W124: Decoding the 1984 Mercedes-Benz Enigma

The Mercedes-Benz W124 series, a name synonymous with robust engineering and timeless elegance, often sparks curiosity regarding its initial availability. Specifically, many wonder if this esteemed executive car saw regular customer deliveries in 1984. While series production of the W124 did indeed commence in November 1984, it's crucial to clarify that customer deliveries and the official European market launch began in January 1985. The press presentation, a significant event for any new model, took place on Monday, 26 November 1984, in Seville, Spain. This distinction is key to understanding the W124's true introduction to the public and its subsequent journey to becoming one of Mercedes-Benz's most celebrated lines.

The Genesis of an Executive Legend

The journey of the Mercedes-Benz W124 was a meticulous one, stretching back to the autumn of 1976 when planning first began under Hans Scherenberg. By July 1977, the W124 programme officially kicked off, with research and development efforts intensifying under Werner Breitschwerdt. A pivotal decision in April 1978 was to base the new model on the W201 programme, setting the foundational guidelines for its development. The design, a testament to Bruno Sacco's vision, was finalised during the winter of 1980–1981 and swiftly approved by the board of management in early 1981. This rigorous design process ensured that by mid-1982, the first prototypes, reflecting the production design, were ready for assembly and extensive testing. Pilot production commenced in March 1984, culminating in the engineering sign-off for the saloon version, marking it ready for full-scale manufacturing. This careful, phased approach underscores Mercedes-Benz's commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring the W124 was a truly refined product upon its market debut.

Unveiling the W124: European Debut and Initial Range

Following the commencement of serial production in November 1984, the W124 saloon officially went on sale in December 1984, with customer deliveries across Europe beginning in January 1985. This initial launch range was comprehensive, designed to replace the seven W123 models then in production. The four-cylinder petrol offerings included the 200 and 230E models, powered by the M102 engine. These were carried over from the previous generation but featured refined timing and compression ratios for enhanced performance. The 200 model utilised a 1997cc engine with a Stromberg 175 CDT carburettor, while the 230E, bored out to 2299cc, benefited from KE-Jetronic fuel injection. The six-cylinder petrol range introduced the 260E and 300E models, both powered by the new M103 engine series, with 2599cc and 2962cc displacements respectively, differing only in cylinder bore size. Diesel enthusiasts were catered for with the 200D, 250D, and 300D, featuring the new OM601, OM602, and OM603 engine series in four, five, and six-cylinder configurations. All these engines showcased a modular OHC design with a 15° incline, and petrol variants boasted breakerless transistorised TSZ ignition. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 5-speed overdrive manual available for six-cylinder models and as an option for others. The W4A 020 (722.4) 4-speed automatic was an optional extra for most, while the 300E received the more robust W4A 040 (722.3). Power steering was standard across the board, with optional features like rear adjustable and self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

In July 1985, an additional model, the 200E, was introduced exclusively for the Italian market. This fuel-injected variant of the 200 was strategically designed to align with Italy's tax rates, which were based on engine displacement, ensuring a more powerful offering below the critical 2,000 cc threshold. This version came standard with a five-speed manual transmission. September 1985 marked the debut of the estate variant, the S124, mirroring most of the saloon's range with models like the 200T, 230TE, 300TE, 200TD, and 250TD. Notably, the 2.6-litre M103 and the 3-litre OM603 engines were initially absent from the estate lineup, with the 300TD joining a year later.

A Global Launch: North American and Beyond

For the North American market, the W124 was launched in early November 1985 as a 1986 model. Sales commenced with the 300E saloon, available in both five-speed manual and automatic versions. Mercedes-Benz undertook modifications for the US market to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emission control regulations and the US Department of Transportation’s passenger safety regulations. The W124’s design inherently incorporated many of these requirements, meaning the most visible difference for American-bound models was the rectangular sealed-beam headlights. Despite being approximately 100 kg heavier than their European counterparts, the engine performance remained identical throughout their production run.

