Mercedes-Benz W124
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W124 is the Mercedes-Benz internal chassis-designation for the 1984 to 1995 version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The W124 models replaced the W123 models after 1985 and were superseded by the W210 E-Class after 1995.
Contents |
Model range
The W124 is a mid-sized luxury vehicle platform. Due to the high cost of German engineer-build-quality, the W124 was designed to last many miles, with awards actually given and worn by high mileage versions (155k, 312k, 465k, 620k, 1,000k miles). This unique characteristic of ownership explains the surprising number still on the road 15 years after the last one rolled off the assembly lines. Cost cutting became critical in the mid/late 90s as the "no expense spared" over-engineered Mercedes-Benz models with a solid construction and the use of quality materials struggled to compete in price against mass-built Japanese high end cars.
Front suspension uses a separate spring and damper with a rubber top mount. The rear suspension of the W124 features the Mercedes multi-link axle introduced in 1982 with the Mercedes 190 and which is now standard on many modern cars. Estate cars (and optionally, saloons and coupes) had Citroen-like self-leveling rear suspension with suspension struts rather than shock absorbers, gas-filled suspension spheres to provide damping and an under bonnet pressurizing pump. Unlike the traditional Citroën application Mercedes opted for a fixed ride height and employed rear coil springs to maintain the static ride height when parked.
The R129 is based on the W124 platform and not, as is sometimes assumed, on the larger W140.
Much of the 124's engineering and many of its features were advanced automotive technology at its introduction, incorporating innovations that have been adopted throughout the industry.[1] It had one of the lowest coefficient of drag (Cd) of any vehicle of the time (0.28 for the 200/200D model for the European market with 185/65 R15 tires) due to its aerodynamic body, that included plastic molding for the undercarriage to streamline airflow beneath the car, reducing fuel consumption and wind noise. It had a single windscreen wiper that had an eccentric mechanism at its base that extended the wiper's reach to the top corners of the windscreen (more than if it had traveled in a simple arc). The saloon/sedan, coupés and convertibles had optional rear headrests that would fold down remotely to improve rearward visibility when required. This feature was not available for the T-model because of its specific layout (no space to store the retractable headrests), but the station-wagon serially came with a "neighbour-friendly" rear door that was pulled in the shut-position silently and automatically by a sensor-controlled servomotor. With the exception of the 200, which was equipped with a Stromberg or Pierburg carburetor but was not available to the United States, fuel injection was standard, and the engines incorporated features that maximised performance. The most notable such feature was the addition of an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system which, in conjunction with a semi-electronic fuel injection system, could make the engine run more efficiently. This improved fuel consumption while simultaneously meeting stricter emission regulations. Mercedes-Benz's four-wheel drive system, the 4Matic was first introduced on the W124 in 1986.
The estate cars (model designation S124) came in 5- or 7-seat models, the 7-seater having a rear-facing bench seat that folded flush luggage compartment cover and an optional (in the US until 1994) retractable cargo net. In the US 7-seat models were standard, 5-seat models were not available. The S124 estate continued in production alongside the new W210 until the S210 estate launched more than a year later. A two-door coupe version was also built, with the model designation C124.
Mercedes launched a cabriolet (convertible) version in Europe in 1991, the 300 CE 24V, and in the UK (RHD) and Japan (LHD), the 320CE, and North America, the 300CE, in 1992. These versions were re-designated as the E320 in 1993, complemented by the less powerful, but less expensive E220 in 1993, and the mainland-Europe-only E 200 in 1994. Mercedes brought the E320 cabriolet (convertible) to the USA and Japan from 1993-1995. There were 68 E36 AMG cabriolets built from 1993 until 1996 (54 LHD and 14 RHD) and even fewer 300CE 3.4 AMG from 1992 until 1993 to complement the also rare E36 AMG coupe, saloon (RHD only) and estate. The E320, E220, and E200 cabriolets ceased production in 1997. The cabriolets remain sought-after second hand vehicles, as one of the few full-size sports convertibles available.
The pre-facelift models from 1986 to 1993 used the model designations: 200/T (carburettor), 200E/TE, 230E/TE, 260E (saloon only), 300-24/TE-24 valve, 300E/TE, 400E (not in the UK), 420E (not in the UK) & 500E (LHD only in the UK). Diesels were the 200D/TD (not in the UK), 250D/TD & the 300D/TD. Facelift models produced from 1993 to 1995/6 used the model designations: E200, E220, E260, E280, E320, E420 (not in the UK) & E500 (LHD only in the UK). In the UK post-facelift diesels were E250 Diesel (saloon only) and E300 Diesel (saloon & estate) models
SsangYong Motor Company of Korea licensed the W124 design and continues to produce a stretched version of the W124 as the Chairman, with a Ssangyong badge. It has a 2.9 m (110 in) wheelbase and 3.2 L Mercedes straight-6 M104 engine. Chairman currently has 2.3 L (M111), 2.8 L (M104), and 3.2 L (M104) engines in its product line-ups. SsangYong Chairman has developed a 3.6 L version of M104 engine recently for its high-end Chairman line up. The engine is called XGi360.
