Mercedes-Benz W124

Mercedes -Benz 300 E ( 1984-1989 )

The Mercedes -Benz W 124 (and the types S 124, C 124, A 124, F 124, V 124 and VF 124; summarized 124 series ) is a series of the upper middle class of Daimler- Benz, which from late autumn 1984 to mid-1997 was built ( in India until 1998). Daimler -Benz was called "middle range ". From the facelift in the spring of 1993, the model designations were changed and introduced the generic term Mercedes -Benz E-Class.

• 2.1 saloon (W 124) 2.1.1 The eight-cylinder models

• 3.1 Clean Turbo Diesel
• 3.2 The Diesel '89 initiative

Model history

General

In November 1984, Daimler -Benz presented the new sedan in the upper middle class as the successor of the W 123 series, initially under the name "Middle -Class Mercedes ." For the elements of the W 124 series were taken over 201, they remained independent but in terms of technology and design. Parallels to the compact class existed, for example in the use of high-strength steel sheets and other weight -saving materials. Despite the lightweight construction vehicle safety has been improved. The benchmark served the W 201 and the S- class 126 series

The passenger compartment of the 124 series was characterized by high side-impact and rollover resistance and was provided with ingenious deformation zones at the front and in the rear. The criteria of the frontal collision with 40 percent overlap at 55 km / h was now fulfilled by the saloons of the medium range. In addition, potential contact zones for the protection of pedestrians and cyclists were designed stoßnachgiebig.

First, the diesel variants, 200 D, 250 D and 300 D (4 -, 5 -, 6 - cylinder) and the versions with petrol engines 200, 230 E ( 4-cylinder) and 260 E, 300 E (6- cylinder ) are offered. In addition, there was the 200 E for export to Italy. In September 1985, then came the estate version, the Model T, to the market. In March 1987 the coupe and in September 1991, the four -seater convertible followed. In 1990, the 500 E was presented with the V8 engine from the 500 SL. In 1992 he technically almost identical 400 E, who received the V8 4.2 liter engine from the 400 SE. As of 1993, the series was 124 as the first Mercedes model named the E -Class.

Special vehicles with a longer wheelbase and up to six doors, health and hearse bodies complete the offer, the latter by external companies (eg Meanies, Binz, Rappold, Pollmann, Stolle, Welsch ) based on the chassis with a short (F 124) or long wheelbase (VF 124) were built.

Models

During the construction period, there was the 124 series in many engine variants and equipment. The engine ranged from the 200 D (Diesel ) up to 500 e / e 500 ( petrol engine). Below is an overview of all ( standard ) versions:

Saloon (W 124)

The sedan was the best selling model of the 124 series It was introduced in December 1984 and produced until August 1995. They came in many engine variants and with different structures. The weakest engine was the 200 D with 53 kW, the strongest of the 500 E / E 500 with 240 kW. Starting price for the series were at the beginning 32604.00 DM basic price for the 200 D, at the end it was for the weakest E-Class least 49335.00 DM

At the International Motor Show ( IAA) in Frankfurt / Main in September 1987 was followed by two new sedans, the 300 D Turbo and 300 D Turbo 4MATIC. Both had the turbo diesel engine, which had been two years earlier presented in the corresponding T- models. A world novelty presented here represent only the 4MATIC version of the conventionally powered 300 D Turbo was part of the sales program of the American distribution company MBNA since April 1986. The turbo diesel differed externally from the other models of the series by five additional Luftansaugkiemen in the right front fender.

Two other models followed in September 1988 at the Paris Motor Show. The 200 E with the proven two- liter injection engine of the 190 E, however, was not a true premiere, as this type was produced for the Italian market for years. The 250 D Turbo, however, was re- created by a handle in the engine kit. He corresponded in principle to the 250 D, but was powered by a modified version of the turbocharged 2.5 -liter diesel engine, which has been used in the compact class.

The eight-cylinder models

The offer of the W 124 sedans took the 500 E, the 1990 was also presented in Paris, from the very beginning a special position. It was developed in cooperation with Porsche and assembled in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen Porsche Factory 1. This Mercedes supplied the body shell at Porsche, where all the parts that deviated from the normal 124er, so front end, standing wall, fenders etc. were installed. The body was then completed as far back sent to Sindelfingen and painted there. The final assembly and engine assembly was then held in Zuffenhausen. The then Head of Mercedes Werner Niefer supported with this arrangement, Porsche AG, which these days was to a sales crisis and had financial problems. The assembly of the exclusive 500 E gave the Stuttgart-based sports car maker a better utilization of its underutilized production capacity through the crisis. The collaboration lasted only for the duration of the production of the 500- E of the first generation ( MOPF 1). The facelifted E 500 ( MOPF 2) was produced by Mercedes -Benz entirely in-house.

A less prominent position took a motorized with 4.2 liters capacity 400 E, which debuted in early 1992 and was renamed the model refinement 2 in E 420. Because it had the V8 engine M 119 E 42 50 of 500 U / E corresponded to the outer dimensions of the stronger M119 E 500, had to the body of 400 E / E 420, the same modifications to be made to implant the engine. Also, drive train, suspension and brakes were modified until details in the same way. However, in contrast to the 500 E / E 500 he received no fender flares and revised headlight configuration, the optical deposed it from the rest of the W 124 family. Externally, therefore, did not differ the 400 E / E 420 to the nameplate of the six-cylinder models.

Was the 500 E explicitly designed as a sports sedan, the 400 E came as a comfortable and fast trip limousine. Designed originally it was for the American and Japanese market, where the V8 models were presented by Lexus and Infiniti, Mercedes -Benz had lost there at that time almost a quarter of its sales and the Untertürkheimer urgently sought an answer. End of 1992, the 400 E came on the German market and here developed into a serious in-house competition to the 400 SE / S 420 of the W 140 series, which had the same engine, but was larger and considerably heavier. On top of the W 140 was at this time in the social and environmental criticism. Was mounted the 400 E / E 420 in Sindelfingen.

Both eight-cylinder models in the series offered very good performance and were electronically limited to 250 km / hr. In addition to the different maximum torque and the different translated differential ensured that the 400 E / E 420 less accelerated than the sporty 500 E / E 500 and the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h 1.1 seconds longer had time. An interesting technical detail represents the fact that the 420 mathematically could reach a higher top speed 400 E / E as the reached 500 E / E 500 In the electronically governed top speed of 250 km / h, the five-liter Benz was almost at its speed limit while his little brother had more leeway due to the higher gear of the differential. The performance of the normal eight-cylinder models were surpassed by the E 60 AMG with 280 kW again, like those was just only available as a sedan. It was offered as an upgrade version of the E 500 on the Mercedes dealer. A standard overflowed from the band 500 has been doing converted from AMG and got next to the larger machine, which was installed in the SL, modifications to the suspension to be of additional power requirements.

Technically, formed the eight-cylinder models have a strongly deviating from the W 124- series family with extensive similarity to R 129 and W 140, but found no explicit mention in the type nomenclature of the manufacturer: they were renamed as there continues to be 124 W

The 500 E 1991 cost at least 134,520.00 DM, 1994, there were 145,590.00 marks for the E 500 The E 60 AMG, there were from DM 179,860.00 92340.00 With Mark was the richly appointed 400 E on his debut in 1992 relatively cheap.

T-Modell (S 124)

The W -124 Combined traditionally wears the name Model T (T = Tourism & Transport ) at Mercedes. He was presented in September 1985 at the IAA. The station wagon was standard lined with carpet in the trunk, and also with leather, the interior had to upgrade. In addition, there was the first time an electrically -closing trunk lid, the so called closing assistance.

This second generation of the sporty station wagon from Mercedes- Benz corresponded technically and stylistically largely the limousines: apart from the deviating rear end design and the resulting changes, there were no differences from the sedan. Also, components, brake system and chassis were only adapted to the higher payload, but otherwise virtually unchanged from the saloons. The T models had a multi-link independent rear suspension, as standard with hydropneumatic level control as well as a shock absorber strut independent front suspension. Also the reaching into the limousine safety standard has been adopted largely for the T- models. In particular, in the development of the rear body overhang, an especially critical in estate car rear ends area, it flowed findings of safety research. An example of this was the fuel tank, suspended under the vehicle floor by design of the T- models. He was given a special shape, with inclined surfaces on the top of the tank and the vehicle floor. This ensured that the tank was pushed away in a rear impact with longitudinal deformation down and held by check straps, without hitting the road surface.

