Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz W124 C124 300 CE (180 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 225 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1390 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 220 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.
300 CE (180 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and refined, offering effortless cruising, though the automatic combined with the slightly lower power output makes it less spirited than the 188 Hp manual.
Fuel Economy
Similar to other 3.0L automatics, it prioritizes smoothness and comfort over outright fuel efficiency.
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(S124: August, 1986 - August, 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W124 |
| Generation: | C124 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 CE (180 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | August, 1987 |
| End of production: | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60.8 Hp/l [110mm less] |
| Torque: | 225 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103 E 30 / 103.983 More details about the engine M 103 E 30 / 103.983 |
| Engine displacement: | 2962 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1390 |
| Max. weight: | 1840 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4655 mm mm [110mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [88mm 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 |
| 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 |
Have you ever driven an Mercedes-Benz W124?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: