The W-124 range replaces the W-123 program models. In addition, three diesel cars and four with a gasoline engine have been created. The new model range is a set of developments. Distinctive features are tangible economy and quality. The 4-cylinder engine is known from the 190/190 E range.
A completely new development - 6-cylinder engines 260 E / 300 E. Based on a 4-cylinder diesel engine type 190 D (W-201) The W-124 range includes a whole generation of engines. In addition to the well-known 4-cylinder engines, it includes a new 66 kW 5-cylinder diesel engine (model 250D), as well as a 6-cylinder diesel engine with a power of 80 kW (model 300D).
May 1985
More and more RUF or Kat engines are being offered.
December
Station wagons under the T-model brand expand the proposed model range. The technical performance of the sedan and station wagon is identical. Compared to its predecessors, the volume of the car body has been significantly increased. An interesting solution is the trunk lid, which closes electrically.
September 1986
All vehicles with 6-cylinder engines are equipped with ABS as standard. All vehicles are equipped with a catalytic converter as standard. As an option for diesel engines, a rev counter is installed.
January 1987
Start of deliveries of vehicles with automatic differential lock (ASD) rear axle, which, if desired, is electronically controlled.
May 1987
The first 4Matic models are delivered. It is an automatically controlled 4-wheel drive. Electronics and hydraulics are used to turn on the all-wheel drive, lock the main differential and the rear axle differential. The elegant coupés 230 CE and 300 CE complete the W-124 range.
September 1987
The temperature gauge is supplied with new electronics. The wiper arm has been changed - here is a new coating and mounting of the wipers. The airbags receive a new control with an integrated energy storage and force conversion device. The seat belt buckles are equipped with contact switches.
September 1988
Types 200 E and 200 TE complete the W-124 range. Rank «Diesel-89» Mercedes-Benz is the next step towards minimizing exhaust emissions. Thanks to the improvement of the fuel combustion process, the level of toxicity of exhaust gases has decreased by 40%. The anti-lock braking system is now standard on models with 4- and 5-cylinder engines. The right outside side mirror is included in the scope of delivery. An airbag is installed for the passenger on the right and automatic seat belts for both front seats.
September 1989
The middle class Mercedes - the W-124 range is supplemented by the 300 E-24, 300 CE-24 and 300 TE-24 models. They are equipped with a 24-valve engine with variable intake camshaft drive.
February 1990
The ASR system is offered as an option for all models with 6-cylinder engines.
1990 May/June
Installed on order «tempomat» (Tempomat). Clutch pedal switch disables «tempomat» when pressing the pedal. 90 l fuel tank available as an option (except T-model).
June 1991
Model 260 E is no longer available. The production of the 200 TD and 300 D 4Matic models has also been completed.
Diesel engines are equipped with catalytic converters, vehicles with automatic transmission are equipped with a mechanical control valve. All models are fitted with a new 400 mm steering wheel, which until then had been part of the S-Class models. Instead of the former, light metal wheel rims with 8-bolt fastening are installed.
June 1992
All models are equipped with new engines. Enters the 8-cylinder 400 E series. The ARA system, familiar from the 250 TD model, is used in the 200 D.
July 1993
The abbreviation of the model range is being replaced. All Mercedes W-124 models are now designated as E-class. Models with diesel engines are labeled Diesel on the right side of the trunk lid. A new bonnet cover and a new trunk design give the C- and S-class vehicles a unified appearance. The easiest way to recognize new models is by a three-beam star. Now it is installed on the lacquered part of the hood, and not on the grille, as before.
December 1994
E-class offers 32 options. The newest model is the 200 E coupe.
June 1995
New E-class introduced.
September:
The lineup «E» supplemented by models E 420 and E 290 TD.
January 1996
The lineup has been expanded with a sporty version of the 50 AMG.
December
All-wheel drive model E 280 4Matic appeared (V-shaped 6-cylinder engine).
March 1997
Models E 280 and E 320, equipped with a V-shaped 6-cylinder engine, complete the range.