The close relationship between sedan and station wagon was also reflected in the Engine: The original lineup consisted of eight types, their engines came with one exception in the saloons used: the 105 kW (143 hp) three-liter six -cylinder turbodiesel OM 603 D 30 A of the 300 TD turbodiesel developed the Mercedes -Benz engineers from the naturally aspirated engine of the sedan. In modified form, the turbocharged compression-ignition engine also came in the S-Class export model 300 SDL for use. Conversely, missing from the engine range of the saloons of the 2.6-liter gasoline engine and the three-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine in the debut of the T- model.

As in the mid-range series of Mercedes -Benz for decades usual, 124 partially bodied chassis were also available from the type series, which were expanded by body manufacturers at home and abroad to ambulances, station wagons or other special designs. A novelty is that these chassis for the first time came from the T- model and were manufactured with this in Bremen. In addition to the version with standard wheelbase, from which the types were 250 D and 230 E available, there was also again a lengthened version, the 250 D, 230 E and 260 E was offered. Ambulance bodies on these chassis originated mainly at Binz in Lorch, Meanies in Bonn and Visser in Leeuwarden / Netherlands. Among the most famous manufacturers of 124-based hearses were the bodybuilders Pollmann in Bremen, Rappold in Wülfrath, Stolle in Hanover and Welsch in Mayen.

The S 124 was until 1993 the addition of TE and TD according to the derived engine capacity model name. TE stands for Model T and EEinspritzer. TD stands for Model T and Ddiesel instead, as is often assumed, for turbo diesel. The turbo diesel were called TD Turbo. As of 1993, the T is appended to distinguish the model name, but no longer appeared on the vehicle itself.

Coupé ( C 124 )

In March 1987, Mercedes -Benz extended again, the program type of the series. First debuted at the Geneva Motor Show coupe two types, which completed the third body variant the offer. There was a close relationship to the sedan. However, the bottom group of the four-door model was modified so that the coupe had a 8.5 inch shorter wheelbase. This was underlined by the sporty character of the two-door and made him a structurally and formally independent body variant. It was from the outset the broad side planks before they were introduced in the other body versions, but uniform in two different shades of gray (light gray to match silver, dark gray to anthracite, with otherwise it was mostly used contrasting, for example, black with light gray plank or White dark gray).

Only after the first facelift ( MOPF 1) as of September 1989, there were the side planking then adapted to the respective body color on all models. The similarities with the sedan was limited to the front end and the rear lights. The peaked in the series saloons safety standard has been adopted for the Coupé models. B-pillars have been compensated through the reinforced A -pillars, side sills and doors and a particularly high proportion of high-strength steel sheets. The fabricated without a B- pillar vehicles had no window frame, so you could completely lower the side windows frameless. Furthermore, it was assumed due to the lack of attachment options to the non-existent B- pillar seat-belt the C 126.

New ways you went for the roof degree: The inner lining of the roof was pulled a piece under the rear window, which zugutekam the safety and comfort of the rear passengers: In an emergency, neither sheet nor disc edge were in the head area. And since the roof fell despite the coupe form only far back diagonally, the rear passengers were more headroom available than you can do in a coupe. The area of ​​overlap was laminated optically dark grid on the plate.

The coupe, there were five variants, as E 200, 220 CE / e 220 ​​, 230 CE, 300 CE and 300 CE - 24 or E 320 In addition, there was the AMG versions ( E 36 AMG). In addition, the Sportline package were available.

Cabriolet ( A 124 )

The 300 CE -24 Cabriolet, a further body variant of the 124 series, was introduced in September 1991 at the IAA. The development of the convertible was based on the coupé. To ensure torsional rigidity, about 1,000 parts were revised or newly constructed. In some cases had to be made ​​of higher quality material bearing plates.

The convertible was in Germany ( and other continental European countries ) initially offered from the end of 1991 exclusively with the already expiring in other models 3- liter four-valve engine as the 300 CE -24. However, in North America, Japan and the British Isles, the convertible came in October 1992 exclusively with the new 3.2-liter engine as 320 CE ( in Japan, as well as right-hand drive in the UK and Ireland ) or 300 CE ( in the U.S. and CA) on the market. All three variants were built only to MOPF 2 in 1993 and are identified by a chrome grille.

With the MOPF 2, the aforementioned six-cylinder models were replaced by the E 320 worldwide, while the Cabriolet (except North America and Japan ) was the first time also available with four-cylinder engines, namely as E 200 in Southern Europe ( offered from 1994 also in Germany ) and E 220 in the remaining states.

