Highlights
- Presents in very good condition
- MoT to February, 2023
- No expense spared on maintenance
The Appeal
‘Tough as old nails’, ‘solid as a brick outhouse’, ‘indestructible’…just a few of the unofficial accolades describing the Mercedes-Benz W124 series, regarded by many as one of the German automaker’s finest hours.
Brought to life in 1986 to replace the legendary but ageing W123 series, the W124 was exquisitely engineered and one of the last truly over-developed and clinically-built Mercs. It was the forerunner of the E-Class, a nomenclature adopted for the W124’s 1994 model year.
From boulevard-cruising coupés and cabriolets in sun-drenched California to multi-million kilometre taxi cabs in distant corners of Africa, the W124 is one of those global automotive icons. Everyone who enjoys driving needs to own at least one W124 in their lifetime. Read on…
History and Paperwork
- Just three former keepers
- Box file of recent and past documentation
- V5 certificate present and in current keeper’s name
According to the data plate, this handsome right-hand drive W124 Estate concluded its build at the Bremen assembly plant in the third week of October 1989 and arrived in the UK three weeks later to receive its first registration on 16th November, 1989.
The current keeper acquired the car in September, 2016 and has enjoyed many miles in it since then. Its previous owner had the car for a full 12 years. Barring a few minor age-related issues, all four keepers have maintained the car to an excellent standard.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 Certificate in the current keeper’s name, an MoT certificate to February 2023, two keys, a holdall containing the original owner’s manual and maintenance booklet and a box file containing a raft of service, spares and repair documentation.
The Interior
- Fully original interior
- Elegant cloth upholstery throughout
- Spacious, clean and tidy interior
On the inside, the car’s condition is very presentable. The original fabric upholstery (Code 061) wears its 33 years very well. However, there is a tear to the driver’s right kidney bolster, caused by entry and egress over the years.
The rear of the cabin is so tidy it looks like no-one has ever sat back there in all its 33 years. Wisely, the boot has been well protected over the years by a full-size rubber floor mat. Part of the offside C-pillar trim has parted ways with the upright but merely requires professional re-adhesion to make it good.
The Zebrano veneer trim inserts on the dashboard and doors are in a condition commensurate with its age and mileage, as are the sun visors, headlining, carpets and door cards. The only evidential interior blemishes are as mentioned and pictured in the accompanying gallery.
The Exterior
- Original Code 702 Smoke Silver metallic paint finish
- Brightwork is in good order
- Exterior is solid but in need of light TLC
The car presents handsomely in its original ‘Smoke Silver Metallic’ (Code 702) which was a popular colour across the Mercedes-Benz model range in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
The car has been lovingly used throughout its life and accordingly wears a few minor blemishes around the car. There are several small cosmetic rust bubbles (as pictured) that may need attention before their incubation becomes a little more demanding.
Those aside, the bodywork appears sound all around the car. The original wheel trims wear a few minor abrasions but are in good, all-round condition. All are shod with a healthy set of Avon ZV rubber.
The headlight lenses are clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of fogging which may often be encountered on a car of this age. The same may be said for the clear rear light clusters. All doors open and close as built and a cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of collision damage.
The Mechanics
- Impressive MoT record
- Fully maintained, no expense spared
- Replacement odometer at 80,620 miles
At the Goodwood photo location, the W124 was often repositioned to maintain light direction and the sweet-sounding M102 2.3-litre straight four started first and every time. The four-speed automatic connected smoothly and drive engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
As evidenced online, G618 TYR has an impressive MoT history with just the one fail in 2017 since its online records commenced in 2005. Its original odometer stopped working at 80,600 miles and was replaced with a new unit. Since then, the car has covered a little over 17,000 miles. The original odometer will accompany the car.
The keeper – who has spent over £8,000 on the car’s upkeep during his six-year tenure – described the car as ‘driving very well and pulls strongly’, reporting the car to be in very good mechanical condition with the estate’s engine, steering, brakes, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective German engineers intended over 30 years ago.
The underside and lower sills present in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
The front underside appears ‘wet’, but we are advised that this is due to the oil cap not being reaffixed properly after a recent inspection. It did, of course, result in an oil spill in the engine bay when underway – all of which has been cleaned up, but an opportunity to clear the underside has not presented itself.
Summary
From its introduction in 1985, the W124 was an instant success and became industry benchmark. It signified a new styling era for Mercedes-Benz, bringing with it numerous engineering, technology, and safety advancements.
With global sales of over two-and-a-half million units during its 10-year production run, the W124 garnered a reputation for strong build quality, reliability, and ultimately, long-term durability.
Now 33 years young, this particular W124 estate wears its age and miles very well. Admittedly, it now needs a little cosmetic TLC but it’s mechanically sound with an engine as strong as an ox. As a classic German touring wagon, they don’t come a lot better than this handsome and lovingly used W124.
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