Owner review: The Epitome Of Last True Mercedes — My 1994 Mercedes-Benz E280

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Basic information about my car:

1994 Mercedes-Benz E280

When W124 received its new facelift in 1993 and was later christened as the E-class, it set a new era of Mercedes-Benz in market segmentation. The medium sized executive was enhanced and received a refreshed cosmetic outlook such as the logo that sits on top of the front bonnet, narrower rear boot and longer rear bumper trim giving it a masculine look from behind. This model too marked the end of line of the durable, robust black engines. The E-class W124 came in three models for the Malaysia local market, the E200, E220 and E280.

This Mercedes-Benz E280 was bought from its first owner in 1994 with full service history and also it came with the owners manual and service booklet. This car was manufactured in 1994 and clad in light green metallic finishing meanwhile the interior finishing was the Mercedes-Benz famous MB-tex leather and zebrano wood panel trim. The car was the previous owner's treasured gem as it was his first Mercedes-Benz and bought brand new.

When I had my hands on this car in 2017, the roadtax had just expired which means the car was utilized and not being cooped under the porch. The only thing I changed upon purchasing the car; the aircond compressor, the serpentine belt, brake pads and engine servicing and it has served me well since then. The M104 inline 6 sounds so sweet and smooth when driving it. With 270 Nm it is good enough for daily drive from point A to point B. The only recent maintenance that I did was changing the vacuum line, a new set of viscous clutch fans, new thermostat and bushing for the lower arm.

This E280 always leaves me smiling big when driving around Shah Alam and cruising along the highway. The power delivery is silky smooth via the 4 speed automatic transmission. Though this is my second W124 after my W124 260E, this E280 is truly a nice highway cruiser. Ample of power, fuel consumption is exceptional because the power delivery is something that would make you smile. 4 years have passed and this E280 doesn't show any sign of stopping, instead it continues to run and only regular maintenance is required.

Advantages of this E280:
1. Ample of power, 193bhp with 270 Nm torque. It just go moment you step on the pedal accelerator
2. The MB-tex leather is robust and durable and not easily faded nor torn after so many years
3. Reliable and durable. The car provided with great maintenance and care it will just go and arrive at its destination without fail
4. Comfortable. This medium sized Mercedes-Benz is comfortable be it short or long distance
5. Easy maintenance. Parts are vast and reasonably priced. And very straightforward maintenance
 

Something I dislike about this car
 
1. The biodegradable wire harness. It is not a problem but this wire tends to brittle after sometimes especially as it reaches 20 years of age hence need to take a look at the wire harness. It was a Mercedes Benz move to save the environment by introducing the self destruction wire harness
2. Fuel efficiency, the E280 at certain point it consumes a lot of fuel but the power delivery made exception
3. The smell of MB tex leather sometimes can make passenger feeling lethargy

Hence, with that, I can conclude that the Mercedes-Benz E-class W124 is the epitome of the last true Mercedes-Benz. With parts vastly available and reasonably priced, this is the ideal car for one to start with. Plus you can make this car look fabulous. Trust me, this W124 would continue to run and this car can even outlive the owner too. Mercedes-Benz, Das Beste Oder Nichts.

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