The E-Class Cabriolet was delivered from October 1996 to July 1997 as a special edition Final Edition (code 907), which was characterized in the standard version by black - brown burl wood. As an optional extra ( as already in the model E 500 ) slate-gray wood inlays were made ​​according stained birdseye maple selected ( instead of used in all other E-Class convertible red - brown root wood ). The convertibles were it only with black leather interior (instead of the other leather colors otherwise until recently also selectable beige or mushroom, brown or Brasil, gray or blue). Furthermore, were a manual air conditioning, lowered suspension and AMG alloy wheels included in the package. The special model was so far less individually, but ( to the base price of 79925.00 DM for the E 200, 88435.00 DM for the E 220 and DM 114,770.00 for the E 320 ) is more favorable than the last also available to vehicles with self- put together colors and similar extras .. Overall convertibles left in 1390 as Final Edition the work, of which 570 200 e, 654 e 220, e 320 and 166

The outside of North America offered and in 68 specimens ( including 14 right-hand drive for the UK ) resulting E 36 AMG was the AMG model based on the E 320, but upgraded with an AMG engine tuning, having already its predecessor on the Daimler -Benz distribution network as 300 CE 3.4 AMG 24 could be ordered. On 4 July 1997 ended the production of the E-Class Cabriolet. The export to overseas had been set in 1995.

In the 33 968 convertibles produced it acted around

• 6922 E 200,
• 8458 E 220,
• 6359 300 CE -24 ( incl 3.4 AMG)
• 766 300 CE ( with 3.2 -liter engine ), as well as
• 11,463 E 320 (incl. 320 CE and E 36 AMG).

Exports were 15,247 convertibles, of which only 6,140 six-cylinder models in the U.S. and 1,360 RHD to Britain went ( and other 310 to Australia ). For those exported to Japan models it was, although there drive on the left, only to left-hand drive. At the IAA 1997, the CLK convertible was introduced based on the smaller C-Class successor.

Technology and facelift

The design of the 124 series was a family likeness to the compact class W 201, but also had distinct form elements that have been used here for the first time and had factual and functional backgrounds. For this shape, Bruno Sacco, Joseph Gallitzendörfer and Peter Pfeiffer were responsible. The characteristic tail, for example, it was narrows backwards and strongly rounded at the lateral upper edges, had a favorable effect on the drag out and went back to tests in the wind tunnel. These aerodynamic optimizations led ( Cd value ), depending on the type of .29 to .30 was (later versions reached up to 0.26 ) at the launch in 1984 and a drag coefficient. The W 124 thus beat the Audi 100 from 1982 with a drag coefficient of 0.30. In addition, the W 124 was 80 to 135 kg lighter than its predecessor W 123 This and the lower air resistance gave better performance and lower fuel consumption.

Two other typical design features were the trapezoidal, pulled far down the trunk lid and the inclined inner edges of the almost square-shaped tail lights. This enabled a particularly low-lying sill for the large trunk.

The time of the big differences between six-cylinder models and four-cylinder variants with moderate performance was over 1984. This was illustrated by the features of the W 124: Externally, all models in the series were almost identical. Differences were only in the muffler, which was double-flow in the six-cylinder models, and in the front apron, which showed D and the vehicles with air conditioning lamellar air intake slots for the 300.

The chassis is generally consistent with that of the W 201, with a shock absorber strut axle at the front and multi-link rear axle. The rear, however, was not directly bolted to the rear axle, but mounted on rubber bearings to better reduce noise levels. The chassis is characterized by largely neutral behavior and good controllability of the limit.

The underside of the engine compartment was dressed, and the diesel models received, as the 190 D, an encapsulation of the engine compartment. The cooling air passed through the radiator in the engine compartment and a thermostat controlled valve again. The vehicles were therefore quietly.

Special safety features protect passengers and drivers. As is usual at Mercedes flowed during the construction period and over again in the new series a. As of 1988, the ABS and from 1992, the Driver series, and later the passenger airbag. The variable length arm wiper that wipes 86 % of the disk, and the multi-link rear axle are further innovations in the field of vehicle safety ( which, however, the 1982 W201 had appeared for the first time ). The car was given shortly after the facelift 1993 ( MOPF 2) a locking system with infrared control to close the windows and the sunroof, which is also on if you hold the key locking process has been possible hitherto.

