Mercedes-Benz W124

Mercedes used to be associated with luxury, high cost and reliability. From the very beginning of its existence, the German brand strived for perfection, until it finally achieved it, releasing the W124 sedan series on the market. This model won the hearts of many motorists, both in its heyday and decades after the premiere. This car unites generations – it is driven by both those who remember its debut and those who were just born.

Model history

The Mercedes W124 was introduced in 1985 as the successor to the famous barrel with the designation W123. Two years later, a version with the innovative 4Matic all-wheel drive for the time appeared on sale. In 1989, the car underwent a facelift, as a result of which characteristic wide linings appeared on the doors and wings.

In 1990, in cooperation with Porsche, a sports modification of the Mercedes W124 with the designation 500E (later renamed the E500) was created, designed to compete with the BMW M5 E34.

Three years later (in 1993) the car underwent a second modernization, and its name was changed to E-Class. Production of the first generation E-Class was completed in 1995, which was replaced by the “ocular”, aka “looped-eyed” – Mercedes W210. In total, about 2.5 million units of the model were produced, including 340,000 station wagons.

Engines

As you can see, the variety of power units is so great that almost everyone will find a suitable option for themselves. Which engine should be recommended? You won’t believe it, but in terms of reliability, everyone. However, if you want to count on a sufficiently good dynamics, then you should be interested in engines with a capacity of more than 120 hp. What is most disappointing about powertrains? Gasoline engines are extremely reliable, with some exceptions. In diesel engines, mechanical injection problems may occur, particularly with the centrifugal regulator of the fuel pump. The cost of repairing it can reach several hundred dollars. This is one of the most expensive defects of this model. In addition, diesel engines sometimes annoy turbochargers, and even then due to improper operation. The main thing before you turn off the engine, let it work for some time at idle, especially after long voyages on the highway or dynamic trips over short distances. Other common problems of German diesel engines are minor oil leaks and failure of the belt tensioner of drive units. With large runs, there are problems with starting, especially in winter conditions. If you solve the issue of replacing the battery and candles incandescent will not succeed, then you will need to measure the degree of compression. At low values of the parameter of the overhaul of the engine can not be avoided. 2-liter gasoline engine until 1988 was equipped with a carburetor, and in subsequent years it was abandoned in favor of mechanical fuel injection KE-Jetronic.

Design features

The Mercedes-Benz W124 can be both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with the electronically controlled 4Matic system developed in collaboration with Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch. The system is based on a central differential with hydraulic control of a multi-plate clutch.

The model received three gearboxes: a 5-speed mechanics, a 4-speed and 5-speed automatic. The suspension, both front and rear, is independent. W124 is stable on a straight line, confidently passes turns and perfectly smoothes irregularities.

The Mercedes 124 was available in 5 body variants: sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible and elongated "long".

Many cars with small engines of the initial production period have poor equipment. The ABS was only introduced in the mid-1988 standard. The first restyled version did little to help. The breakthrough came in 1993 when the W124 was designated the E-Class. That’s when air conditioning, a full “electric package” and other systems came along.

Other problems and malfunctions

Contrary to popular opinion, the Mercedes Benz W124 is almost an ideal car in terms of reliability. Many of the vehicles, even with diesel engines, have traveled more than 1,000,000 km without serious problems. But, unfortunately, age takes its toll, and ailments are now more common.

The weakest point of the first W124 samples is corrosion, which appears on the wheel arches, rapids, at the bottom of the doors, in the area of moldings (plates) and antennas, as well as on the trunk lid. The reason is the absence of any galvanizing of the body and the rejection in 1989 of traditional varnishes in favor of more environmentally friendly ones. Therefore, samples of the initial production period are more resistant to corrosion.

Another common drawback is oil leaks from the gearbox, valve covers and the rear axle. Sometimes the differential begins to make noise, and backlashes appear in the transmission. At large runs, the engine cushions and the propeller shaft support are surrendered. As for the suspension, it is necessary to regularly check the ball, which can snatch at great wear.

In addition, there are problems with the central lock - due to a malfunction of the special pneumon pump. Of the minor shortcomings, we can mention the jamming of the mechanism of moving the driver's seat. With age, a flawless interior is also given. The leather upholstery of the chairs and steering wheel is spoiled.

Of the "automatics" the most reliable is considered to be a 4-speed, which with regular maintenance is able to pass 800-900 thousand km without repair.

Engines

• However, if you want to count on a sufficiently good dynamics, then you should be interested in engines with a capacity of more than 120 hp.
• In diesel engines, mechanical injection problems may occur, particularly with the centrifugal regulator of the fuel pump.
• The cost of repairing it can reach several hundred dollars.
• Other common problems of German diesel engines are minor oil leaks and failure of the belt tensioner of drive units.
• With large runs, there are problems with starting, especially in winter conditions.
• If you solve the issue of replacing the battery and candles incandescent will not succeed, then you will need to measure the degree of compression.
• At low values of the parameter of the capital repair of the engine can not be avoided.
• The 2-liter gasoline engine was equipped with a carburetor until 1988, and in subsequent years it was abandoned in favor of mechanical fuel injection KE-Jetronic.
• Among the diesel range mechanics recommend the version 300D with a six-cylinder unit.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Many of the vehicles, even with diesel engines, have traveled more than 1,000,000 km without serious problems.
• The weakest point of the first W124 samples is corrosion, which appears on the wheel arches, rapids, at the bottom of the doors, in the area of moldings (plates) and antennas, as well as on the trunk lid.
• The reason is the absence of any galvanizing of the body and the rejection in 1989 of traditional varnishes in favor of more environmentally friendly ones.
• Therefore, samples of the initial production period are more resistant to corrosion.
• Sometimes the differential begins to make noise, and backlashes appear in the transmission.
• As for the suspension, it is necessary to regularly check the ball, which can snatch at high wear.
• In addition, there are problems with the central lock - due to a malfunction of the special pneumon pump.
• Of the "automatics" the most reliable is considered to be a 4-speed, which with regular maintenance is able to pass 800-900 thousand km without repair.

The Mercedes 124 is the choice of those who appreciate good dynamics, high comfort, excellent interior finishing quality, reliability and simple classic German style. Another advantage of the model is easy to obtain and inexpensive spare parts. But, unfortunately, today it is extremely difficult to find a well-groomed Mercedes W124.

• The Mercedes W124 was introduced in 1985 as the successor to the famous barrel with the designation W123.
• Engines: In diesel engines, mechanical injection problems may occur, particularly with the centrifugal regulator of the fuel pump.
• Design features: The Mercedes-Benz W124 can be both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with the electronically controlled 4Matic system developed in collaboration with Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Many of the units, even with diesel engines, have traveled more than 1,000,000 km without serious problems.

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