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W124 was the internal chassis-designation for the 1986 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 The W124 models replaced the W123 models after 1985 and were superseded by the W210 E-Class after 1995.
History
The W124 was a substantial, sporty mid-sized luxury vehicle platform, the last in a long line of "money-no-object" Mercedes saloons and was the result of extensive development. Estate cars (and optionally, saloons) had self-levelling rear suspension very similar to that of a Citroen BX; with gas-pressurised spheres, levelling suspension struts and an underbonnet pressurising pump. Unlike Citroen, Mercedes used rear springs as well as struts. Front suspension was more conventional.
The estate cars came in 5- or 7-seat models, the 7-seater having a rear-facing bench seat that folded flush into the floor. Both models had a split rear seat which folded flat to give almost 2 metres of load space and a retractable luggage compartment cover and retractable cargo net. The W124 estate continued in production alongside the new W210 until the W210 estate launched more than a year later.
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 wheelbase and 3.2 L Mercedes straight-6 engine.
500E
800px-500E-low2.jpg 800px-500E-3.jpg500e2a.jpg
The 500E had a 32-valve V8 engine delivering 322 hp (240 kW) and 354 ft·lbf (480 N·m), with the engine being derived from the R129 500SL roadster. Sports car braking performance also came SL components: Front SL500 300mm disks with 4-piston calipers came installed on the 1992 and early 1993 cars. The later 1993, and all 1994 cars came with the upgraded 320mm set taken from the 600SL. Rear brakes on all years were 277mm brakes from the 500SL. In the USA, the 500E came fully-loaded, with the only options available to the buyer being a dealer-installed CD changer and an integrated telephone. The 500E was only available as a four-seater, with the four leather seats supplied by Recaro (the fronts heated).
Called the "Velvet Hammer" by Mercedes, and a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by the press, performance tests of the day yielded impressive results: 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times of 5.5 seconds and accelerateration through the quarter-mile (0.4 km) in 14.1 seconds at 101 mph (163 km/h). Top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph (251 km/h). It was rated at 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) in the city and 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) on the highway.
With its aggressive stance: 1.5 inches wider track, 0.9 inch lower profile, flared fenders, side skirts, front air-dam and wide tires, the 500E is easily distinguished from its lesser brethren. Because of its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction, and unique pedigree, the 500E is already considered a "classic," even within Mercedes-Benz.
Models
| Chassis code | Years | Model | Engine | Body style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124.026 | 1987–1989 | 260E | 2.6 L M103 I6 | sedan |
| 1990–1992 | 300E 2.6 | sedan | ||
| 124.028 | 1993 | 300E 2.8 | 2.8 L M104 I6 | sedan |
| 124.030 | 1986–1992 | 300E | 3.0 L M103 I6 | sedan |
| 124.032 | 1993–1995 | 300E | 3.2 L M104 I6 | sedan |
| 1993–1995 | E320 | sedan | ||
| 124.034 | 1992–1995 | 400E | 4.2 L M119 V8 | sedan |
| 1992–1995 | E420 | sedan | ||
| 124.036 | 1992–1993 | 500E | 5.0 L M119 V8 | sedan |
| 1994–1995 | E500 | sedan | ||
| 124.050 | 1988–1989 | 300CE | 3.0 L M103 I6 | coupé |
| 124.051 | 1990–1993 | 300CE | 3.2 L M104 I6 | coupé |
| 124.052 | 1994–1995 | 300CE/E320 | coupé | |
| 124.066 | 1993–1995 | 300CE/E320 | coupé | |
| 124.090 | 1988–1989 | 300TE | 3.0 L M103 I6 | station wagon |
| 124.092 | 1993 | 300TE/E320 | 3.2 L M104 I6 | station wagon |
| 124.128 | 1990–1993 | 300D 2.5 | 2.5 L OM602 Diesel I5 | sedan |
| 124.131 | 1995 | E300 Diesel | 3.0 L OM606 Diesel I6 | sedan |
| 124.133 | 1987 | 300D | 3.0 L OM603 turbo-Diesel I6 | sedan |
| 124.193 | 1987 | 300TD | station wagon | |
| 124.230 | 1990–1993 | 300E 4MATIC | 3.0 L M103 I6 | sedan |
| 124.290 | 1990–1993 | 300TE 4MATIC | station wagon |
Engines
See also
References
"Mercedes-Benz W124"