As of September 1985 for all gasoline engine -driven models in the series, except the carburettor -equipped 200 model provided a closed-loop emission control system with three -way catalytic converter is available on request. Alternatively, was the " catalyst retrofit version " available in which the vehicle was delivered without catalytic converter and Lambasonde, but with the multifunctional mixture preparation and ignition system ( MF system ). Thus, the retrofitting with regulated catalytic converter at any time possible. Between September 1986 and the carburetor model with emission control system was available. Thus was at that time the regulated catalytic converter for all Mercedes- Benz passenger car models with petrol engine as standard equipment. For an extra charge available innovations were also the automatic locking differential (ASD ) and the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.

At the beginning complained in particular taxi drivers in the diesel versions with manual transmission quality defects ( the "Bonanza " effect, a building-up when switching ), which were all corrected to 1989. As before, the automatic transmission remained the more comfortable version, which - like a sports transmission - special equipment for most engine variants was. Speak high mileage taxis and in the number of vehicles in traffic today for the quality of this model.

Facelift

In September 1989, Mercedes -Benz showed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the first facelift, in the " slang " of the Mercedes- sales organization called " MOPF 1", a revised model range of the middle class.

The focus of the revision were the stylistic modifications to the bodywork and the redesign of the interior. Most conspicuous of the facelifted models was the protective side strips with integrated side skirts, which had been obtained in a similar form two and a half years before the coupe models. At their upper edge narrow moldings were now mounted in polished stainless steel, which continued on the top of front and rear aprons and the often missing Chromglanz brought back into decent shape after a long abstinence. These chrome trim elements came to the door handles and changed wheel covers, in which the Mercedes star and a narrow trim ring on the circumference was also chromed. Another new feature was the body-colored exterior mirror housings. Further standard equipment included except firmer springs and shock absorbers, a modified interior with leather steering wheel and shift as well as improved front and rear individual seats with numerous detail improvements.

For all types of the 124 series with the exception of the 4MATIC variants were from September to the already known from the compact class models Sportline package as optional equipment. External features were the sports suspension with wide-base tires size 205 /60 R 15 light-alloy or steel wheels 7 J x 15 and a significantly lowered body.

The revised model range of the 124 series also offered five new models. So it was for sedan, coupe and station wagon now has a three-liter six -cylinder engine with four-valve technology. The unit came from the 300 SL sports car -24. For types 300 E -24, 300 CE -24 and 300 TE -24 but could not be used because of the different installation conditions, not the same catalytic converter cross-section as in the SL. Therefore, the nominal output fell from 162 kW (220 hp) to 8.1 kW ( 11 hp ) lower than in the sports car (170 kW/231 hp).

As a fourth body variant of the middle class Mercedes at the IAA presented before a limousine with an extended wheelbase. The series production of these long-wheelbase saloons began in May 1990.

She carried the designation V 124 This abandoned it after four -year hiatus, again a long version in the sales program. It was developed long build-up in close cooperation with the firm Binz in Lorch, which then also in serial production carried out the structural work. The wheelbase has increased by 80 centimeters to 3.60 meters, and the total length was up to the same level. Unlike their predecessors, the types presented 250 D and 260 E long long with six doors and a full-fledged middle seat that nearly equaled terms of seat depth and backrest height of the second row of seats. In 1992, the 260 E was long replaced by the 280 E long.

New four-valve engine types and renaming the E-Class

A new generation of engines, petrol engine ( models 200, 220, 280, 320) was incorporated as a four-valve initially from the beginning of 1993, so there was a nearly six-month transition period for the facelift, the models 200 E / TE, 220 E / TE / CE, 280 E / TE, accounted for 320 E / TE / CE, later, e 220, e 220 T etc. The models 230 E, 260 e, 300 E and 300 E -24. The performance of the 320's four-valve engine with 220 hp corresponded to the previous model 300 E - 24, but with improved torque.

The diesel also have been partially redesigned to Vierventilern: The base model, the four-cylinder diesel 200 D remained a two-valve engine, the 250 and 300 vacuum cleaner diesel engines ( five- and six-cylinder ) were now but four-valve cylinder heads and had moderate increases in performance from. A disadvantage of the four-valve diesel was the complex manifold, requires more effort when working as a Glühkerzenwechsel. The 250 Turbo Diesel and the 300 turbo diesel was not changed as the 200 D, and remained until the model change a two-valve. Irritating was the use of the " gills" that showed earlier in the W124 the 300 Turbo engine exclusive: the four-valve - suckers were then provided to improve the air intake with gills.