June
The E 320 4Matic enters the market with a V-shaped 6-cylinder engine.
September
Started production of the E 240 (V-shaped 6-cylinder engine) and E430 (V-shaped 8-cylinder engine).
June 1998
The 200 CDI and 220 CDI models with direct injection appear on the market.
June 1999
The appearance of the E 270 CDI model. Instead of a 5-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed one is standard;
August
The E 320 CDI appears;
november
On the E 430 4Matic model, a V-shaped 8-cylinder engine can be installed.
Now in the first place in the preferences of buyers - an individual approach and extensive opportunities for choice. Mercedes responds to them with different model configurations. This principle was laid down from the C-class models and consistently continues in the E-class models.
Pic. 1.3. Three body options: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde
The buyer is offered three body options: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde (pic. 1.3), differing in interior decoration, as well as decorative elements of the body.
Classic model. The base model of the Mercedes E-class. A fully equipped car that combines unobtrusive elegance with typical Mercedes functionality and thus meets the needs of buyers of cars of an improved middle class.
Distinctive features of the Classic model:
- 1. Wheels on steel rims with decorative caps.
- 2. Green glass.
- 3. Decorative panels on the roof, pillars, trunk and front in anodized hematite.
- 4. Decorative panels of pillars and glasses visually match the anodized aluminum and are covered with a shiny black lacquer.
- 5. Bumper with protective plate in contrasting color.
- 6. The visible surfaces of the bumper trim are in the color of the vehicle.
- 7. Wooden paneling is made of plane tree.
- 8. Pattern upholstery material «Wave», color - black, blue, champignon or gray.
- 9. Upholstery material MB-Tex, color - black, blue, saffron, champignon or grey.
- 10. Black foam shift lever and steering wheel.
- 11. Lower middle console with open storage box.
Elegance Model. Chrome-plated trim on the outer sides of the bumpers, door handles and side panels, light metal wheel rims, as well as walnut and leather on the steering wheel and gear lever in the car, give the Elegance models an aristocratic look.
Distinctive features of the Elegance model:
- 1. Light metal rims with 10 mounting bolts.
- 2. Decorative panels to match the color of the car.
- 3. The upholstery of the pillars and doors are in harmony with the black lacquer finish.
- 4. Side moldings in contrasting color with chrome lining.
- 5. Chromed door handles.
- 6. Bumpers contrast with chrome trim and car color.
- 7. The wood paneling is made from walnut.
- 8. Upholstery material Presto, colors - black, blue, champignon, or gray.
- 9. Leather upholstery color: black, blue, saffron, champignon or grey.
- 10. The gear lever and steering wheel are covered in leather to match the color of the panel.
- 11. Pockets on the backs of the front seats.
- 12. Comfortable armrests.
- 13. Good airflow rear.
- 14. Sun visors with illuminated mirror.
- 15. Anti-glare rearview mirror.
Model Avantgarde. This model has an emphatically newfangled and sporty appearance.
Distinctive features of the Avantgarde model:
- 1. Disks (16 inches) made of light alloy for 5 mounting bolts with wide rubber 215/55 R 16.
- 2. Low landing of the car.
- 3. Blue tinted glass.
- 4. Moldings on the roof to match the color of the car.
- 5. Decorative moldings on the middle pillars and on the grooves of the windows of the rear doors of the color of the car with a film of a smooth color transition.
- 6. Bumper and car protection with chrome lining.
- 7. Good airflow rear.
- 8. Pockets on the back of the front seats.
- 9. Exclusive body finishes: Violan metallic and Amazonit green.
- 10. Chromed door handles.
- 11. Radiator shroud with black lacquered louvres.
- 12. Xenon headlights.
- 13. The wood paneling is made from maple.
- 14. Tiffany pattern upholstery in black/green, black/red or black/grey.
- 15. Color of skin of an upholstery of salon: black, blue or gray.
- 16. Gearshift lever and steering wheel wrapped in black leather.
- 17. Comfortable armrests.
- 18. Headlight cleaners.
- 19. Light range adjustment.