Safety
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Some main innovations of the W124 series were related to occupant safety. Derived from the Mercedes 190 (W201), with which the W124 shares the basic layout, its likewise edgy body was designed to withstand an offset-crash in a concrete barrier at some 35 mp/h without serious harm to the occupants and a largely undamaged passenger cabin, a windshield that stays in place and doors easily to open without special recovery tools. This crash-test configuration, outstanding in 1984 and developed by Mercedes-Benz from the early 70's on with on-the-spot research to meet more adequately the requirements of accidents occurring in real traffic, became the base for the Euro-NCAP procedure currently being the standard crash-test configuration in the EU. Most remarkably: Unlike Euro-NCAP, Mercedes required the body of the W124 to withstand an offset impact from the front and from the rear.
The W124 also featured a driver's side airbag (optional in Europe, later standard in the USA), height-adjustable seat belts with electronic-mechanical pre-tensioneers (standard) for both front passengers, rear seat belts which automatically adapted to the size of the passengers (standard), pedals that were moved inversely in a frontal impact (away from the drivers feet and in the direction of the bulkhead separating the cabin from the engine) and door arm rests with deformable elements designed to reduce abdominal injury risk resulting from a side impact.
The dashboard made of impact-absorbing, artificial foam was reinforced with a thin aluminium layer which effectively prevented hoses, valves, housings and other components from heating and engine from penetrating through the dash board inside the passenger cabin in a severe impact. Also, the passenger glove box featured a defined point of rupture, which considerably reduced the probability of front passenger injuries.
Apart from the Mercedes 190, the W124 was the first serially manufactured car in history to see widespread use of light-weight high-strength steels, which today are a standard in car design.
From late 1988 on, the W124 was one of the first cars available with a passengers side front-airbag as an option, initially only in Europe, and from 1990 onwards in North America.
Reliability
The W124 gained a good reputation for reliability. In 1995 the diesel engined version topped the "upper middle class" category in a reliability survey of 4-6 year old cars undertaken by the German Automobile Association (ADAC), with 11.8 recorded breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles for four year old cars and 21.6 for six year old ones: this compared with 14.6 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for four year old Audi 100s and 27.3 for six year old big Audis.[2] (The class loser was the GM subsidiary Opel's Omega with 27.0 breakdowns per 1,000 for four year old cars and 40.5 for six year old Omegas.[2])
Despite a reputation for longevity the diesel engines are prone to head gaskets blowing between the first cylinder and timing chain cavity due to excessive oil pressure. Significant oil leaks into the first cylinder causing blue/white smoke, hydraulic lock may occur and should the engine continue to be run it is likely the piston rod will bend. The problem was attributed to a faulty oil passage (TSB # DDAF01_30-U-4041AG). Mercedes solved this problem with the 5th and final cylinder head revision and offer two replacement gaskets with one catering for a skimmed head.[3]
Sportline option
Mercedes-Benz offered an option called "Sportline" for the W124 and W201 chassis cars. This option was available in the North American market for the 1992-93 model year 190E 2.6, 1992-93 300E/300CE and 1993-95 E320/E320 Coupe. In the European market, however, the "Sportline" option was available for all body styles. The option package included sport seating (sedans, not coupes), wider wheels (7" rather than 6.5") and lower profile tyres (205/60 x 15 rather than 195/65 x 15), quick ratio steering, "Sportline" badges on the front wing moldings and gear knob, a slightly lowered ride height and a specially tuned suspension including shorter, stiffer springs, struts, anti-roll bars, and bushes.
The suspension components of the Sportline package were available as an option on all cars, including estates, as Option 653 - Sports Chassis with 8-Hole light alloy rims.
500 E
Mercedes also included a sport version of the W124, the 500 E, created in close cooperation and assembled by Porsche. It used the 5.0L 32-valve V8 M119 Engine based upon the 500 SL (R129) roadster, and Porsche engineered the suspension and chassis design with a performance bias.
