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Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift 1989 260 E (160 Hp) 4MATIC
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)
facelift 1989 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W124 (facelift 1989). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1540 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 10.4 s). The top speed reaches 205 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.
260 E (160 Hp) 4MATIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth inline-six power, offering a good balance of performance and refinement, with added all-weather capability from 4MATIC.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for an inline-six with all-wheel drive, providing a practical balance.
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): | 260 E (160 Hp) 4MATIC |
| Start of production: | September, 1989 |
| End of production: | June, 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.6 Hp/l [25mm less] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103 E 26 / 103.940 More details about the engine M 103 E 26 / 103.940 |
| Engine displacement: | 2597 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.9 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.2 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.6 kg/Hp, 103.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 142.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1540 |
| Max. weight: | 2060 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4740 mm [25mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1450 mm [48mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
Does the Mercedes-Benz W124 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!