Mercedes-Benz E-class W124 E 300 Turbodiesel (147 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz E-class:
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive cars manufactured by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. Produced since September 1953, the E-Class falls as a midrange in the Mercedes line-up, and has been marketed worldwide across five generations.
Before 1993, the E suffix in Mercedes-Benz model names referred to Einspritzmotor when in the early 1970s fuel injection began to proliferate beyond its upper-tier luxury and sporting models. By the launch of the facelifted W124 in 1993 fuel injection was ubiquitous in Mercedes engines, and the E was adopted as a prefix. The model line is referred to officially as the E-Class. All generations of the E-Class have offered either rear-wheel drive or Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel drive system....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W124 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz E-class (W124). With 273 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1610 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.8 s). The top speed reaches 198 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The W124 predates Euro NCAP testing. While built to high standards for its time, it lacks modern safety features like multiple airbags, advanced crumple zones, and electronic stability control found in newer vehicles.
E 300 Turbodiesel (147 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a strong blend of diesel torque and all-weather capability with 4MATIC. Good acceleration for a diesel, making it a versatile and capable cruiser.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy for a powerful turbodiesel with AWD, balancing performance with reasonable running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary build quality and durability
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Wide range of robust and reliable engines
- • Strong classic car appeal and increasing value
- • Spacious and practical interior
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features (pre-Euro NCAP)
- • Maintenance can be expensive for specific parts
- • Fuel economy on larger petrol engines is poor by modern standards
- • Performance on base diesel models is very slow
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Cabrio (A124): July, 1992 - June, 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | E-class |
| Generation: | W124 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 300 Turbodiesel (147 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 1993 |
| End of production: | March, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 147 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 49.1 Hp/l [85mm more] |
| Torque: | 273 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 603 D 30 A / 603.963 More details about the engine OM 603 D 30 A / 603.963 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 198 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11 kg/Hp, 91.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1610 |
| Max. weight: | 2175 |
| Max load: | 565 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 520 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4740 mm mm [85mm more] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1452 mm mm [81mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm [85mm more] |
| Front track: | 1497 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |












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