for $5K because I couldn’t afford to pay for a new interior at that time since the leather seats stitching was all rotten and falling apart.

I still regret selling both of these cars to this day.

Next was the 1967-230 Euro Finny /4 Spd that I paid my wife’s girl friend $500.00 for w/ a blown engine. She put a rod thru the cylinder wall. Anyway I rebuilt the engine after getting the cylinder re-sleeved. This turned out to be a nice car for dependability but was boring to drive and I sold it after a few years after the tempered glass windshield exploded in my wife’s face on the freeway. It was not a laminated safety glass windshield. That was a surprise that I still hear about to this day.

Next was my 1986-300E Champagne/Saddle that I bought with 30K miles that I spent lots of $$$ lowering it and installing 17” Monoblocks on it. It was a very dependable and I drove it to 115K miles. This was the first MB that would be a good family car but the later E320 w/ the M104 motor would be a better choice w/40 more horsepower.

Next was the 1984-Euro 500SL Red/Saddle w/78K miles. This was a very dependable car that we still own that finally failed CA smog at 178K miles and has now been covered and parked for about 10 years and will require lots of work to be roadworthy. Not a family car!

Last is my 1993-500E 040 Blk/Blk w/89K miles that I’ve owned since October 2004. I have owned it for 21 years now and is at 143,300 miles of pretty much trouble free driving. I would say that this is the best Mercedes or any car that I have ever owned. It would suite a family of 4 but no more. It’s becoming a NLA parts problem now so upkeep going forward could be a problem. Mine is in need of an electrical tune up at this time but no major problems.

In mi opinion a late 124 sedan or wagon would be a great choice for a family hauler.Just try to find the best one available to you. To me low mileage means a lot but in 30 year old cars there will still be oil leaks and minor problems but otherwise dependable.

A 400E420 is also a good choice but is more complicated in the driveline to maintain but can also be a very dependable car.

The key is to find the best possible car that you can afford.

Myself, I just traded in my KIA Optima bester car w/107K miles for a 2024 Toyota Camary w/14.5K miles to carry me the rest of the miles I will be driving. It comes w/a 12 Month 12K Mile warranty and a 7 year 100K mile drivetrain warranty for hopefully will be trouble free driving.

This is probably way TMI

Anyway that’s my story and I’m sticking with it.

 

[r44raven]

Over the years, I have owned many Mercedes (and still have a 2004 E320cdi Wagon, and 2004 A class, and a 1993 500E in my garage). My most favourite of all was a W124 E300TD wagon, which i bought with 10K miles on the clock, and retired her on 375k. The 20 years we had her spanned the time of a growing family. What an exceptional motor car! Solidly built, reliable, a car in which one felt safe, plus low ongoing maintenance costs. OK, so the performance wasn't earth-shattering - but we did get 60k out of a set of Uniroyal tyres! And a great load lugger - picture moving 2 daughters into University, with all their detritus, plus even more when they moved out! And the extra row of seats made it a great 7 person people carrier. We often travelled (100+ miles) to London and back for an evening theatre show with a carload of friends.
Happy days!

 

[gsxr]

@r44raven - was your E300TD a non-turbo? Was this a facelift model with OM606 engine (124.191)?

 

[r44raven]

@r44raven - was your E300TD a non-turbo? Was this a facelift model with OM606 engine (124.191)?

It was a non-turbo, non face-lift, 6 cylinder 3 litre diesel. You had to give it 5 minutes notice if you intended to overtake - but we loved it! Sorry, I no longer have the records to check the engine type, but it was a much-loved icon - from a slower era now long gone.

 

[maw1124]

I'd be remiss if I didn't say my W220 S55 AMG has been the best family limousine I could imagine, for over 16 years and 120k miles and still going strong. Nowhere near the nightmare people were claiming it to be when I bought it. But it required one to be "out in front" of a sensible maintenance regime, which has subsequently become very clear over the years. We've been damned near everywhere east of the Mississippi River in the thing, with comfort, safety, luxury and athleticism. I recommend them without hesitation if you can find a good one. It's no wonder they're cannonball cars.

maw

 

[alabbasi]

I'd be remiss if I didn't say my W220 S55 AMG

The analogue nature of the S55K reminds me of my Swiss watch

 

[maw1124]

The analogue nature of the S55K reminds me of my Swiss watch

It is rather stuck in between, isn't it.

It's like an analog user interface of a digital can bus system controlling an analog powertrain and suspension.

maw

 

[alabbasi]

It is rather stuck in between, isn't it.

It's like an analog user interface of a digital can bus system controlling an analog powertrain and suspension.

maw

As long as you have coil overs and hit the reset button 30 times after startup
The C215/W220 AMG models are pretty amazing cars and can be hustled at speeds way faster than anything that big or heavy should be able to.
In my mind, they are a technical marvel but who knows, in 20 years when all cars are self driving, they may well considered as such.

 

[maw1124]

As long as you DON'T UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES have coil overs ...
The C215/W220 AMG models are pretty amazing cars

 

[Harv]

Anything with an M113 and 722.6.

 

[maw1124]

Anything with an M113 and 722.6.

I want to say this, after 2004 when they changed the paint process so the body panels don't rust out from under you.

If I can nail down that date I'll amend this post, but I agree with @Harv on his basic premise.

maw

PS... while I don't usually cite BenzWorld, Skylaw there knows his stuff.. https://www.benzworld.org/threads/what-year-did-m-b-rust-proof-the-w220-better.1386769/

 

[mbzgurl]

@northNH some of your old Volvos must have been pretty good family touring cars?

I've owned a few Volvos. They are reliable, comfortable cars. My favorite was my Volvo wagon. They are the same dimensions as the sedan and weigh only 100 lbs more. The turning radius is good as a VW bug. The turbo has constant power never drags on hill climbs. Interiors are par with Mercedes. Sound system is better than any of my Mercedes. The a/c is better than any Mercedes I've owned. Just saying, it's a good low maintenance car. The only problem was finding a Volvo mechanic. I never had a malfunction or needed anything except tires, oil changes and normal tuneups.
If you buy a new one, and put a million miles on it (easy if you're a Uber driver or keep it long enough to raise your family in it) the dealer will give you another brand new car free!

 

[northNH]