Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift 1989 230 E (132 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

facelift 1989 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W124 (facelift 1989). With 198 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1360 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 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 195 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.

230 E (132 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate performance, though the automatic transmission slightly dulls the responsiveness compared to the manual version.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel economy for its era, slightly less efficient than the manual but still practical for mixed use.

Best Use Case: Mixed city/highway driving, comfortable daily commuting.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Legendary build quality and robust engineering, built to last.
  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement, ideal for long journeys.
  • • Timeless, elegant design that has aged gracefully.
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful V8s.
  • • Strong safety features for its era, including standard ABS.
  • • High reliability and durability, often reaching very high mileages.

Cons:

  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive, especially for specialist components.
  • • Some base models (e.g., 200 D) are very slow by modern standards.
  • • Fuel economy on larger petrol engines can be high.
  • • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples, particularly in certain areas.
  • • Interior technology is dated compared to modern cars (expected for its age).

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(S124: September, 1988 - August, 1989).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W124
Generation:facelift 1989
Modification (Engine):230 E (132 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:September, 1989
End of production:October, 1992
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:132 Hp @ 5100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:57.4 Hp/l [25mm 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:2298
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
Piston Stroke:80.2 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:11.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.2 sec
Maximum speed:195 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 97.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 145.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1360
Max. weight:1880
Max load:520
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4740 mm [25mm less]
Width:1740 mm [Same width.]
Height:1428 mm [70mm less]
Wheelbase:2800 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1501 mm
Rear (Back) track:1491 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 195/65 R15
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6.5J x 15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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