Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Not on the 300-24. On the later 4v (320 etc) cars it's a big issue unless it's been replaced.

They are great cars and the 300-24 engine is brilliant. Much more lively than the 12V cars and the W124 is just a lovely car in general and still very usable for something so old. They feel special and proper in a way that modern E-classes don't.

Hopefully it's the 4-speed as there was an option of a 5-speed 'box that isn't well regarded. Rust is really the major concern, I'd want to have a good look underneath, but otherwise they're super tough cars with lots of good knowledge out htere.