Part are incurred in this phase W124 the most coveted vehicles Normal: Starting with the more modern, more powerful, more fuel efficient engines fitted, but still in the earlier and later regarding lesser susceptibility to rust as better recognized body shape.

Mid-1993, then emerged with the " MOPF 2", the E-Class. From now on, stood on each nameplate, the "E " at the beginning, even with the diesels (eg E 200 diesel). The grille and the rear have been modified, the star moved from the chrome grill on the hood, the chrome grille was changed for the so-called " integrated radiator ". The color of the indicators at the front and rear changed from yellow to white or gray. Also in the interior, for example, ashtray and switches have been modified.

Introduction of water-based paints

Practically simultaneously with the MOPF2 happened in August 1993 in Sindelfingen and Bremen plants switching to water-based paints. Favored by initially too long cleaning cycles occurred in the coating baths to a contamination with anaerobic bacteria. The corrosion-resistant coatings with septic bodies proved in the following years as more rust risk. Vehicles that were treated shortly after a cleaning of the coating bath ( ie before the new germs ), however, exhibited a good quality paint.

End of production

In mid-1995 the production of the sedan in favor of the successor model W 210 was set in Germany. The models E 220 and E 250 Diesel, however, were built since 1995 in the Indian city of Pune on. The production was set there in 1998 after 2465 copies and also switched to the new model of the 210 series.

The Model T was still in Bremen until June 1996, the coupe produced by the end of 1996 and the Convertible by Karmann until June 1997. Convertibles and coupes were henceforth no longer built on the basis of the E-Class, but replaced by the CLK-Class models based on the C-Class.

Specifications

Numerous engines of the 124 series were newly developed. Designed from the ground up were, for example, the six-cylinder injection engines of the type M 103 with 2.6 and 3 liters in the types 260 E (118 kW/160 hp) and E 300 (130 kW/180 hp). For the new generation of diesel engines were all three engines of the 124 series OM 601 of the 200 D (53 kW/72 hp) worked with the same performance in 190 D of the compact class. New in the 124 series were the five-cylinder OM 602 Version 2.5 liters in the 250 D (66 kW/90 hp) and the 3- liter six-cylinder OM 603 in the 300 D (80 kW/109 hp). The four-cylinder engines for the Mercedes -Benz 200 ( 80 kW/109 hp) and E 230 (100 kW/136 hp) still came from the previous 123 series and belonged to the M 102 engine family, which also comes from the engine of the E 200. The slightly modified eight-cylinder engines of the M 119 in 1990 in the five-liter variant of the SL in the 500 E (240 kW/326 hp) and 1992 of the S-Class in the 400 E ( 205 kW/279 hp), here with 4.2 liters of displacement, taken.

* The engine designation is encrypted as follows: M = motor, OM = oil motor, series = 3 digits, E = manifold injection, KE = port injection, DE = direct injection, ML = compressor, L = intercooler, A = exhaust gas turbocharger, red. = Reduced (r ) Power / Displacement, CB = increase

Clean Turbo Diesel

In the September 1988 effective from changes that occurred at the same time also in the three- liter turbo diesel, there was a reduction in particulate emissions by improving the combustion process in the foreground. This was achieved by using a newly designed prechamber featuring oblique fuel injection, which ensured more efficient combustion. Side effect of the new diesel technology was an increase in performance of 2.9 kW ( 4 hp) with two motors. The appearance of the 250 D Turbo corresponded concerning the additional air intake openings to the sister model with three- liter engine. All models of the series received in September 1988 an expanded standard equipment, among which now includes the anti -lock braking system ABS and a heated nearside exterior mirror. The windscreen washer system inherited from the S-Class was provided on this occasion with a heated washer reservoir and heated nozzles and hoses.

The Diesel '89 initiative

As part of the " Diesel '89 " initiative, the non-turbocharged diesel cars were equipped with revised engines in February 1989: she also received the new atria oblique injection. The new diesel technology, also worked at the naturally aspirated in an increase in output of 2.2 kW ( 3 HP ) at 200 D, and 2.9 kW ( 4 hp) at 250 D and 300 D from. In addition, the injection pumps of all naturally aspirated diesel engines got an altitude correction unit to minimize emissions in operation at higher altitudes. The improved models, whose particulate emissions declined by 40 percent, even without a particulate met the stringent particulate limits applicable in the USA and worked almost non-smoking. Pollutant emissions were reduced still further by means of a complex emission control system, in which a specially developed for diesel engines oxidation catalyst was combined with a carefully coordinated exhaust gas recirculation. This very efficient system was available from October 1990 for diesel cars with naturally aspirated engines, half a year later also for the models with turbocharged engine as an option.

Production figures

The 124 series was produced in a quantity of a total of 2.58347 million copies. He almost reached the total number of the previous model. The 124 series sold around the world very well, but it was with the BMW 5 Series since 1988 at the latest a weighty competitors in the market, which softened the monopoly (which the W123 still enjoyed ). The sedans were produced in Sindelfingen. The T- models were as already established in the predecessor in Bremen. The top model 500 E was partially assembled to model maintenance 2 (E 500) at Porsche in Stuttgart -Zuffenhausen. Production orders for convertibles were temporarily assigned to Karmann.

Of the different body variants were produced:

• Sedan: 2,058,777 pcs
• Combined: 340 503 pcs
• Coupé: 141 498 pcs
• Convertible: 33 968 pcs
• Long version: 2,362 pcs
• Basic vehicle for special modifications: 6,426 pcs

Model Overview

Rear view

Mercedes -Benz S 124 (1989-1993)

Mercedes -Benz C 124 (1989-1993)

Mercedes -Benz W 124 (1993-1995)

Rear view

Mercedes -Benz S 124 (1993-1996)

Rear view

Mercedes -Benz C 124 (1993-1996)

Mercedes -Benz A 124 (1993-1997)

Example for special bodies: an ambulance

Equipment variants

Trim levels ( Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde ), as in this class for the first time with the 124 's successor, the E-Class ( 210 series ) were introduced and the formerly bundled separately available special equipment to packages, there was not yet at 124. All extras had to be ordered separately. There were at that time numerous options in the price list, including electric seat adjustment with and without memory, electric windows or on the German market rarely georderte extras such as trip computer, climate control or heater. Only with the model year 1990 was the optional equipment package Sportline offered, containing a sports suspension with a widened track and about 20 mm lowered body, a more direct steering ratio, 8- hole alloy wheels and sports seats with Karobezugsstoff. In the "normal" models (not eight cylinders and AMG variants ) can be observed from the beginning to the end of the construction period, a significant increase in the average standard. So the first vehicles often had no air conditioning or power windows, in the last series on the other hand are " sparse " equipped copies rare to find such. Inside, you had the choice between various upholstery colors and patterns in production models as well as various ( sub-) leather interiors. For wood applications, which mounted from 1989 ( MOPF 1) not only on the center console, but also to a strip on the dashboard and were expanded in the doors, there was zebrano or burlwood ( surcharge). For the top models ( or eight-cylinder AMG ) and for the convertible in the Final Edition special request of the wooden fittings in bird's-eye maple were available. The products exported to the U.S. and Japan had convertibles from the factory, most of the extra duty in Europe special equipment such as automatic transmission, automatic climate control, leather and cruise control.

Special

In the wake of ever-increasing prices of fossil fuels, the two-valve diesel engines of 124 W have an excellent history thus obtained, that they can be driven without additional modifications with pure vegetable oil.

Since the Vorkammerdieselmotoren OM 601 and OM 602 and OM were 603, equipped from the outset as standard with a fuel pre-heater, eliminating the retrofitting and likewise standard Bosch in-line injection pump is in contrast to the otherwise often related distributor injection stable enough that - in comparison to fossil diesel fuel - more viscous vegetable oil without damage to handle.

Yet for the cold winter months it is advisable to install an additional heat exchanger for fuel heating. By this measure, the fluidity at low temperatures of the viscous vegetable oil improves.

In addition, you can through various settings, such as nozzle opening pressure, start of delivery, delivery, etc., to prevent the typical " chip shop smell ". This also makes the cold start is improved with vegetable oil and the behavior at full load.

The 124 series today

The 124 series is famous in classic cars and Mercedes- circles increasing popularity. Well-preserved models are popular, in particular the price of coupes, convertibles and station wagons begin to rise.

In the following series -124 forums have developed on the Internet, where the exchange of the models takes place and meetings are organized in recent years. Here, the 124er is sometimes called because of its design and build quality as "the last real Mercedes ", which was built before the expansion policy of the CEO Edzard Reuter and Jürgen Schrempp.