Models
| Chassis code | Years | Model | Engine | Body style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124.026 | 1987–1991 | 260 E | 2.6 L M103 I6 | Saloon |
| 1990–1992 | 300 E 2.6 | Saloon | ||
| 124.021 | 19??-199? | E 200/200 E | 2.0 L M102 I4 | Saloon |
| 124.022 | 1993–1995 | E 220/220 E | 2.2 L M111 I4 | Saloon |
| 124.023 | 1984–1992 | 230 E 2.3 | 2.3 L M102 I4 | Saloon |
| 124.023 | 1984–1992 | 230 CE 2.3 | 2.3 L M102 I4 | Coupé |
| 124.023 | 1984–1992 | 230 TE 2.3 | 2.3 L M102 I4 | Estate/Wagon |
| 124.028 | 1993–1995 | E 280 | 2.8 L M104 I6 | Saloon |
| 124.030 | 1986–1992 | 300 E | 3.0 L M103 I6 | Saloon |
| 124.032 | 1993–1995 | 300 E | 3.2 L M104 I6 | Saloon |
| 1993–1995 | E 320 | Saloon | ||
| 124.034 | 1992–1993 | 400 E | 4.2 L M119 V8 | Saloon |
| 1994–1995 | E 420 | Saloon | ||
| 124.036 | 1992–1993 | 500 E | 5.0 L M119 V8 | Saloon |
| 1994–1995 | E 500 | Saloon | ||
| 124.050 | 1988–1989 | 300 CE | 3.0 L M103 I6 | Coupé |
| 124.051 | 1990–1993 | 300 CE-24V | 3.0 L M104 I6 | Coupé |
| 124.052 | 1994–1995 | 300 CE/E 320 | 3.2 L M104 I6 | Coupé |
| 124.066 | 1993–1995 | 300 CE/E 320 | Coupé | |
| 124.082 | 1993–1995 | E 220T | 2.2 L M111 I4 | Estate/Wagon |
| 124.090 | 1988–1991 | 300 TE | 3.0 L M103 I6 | Estate/Wagon |
| 124.091 | 1989–1992 | 300 TE-24V | 3.0 L M104 I6 | Estate/Wagon |
| 124.092 | 1993 | 300 TE/E 320 | 3.2 L M104 I6 | Estate/Wagon |
| 124.120 | 1986–1989 | 200 D | 2.0 L OM601 Diesel I4 | Saloon |
| 124.125 | 1986–1989 | 250 D | 2.5 L OM602 Diesel I5 | Saloon |
| 124.128 | 1990–1993 | 300 D 2.5 | 2.5 L OM602 Diesel I5 | Saloon |
| 124.131 | 1994–1995 | E 300 Diesel | 3.0 L OM606 Diesel I6 | Saloon |
| 124.133 | 1987 | 300 D | 3.0 L OM603 turbo/NA Diesel I6 | Saloon |
| 124.193 | 1987 | 300 TD | Estate/Wagon | |
| 124.230 | 1990–1993 | 300 E 4MATIC | 3.0 L M103 I6 | Saloon |
| 124.290 | 1990–1993 | 300 TE 4MATIC | Estate/Wagon | |
| 124.NA | 1993–1994 | E 60 AMG | 6.0 L M119 E60 V8 | Saloon |
Engines
- M102 I4
- M111 . 111.960 I4
- M103 I6
- M104 I6
- M119 V8
- OM601 Diesel I4
- OM602 Diesel I5
- OM603 Diesel I6
- OM605 Diesel I5
- OM606 Diesel I6
| Engine | Cyl. | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (sec.) |
Maximum speed | Fuel consumption (Euro mix) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 8V | I4 | 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) | 160 N·m (118 lb·ft) | 12.6 | 187 km/h (116 mph) | |
| 2.0 8V | I4 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) | 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) | |||
| 2.0 8V | I4 | 118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp) | 172 N·m (127 lb·ft) | 12.0-14.0 | 175–190 km/h | 8.6 L/100 km (33 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) |
| 2.3 8V | I4 | 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp) | 198 N·m (146 lb·ft) | 10.4 | 204 km/h (127 mph) | |
| 2.0 16V | I4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) | 11.5-12.1 | 183–200 km/h | 8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) |
| 2.3 8V | I4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) | 205 N·m (151 lb·ft) | 11.2-13.5 | 185–200 km/h | 9.0 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US) |
| 2.2 16V | I4 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) | 210 N·m (155 lb·ft) | 10.6-11.1 | 193–210 km/h | 8.8 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) |
| 2.6 12V | I6 | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) | 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) | 8.7 | 218 km/h (135 mph) | |
| 2.6 12V | I6 | 166 PS (122 kW; 164 hp) | 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) | 10.0-10.5 | 205–215 km/h | 10.0 L/100 km (28.2 mpg-imp; 23.5 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 12V | I6 | 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) | 255 N·m (188 lb·ft) | 8.5-9.9 | 204–225 km/h | 10.9 L/100 km (25.9 mpg-imp; 21.6 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 12V | I6 | 188 PS (138 kW; 185 hp) | 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) | |||
| 2.8 24V | I6 | 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) | 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) | 9.1 | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 10.7 L/100 km (26.4 mpg-imp; 22.0 mpg-US) |
| 2.8 24V | I6 | 197 PS (145 kW; 194 hp) | 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) | 8.8-9.1 | 213–220 km/h | 10.7 L/100 km (26.4 mpg-imp; 22.0 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 24V | I6 | 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) | 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) | 7.8-8.4 | 217–237 km/h | 11.0 L/100 km (25.7 mpg-imp; 21.4 mpg-US) |
| 3.2 24V | I6 | 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) | 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) | 7.8-8.3 | 220–235 km/h | 10.9 L/100 km (25.9 mpg-imp; 21.6 mpg-US) |
| 3.6 24V AMG | I6 | 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) | 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) | 7.0-7.2 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 11.0 L/100 km (25.7 mpg-imp; 21.4 mpg-US) |
| 4.2 32V | V8 | 279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp) | 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) | 6.8 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 11.8 L/100 km (23.9 mpg-imp; 19.9 mpg-US) |