Meanwhile, in September 1985, Mercedes-Benz began adjusting its European production to anticipate the stricter Euro 1 emission standards, which would mandate catalytic converters on petrol-engined cars from January 1993. Vehicles were marked with three labels: ECE (for unmodified vehicles), KAT (for those with a three-way catalytic converter), and RÜF (Rückrüstfahrzeug, or 'retrofit vehicle'), designed for later converter installation. Engines equipped with catalytic converters also received the EZL ignition system, an electronic control unit governing distributor advance based on various engine parameters, a departure from the analogue vacuum-driven TSZ system. Only the carburetted 200 and 200T models retained their original ECE versions. These emission modifications had varying effects, with six-cylinder models, for instance, losing up to 10 hp and gaining up to 50 kg in weight due to decreased compression ratios, impacting acceleration, top speed, and fuel efficiency.

By September 1986, catalytic converters became standard, although the RÜF version remained a discount option in certain markets. The carburetted 200 and 200T models gained a new double barrel Pierburg 2EE downdraft carburettor and EZL ignition. For the American 1987 Model Year, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Garrett T3 Turbocharger on the OM603 engine, leading to the 300D Turbo and 300TD Turbo models, initially exclusive to the United States. These were seen as successors to the W123 300D Turbodiesel range. Also for 1987, the 5-speed manual option was removed for the US-market 300E saloon, making all American cars automatics.

Indian assembly of the W124, in a joint venture with Telco (Mercedes-Benz India), began in March 1995, offering five-cylinder diesel engines built by Bajaj Tempo. Production there ceased in December 1997, marking the end of the W124 era in India.

Engineering Excellence: Innovations that Defined a Generation

The W124 was a technological tour de force at its introduction, incorporating numerous advanced automotive features that would later be adopted across the industry. One of its most impressive attributes was its exceptionally low coefficient of drag (Cd) – as low as 0.28 for the 200/200D European models fitted with 185/65 R15 tyres. This remarkable aerodynamics was achieved through a sleek body design and innovative plastic moulding for the undercarriage, which streamlined airflow beneath the car, significantly reducing fuel consumption and wind noise.

A distinctive feature was its single windscreen wiper, which employed an eccentric mechanism at its base to extend its reach to the top corners of the windscreen, providing a far greater swept area than a conventional arc. Saloons, coupés, and convertibles offered optional rear headrests that could fold down remotely, enhancing rearward visibility when needed. This clever feature was not available on the T-model (estate) due to its specific layout, but the estate compensated with a 'neighbour-friendly' rear door. This door was silently and automatically pulled into its shut position by a sensor-controlled servomotor, allowing for a tighter fit and minimising cabin noise, a common concern for station wagons.

The W124 was also the first Mercedes series to be fitted with the iconic 15-hole, flat-faced alloy wheels, affectionately nicknamed 'Gullideckel' or manhole covers in Germany due to their resemblance to drainage covers. These distinctive wheels, in various diameter and offset specifications, later adorned facelifted W126 S-Class, R107 SL, and W201 190E series models, and were a standard feature on the R129 SL-Class roadster.

The front suspension utilised a separate spring and damper with a rubber top mount. At the rear, the W124 featured the groundbreaking Mercedes multi-link axle, first introduced in 1982 with the W201 and now a standard on many modern cars. Estate models, and optionally saloons and coupés, incorporated Citroën-like rear self-levelling suspension, using suspension struts instead of conventional shock absorbers, gas-filled suspension spheres for damping, and an under-bonnet pressurising pump. Unlike the traditional Citroën application, the Mercedes system maintained a fixed ride height and employed rear coil springs to preserve the static ride height when parked. These innovations collectively cemented the W124's reputation for advanced engineering and ride comfort.

Evolving Power: Engines, Transmissions, and Special Models

The W124’s powertrain evolution was continuous throughout its production run. In early 1987, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 2-door coupé (C124), with a shorter wheelbase and lower roofline, featuring pillarless glazing. The initial coupé range included the 230CE and 300CE, utilising the same M102 and M103 engines as the saloon and estate, but with a 5-speed manual standard for both.

A significant advancement in 1987 was the introduction of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, designed to compete with Audi's Quattro and BMW's Xdrive. This system intelligently used sensors to detect traction loss, automatically engaging the central differential for 4-wheel drive, and successively locking it and the rear differential as road conditions demanded. Initially offered on the 260E, 300E, 300D saloons, and 300D and 300TD Turbo estates, it showcased Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety and performance.

