Opinions on the W124 E420/400E

[Colonel Cadillac]

So what is everyone's opinion of the W124 E420/400E (1989ish-1995)? I'm a big fan and thinking that would be a really awesome car to have and probably really reliable too.

It does 0-60 in about 7.1 seconds and the 1/4 mile in about 15.2 seconds.

Were those cars pretty boring to drive (Lexus-like) or is there some driving charm?

[Cookie Monster]

No clue how they drive but they are one of the cleanest styled MB's ever.

[Submariner]

Built really, really well.  The V8 will provide good power, and while it's no 5 series, it's far more entertaining than any similar Lexus...hell any Lexus (with the exception of the IS-F, maybe)  Rust can be a problem, a product of Merc looking for more earth friendly paints, but if you take care of the finish, you should have no problem at all.

[cawimmer430]

Here you go, everything you need to know about the W124 including some detailed reviews about the '400 and '420. In terms of driving experience these cars are oldschool Benz. Very comfortable and decent handling. The W124 isn't going to handle like a BMW from the same time period but it will cope nicely with spirited driving. The recirculating-ball steering is a little vague but also responsive enough to be able to control the car in a sporty fashion. Drove my driving school teachers W124 250D 5-speed a few years ago for a few minutes and that's one thing you feel right away about the W124. Now if a lowly 250D can do this, a '400 / '420 is going to be a little sportier. But considering that you're talking about a US-spec version here the suspension and steering may have been further "detuned" to suit the generally older target market of these cars.

It's a solid car though and definitely fun to drive in its own way. 



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[Colin]

There's an article in today's issue of Autocar about these cars, too. They bought an old E Class Wagon with mega miles and ran it as an old nail for six months or so. They were not disappointed. These cars really are as tough as legend would have you believe. Elegant with it, esp the Wagons, Coupe and gorgeous Convertible.

[sportyaccordy]

500E

I doubt the American 400E is sport tuned... almost certain the E 420 isn't

[Colin]

500E? Hmm.......... Lovely vehicle, veritable "Q" car, but a friend of mine who posts on "The Motor" bought one a year or so ago and it has not exactly been a cheap experience. Although it appeared to be in excellent condition when he bought it, he has had to have a few things repaired none of which were even close to bargain price territory. Just as well he's a lawyer!........ oh, and he has a Z1 and an Alfa 156 GTA as well.

[sportyaccordy]

If the 400/420/500E all have the M119 motor... at least for the motor, parts should cost the same. Personally, if I can I want the most car for the $$$...

[cawimmer430]

The '400 and '420 are luxury tuned and were created to compete with the V8 Lexus GS. Prior to that MB was only offering 6-cylinders as the top engine in the W124. They won't handle as well as the 500E / E500 but they're solid and capable handlers if you're wondering. People still think that MBs from that period "don't handle well", it's BS. Even a '79 200D W123 handles pretty nicely, not sporty, but safe and confident. 

[Submariner]

If the 400/420/500E all have the M119 motor... at least for the motor, parts should cost the same. Personally, if I can I want the most car for the $$$...

You would be surprised how identical parts can cost more on engines that have larger displacement.