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Mercedes-Benz W124 C124 230 CE (132 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W124:
The Mercedes-Benz W124 is a range of executive cars made by Daimler-Benz from 1984 to 1997. The range included numerous body configurations, and though collectively referred to as the W-124, official internal chassis designations varied by body style: saloon ; estate ; coupé ; cabriolet ; limousine ; rolling chassis ; and long-wheelbase rolling chassis.
From 1993, the 124 series was officially marketed as the E-Class. The W 124 followed the 123 series from 1984 and was succeeded by the W 210 E-Class after 1995, and the C 208 CLK-Class in 1997....(Read more on Wikipedia)
C124 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W124 (C124). With 198 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1340 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.6 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The W124/C124 generation predates Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. While robust for its era, it lacks modern safety features like multiple airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems found in contemporary vehicles.
230 CE (132 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for daily driving, but the automatic transmission can make it feel somewhat sluggish, especially when accelerating from a standstill or on inclines.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel consumption for its time, though not particularly efficient by modern standards. Best suited for relaxed cruising.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Superb ride comfort and refinement
- • Strong and smooth inline-six engine options
- • Excellent long-distance cruiser
- • Classic car status and growing appreciation
Cons:
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (predates Euro NCAP)
- • Potential for expensive parts and specialized maintenance
- • M103 engine head gasket issues if neglected
- • Automatic transmissions can feel slow by modern standards
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W124: January, 1985 - August, 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W124 |
| Generation: | C124 |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 CE (132 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 1987 |
| End of production: | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 132 Hp @ 5100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.4 Hp/l [85mm less] |
| Torque: | 198 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 102 E 23 / 102.982 More details about the engine M 102 E 23 / 102.982 |
| Engine displacement: | 2299 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.2 kg/Hp, 98.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1340 |
| Max. weight: | 1790 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4655 mm mm [85mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2715 mm mm [85mm less] |
| Front track: | 1497 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1488 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| 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 |
If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz W124, what would it be?