I know it's still quite a while away but my hands are itching already for a ride I can finally call my own.

I'm buying a used, second hand car and I'm pretty set it has to be a German car. My cow-sense first presented to me the W124 200E/220E. It's the perfect car for the German car fanatic like me, with its low price and pedigree. They are plentiful too, which means I can take my time to look for a perfect one, preferably a late 1994 Masterpiece version.

But after being introduced into the 230CE, I became a little greedy and looked into coupés as well. The 230CE is a rare sight and picking up one in the used car market isn't easy at all. One comes by every month or so, and it's usually snapped up.

And then, having seen some R129 300SLs I got smitten by it. I love its interior, its looks and oh god, its 3L I6 is just wonderful. 228bhp (did I get this right?) and a classic timeless design to go with it. Just gorgeous and perfect in every way. The problem then? High FC, high road tax and more importantly, it's 4 times as expensive as the W124 200E. It has held its value well and demand is very good for it; so good in fact, that one coming into the lot can go the next day.

And so, GCZers, I'll be presenting to you guys, my three German choices. The W124, the W124 coupé and the R129. No coincidence that all three are Benzes, they simply build the best cars in the world for the last decade.

W124 200E/220E: 20k
W124 230CE: 40k
R129 SL: 80k

W124 E


W124 coupé


R129 SL

SL definitely!

Best looking, most exclusive, best quality, best value holder.

I think the same too Tyc, but so many things are against me.

For one, since it's my first car, there's a good chance I'm gonna damage it even if I'm being careful. And since it's such a delicate piece of kit my heart breaks everytime I see it damaged.

Next I'm actually paying a lot (80k) for it if I get one. For that money I can get a relatively decently specced new car like say, a Golf 1.6FSI. With a little top up I'm already hitting dangerous territory - Golf GT, Legacy GT, etc. I'm not sure if I want to spend so much on my first car yet.

Furthermore, it's less practical than the W124 with just 2 doors and 2 seats. Can't help feeling selfish over here since so many of my friends want a ride.

Plus, I don't have the money to pay for the road tax nor the fuel. Well not yet at least. The W124 on the other hand is way more frugal and cheap to run. Servicing too, may be pretty costly for the SL as compared to the W124.

But I oh so love the SL. It's an amazing car and I stare at it all the time. I'm sure there will be no regrets if I get one, except that I haven't got the money to pay for it. The SL is really a far-fetched dream, a longing in my heart kind of car.

Oh, i see.

Well, apart from the fact that dough is a obviously a problem and i won't bother you with saying i fell of the chair about that 80k for a used car (!!!!!!!), don't worry about damaging your 1st car; you'll treat it nicely and you'll be gentle, believe me. After all, with all that crazy cost you won't be able to allow yourself to drive it like you're on the track, but rather just to cruise in it. It's an SL after all.

Btw, what's the production year of that SL? early 90s? I still can't believe it costs that much.

An SL300 from 1990 costs here about 15,000 € (tax included). Wanna come and live over here?

How old are the cars? You still have the COE thing in Singapore, (right?) so how does that affect the prospect?

Not on the list but what about Germany's Corolla ""The Golf""

I'm sure there would be a 2nd hand Golf that you could buy, it would have cheaper insurance & running costs compared to the MBs.

Thats my 2 cents anyway :p

Great choice James. The W124 is in my opinion the best looking E-class so far, the design is epic and the quality was great too. I know you want to be pimping with the SL but I would rule it out for the following reasons:

-It's a strict two seat. Such cars are pretty bad for a youngster since there isn't enough space for your whole crew.

-You can almost get a new car for the same money.

-High tax and most importantly service is pretty expensive too.

The E-class coupe(?) isn't a bad choice either but to be honest the sedan looks better, there is a high supply of it and it is cheaper.


W124 all the way

You know, people keep telling me that i'll 'definitely' crash my first car. I mean it's true to some extent - no matter how careful you are, you might screw up in parking, or flout some rules accidentally, and all that. It's all part of the learning curve. And as much as I like the SL I don't want it to be a victim. But you have high hopes for me Tyc, that's comforting...

80k's the highest I've seen so far (I think it was a 1994), but since it's sold I can't show you the details. Here's a 1992 300SL though, going for about 69k: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sh*t... Don't remind me about Singapore's ridiculous pricing. BTW, I'm quoting prices in Singapore dollars.

The W124's typically range from 1989-1994, and the SL is usually 1992-1994.

Yes, we still have the COE. But now COE prices have plummeted down; now we're seeing COEs that are going for about SGD15k, certainly a far cry from the SGD100k and above we've seen just some years ago. So it isn't quite substantial right now, in terms of costing.

Hey, that was what I wanted to think too, but a Mk4 Golf is the earliest Golf brought to Singapore, and that's going for at least 50k, because it's a relatively new car, around 2003 I think? Certainly out of my budget...

Lol you read my mind Luw and I think exactly the same as you. Choices choices...

While the SL might seem tempting, I'd recommend going for the W124 sedan, mainly for the reasons you named yourself - it is your first car after all. Plenty of time for SL's later.

Yeah, dollars and sense points to the W124. Friends call me an uncle to even think of buying the W124!