| 5.0 32V | V8 | 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) | 480 N·m (354 lb·ft) | 5.9 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 13.5 L/100 km (20.9 mpg-imp; 17.4 mpg-US) |
| 5.0 32V | V8 | 326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp) | 480 N·m (354 lb·ft) | 5.9 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | |
| 6.0 32V | V8 | 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) | 580 N·m (428 lb·ft) | 5.4 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 14.5 L/100 km (19.5 mpg-imp; 16.2 mpg-US) |
| 2.0 8V D | I4 | 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) | 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) | 18.5 | 160 km/h (99 mph) | |
| 2.0 8V D | I4 | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) | 126 N·m (93 lb·ft) | 19.5-21.5 | 145–160 km/h | 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US) |
| 2.5 10V D | I5 | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) | 154 N·m (114 lb·ft) | 16.5 | 175 km/h (109 mph) | |
| 2.5 10V D | I5 | 94 PS (69 kW; 93 hp) | 158 N·m (117 lb·ft) | 16.5-18.5 | 160–165 km/h | 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 12V D | I6 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) | 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) | 13.7 | 190 km/h (118 mph) | |
| 2.5 10V D | I5 | 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) | 173 N·m (128 lb·ft) | 18.5-20.4 | 155–160 km/h | 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 12V D | I6 | 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) | 191 N·m (141 lb·ft) | 15.0-16.4 | 175–190 km/h | 7.8 L/100 km (36 mpg-imp; 30 mpg-US) |
| 2.5 10V TD | I5 | 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) | 225 N·m (166 lb·ft) | 12.3 | 195 km/h (121 mph) | |
| 2.5 20V TD | I5 | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) | 231 N·m (170 lb·ft) | 12.5-13.0 | 190–195 km/h | 7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 24V D | I6 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) | 210 N·m (155 lb·ft) | 12.8-13.8 | 187–200 km/h | 7.4 L/100 km (38 mpg-imp; 32 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 12V TD | I6 | 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) | 267 N·m (197 lb·ft) | 10.9 | 202 km/h (126 mph) | |
| 3.0 12V TD | I6 | 147 PS (108 kW; 145 hp) | 273 N·m (201 lb·ft) | 10.9-12.8 | 186–200 km/h | 7.8 L/100 km (36 mpg-imp; 30 mpg-US) |
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/03/11/010089.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Pleiten, Pfusch und Pannen". ADAC Motorwelt: pages 38–48. date May 1996.
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR59hRBBAAY
- Arthur St. Antoine. "Magnum Force". Car and Driver (April 1992): 47–56.
External links
| Class | Model | Body | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | |||
| Small | A | Hatch | W168 | W169 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small | B | W245 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | C | Saloon | W201 | W202 | W203 | W204 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estate | S202 | S203 | S204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | E | Saloon | W123 | W124 | W210 | W211 | W212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limousine | V123 | V124 | V212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estate | S123 | S124 | S210 | S211 | S212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | S | Saloon | W126 | W140 | W220 | W221 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limousine | V126 | V140 | V220 | V221 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pullman | W100 | VF140 | VF220 | VF221 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Landaulet | A140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | CLC | C | Coupé | CL203 | CL203 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | CLK | E | C123 | C124 | C208 | C209 | C207 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cabriolet | A124 | A208 | A209 | A207 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLS | Coupé | W219 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | CL | C107 | C126 | C140 | C215 | C216 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | SLK | Roadster | R170 | R171 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SL | R107 | R129 | R230 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exotic | SLS | Coupé | C197 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SLR | C199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | R199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speedster | Z199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small | Vaneo | MPV | W414 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | Viano | W638 | W639 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | R | V251 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | GLK | SUV | X204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | M | W163 | W164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | GL | X164 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utility | G | W460 | W461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W463 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vito | LCV | Vito | Vito | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sprinter | T1 | W901 - W905 | NCV3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vario | T2 | T2 | W670 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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