By September 1989, the W124 series underwent its first significant facelift. Externally, models were distinguished by plastic side panels with a bright chrome strip, chrome door handles, and body-coloured mirrors. A major internal milestone was the introduction of the M104 engine with a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder head. Unlike the Cosworth-built DOHC engines for the 190E, the M104 was an in-house design, featuring two-position Variable Valve Timing on the intake shaft and anti-knock ignition correction. Models like the 300E-24, 300TE-24, and 300CE-24, sharing the 3.0-litre M103 block, provided a peak 40 hp boost without compromising fuel economy.

The year 1990 saw the reintroduction of diesels to the US market for the 1991 Model Year, specifically the turbocharged five-cylinder OM602 engines, badged as 300D 2.5 Turbo and 300TD 2.5 Turbo. These US models, and optional on other turbocharged diesels, featured exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in conjunction with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and oxidation catalysts, significantly reducing emissions without hampering engine performance. Also in 1990, the W5A 030 722.5 automatic transmission debuted for M104-engined models, featuring an additional overdrive module. This year also marked the end of carburettor use in the W124 range.

A high-performance variant, the 500E, was unveiled in October 1990, with production beginning in February 1991. It featured the 5.0 L 32-valve V8 M119 engine, derived from the 500 SL (R129) roadster. This model was a product of close cooperation with Porsche, who engineered its suspension and chassis design with a performance bias and assembled the vehicles at their Zuffenhausen plant. Porsche also constructed the chassis for the 400E, which shared the 500E's underlying structure but lacked its wider fenders.

In 1992, Mercedes-Benz fully transitioned to the new DOHC engine family across the mid-range. The four-cylinder M102 was replaced by the M111, while the M103 six-cylinder engines were succeeded by the M104, bringing significant power and torque increases. This transition also saw the introduction of the A124 Cabriolet, marking the return of a full convertible to the Mercedes-Benz lineup after more than two decades.

The relationship with AMG, initially an independent tuning firm, became official in 1990, allowing Mercedes-Benz dealers to offer AMG aftermarket parts on new cars. This collaboration led to models like the 300E-24 3.4 AMG. By 1993, AMG models were officially integrated into Mercedes-Benz showrooms. The facelifted E-Class saw the introduction of E36 AMG models (estate, coupé, cabriolet) with a bored and stroked 3.6-litre M104 engine, providing a nearly 25% increase in power and torque. For the saloon, the E60 AMG, with a 5.9-litre M119 engine, became the top-performing sedan, showcasing an 18% power and 24% torque increase, surpassing even the S600 W140 V12 in acceleration.

The E-Class Era: Rebranding a Legacy

August 1993 marked the second and most significant facelift for the W124, coinciding with a major rebranding effort by Mercedes-Benz. The external changes were drastic, notably in the fascia, which adopted the new corporate styling seen in the W140 S-Class and the newly released W202 C-Class. The radiator grille was now integrated into the bonnet's contours, complemented by pearl-coloured turn indicators. The boot cover and taillights also received updates, and bumper strips on the aprons were now body-coloured, finished with new hub caps.

The DOHC transition continued for the diesel range. With this facelift, the 2.5 and 3.0 OM602 and OM603 engines gained new 20- and 24-valve cylinder heads, becoming the OM605 and OM606 motors, which delivered a 20% increase in power. The turbocharged diesel models, however, retained their SOHC engines.

This period saw the W124 officially rebranded as the E-Class. The 'E' designation, which originally stood for 'Einspritz' (fuel injected), became redundant after carburetted models were phased out. Mercedes-Benz creatively reinterpreted it as 'Executive' or E-Class, solidifying its position within the company's newly structured product lines (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, G-Class). Body style attributes like 'C' for coupé or 'T' for estate were dropped. Diesel cars were marked with a 'Diesel' badge, and turbocharged versions with 'Turbodiesel'. For example, a '250TD Turbo' became an 'E250 Turbodiesel' wagon. In some cases, the model code was adjusted to reflect the actual engine displacement, such as the 400E becoming the E420.

