Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift 1989 280 E (197 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 270 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1490 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.8 s). The top speed reaches 225 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.

280 E (197 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong and smooth performance from the inline-six, offering a great balance for daily driving and comfortable cruising.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for an inline-six of its power, providing a practical balance for mixed driving.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving, comfortable cruising, daily driver.

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 (facelift 1989): June, 1989 - October, 1992).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W124
Generation:facelift 1989
Modification (Engine):280 E (197 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:June, 1992
End of production:July, 1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:197 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70.4 Hp/l [25mm less]
Torque:270 Nm @ 3750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 104 E 28 / 104.942 More details about the engine M 104 E 28 / 104.942
Engine displacement:2799
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:7.5 l
Coolant:9 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:73.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.8 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.6 kg/Hp, 132.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 181.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1490
Max. weight:2040
Max load:550
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:520 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4740 mm mm [25mm less]
Width:1740 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1428 mm mm [61mm less]
Wheelbase:2800 mm 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

If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz W124, what would it be?