For the American 1994 Model Year, the range was streamlined to the E320 for all four body styles, the E300 Diesel saloon, and the V8-powered E420 and E500. The model range under the new system included:

• E200 (2.0L M111): Saloon, estate, coupé, cabriolet (2-door versions limited to Italy, Portugal, Greece, later home market).
• E200 Diesel (2.0L OM601): Solely saloon (the only model continuously produced throughout W124 lifecycle).
• E220 (2.2L M111): All four body styles.
• E250 Diesel (2.5L DOHC OM605): Saloon and estate.
• E250 Turbodiesel (2.5L OHC OM602): Saloon and estate (latter limited to Italy).
• E280 (2.8L M104): Saloon and estate.
• E300 4Matic (OHC M103): Saloon and estate.
• E300 Diesel (3.0L DOHC OM606): Saloon and estate.
• E300 Turbodiesel (3.0L OHC OM603): Saloon and estate.
• E300 Turbodiesel 4Matic (OM603): Saloon and estate.
• E320 (3.2L M104): All four body styles.
• E420 (4.2L M119): Saloon only.
• E500 (5.0L M119): Saloon only.

The End of an Era: Production Winding Down

Despite the influx of new technologies post-1993, the W124's model range remained largely fixed. The entry-level E200 2-door models, initially available in select European markets, were made available in the home market in February (cabriolet) and December (coupé) of 1994. The 1994 Model Year marked the final year for the W124 saloon in the United States, with other body styles concluding for the 1995 Model Year.

With the debut of the W210 E-Class saloon in June 1995, W124 production began its phased discontinuation, with the last saloons leaving the Sindelfingen plant in August. However, the E250 Diesel and E220 continued to be supplied as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits to the Chakan plant in India until June 1996. The estates lingered on until February 1996, ensuring no overlap with the S210 estate, which debuted in May. Coupés ceased production in March 1996, while the cabriolets soldiered on until July 1997. The cabriolets did not receive a direct replacement within the E-Class line; instead, Daimler opted to use the smaller W202 C-Class platform for the new W208 series, rebranded as the CLK-Class, which premiered in January 1997 (Coupé) and March 1998 (Cabriolet).

In some countries, the final batch of W124s in 1995 was sold as the limited edition 'Masterpiece'. These models were fitted with additional accessories such as a walnut wood steering wheel (optional), front passenger airbag, walnut centre console glove box, electric rear blind, and rear seat side window sunshades (optional). Unique features for the Masterpiece edition included a gear knob engraved with the word 'Masterpiece', stainless door sills engraved with 'Mercedes Benz', a 'Masterpiece' label on the right side of the boot, and new 6-hole light alloy wheels, making them a truly special farewell to a legendary vehicle.

W124 Key Milestones: A Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions about the W124

Q: Was the Mercedes-Benz W124 available for customer delivery in the UK in 1984?
A: No, while series production began in November 1984, customer deliveries and the European market launch for the W124 officially started in January 1985. So, no regular deliveries would have occurred in the UK in 1984.

Q: What made the W124 so innovative for its time?
A: The W124 was packed with advanced features. Key innovations included its incredibly low coefficient of drag (0.28 Cd), a unique single windscreen wiper with extended reach, optional folding rear headrests for improved visibility, the sophisticated multi-link rear axle, and optional self-levelling suspension, particularly beneficial for estate models. Its distinctive 'Gullideckel' alloy wheels also became iconic.

Q: When did the W124 officially become known as the E-Class?
A: The W124 series was officially rebranded as the E-Class in August 1993, coinciding with its second major facelift. This was part of a broader company strategy to streamline Mercedes-Benz's product nomenclature.

Q: What engine options were available in the W124 range?
A: The W124 offered a wide array of engines. Initially, it featured four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines (M102, M103) and four, five, and six-cylinder diesel engines (OM601, OM602, OM603). Later, it transitioned to more advanced DOHC petrol engines (M111, M104) and DOHC diesel engines (OM605, OM606), alongside powerful V8 options (M119) in models like the 400E and 500E, and even more potent AMG variants.

Q: What body styles did the W124 come in?
A: The W124 was produced in numerous body configurations, reflecting its versatility. These included the saloon (W124), estate (S124), coupé (C124), cabriolet (A124), limousine (V124), and even rolling chassis variants (F124 and VF124).

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