Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift 1989 400 E V8 (279 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 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1620 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.2 s). The top speed reaches 250 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.

400 E V8 (279 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong, effortless acceleration and impressive highway cruising capabilities, a more discreet performance option than the 500E.

Fuel Economy

High fuel consumption is typical for a large V8 engine, reflecting its focus on power and luxury.

Best Use Case: Highway performance, luxury cruising, long-distance travel.

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(W124: May, 1985 - September, 1988).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W124
Generation:facelift 1989
Modification (Engine):400 E V8 (279 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:May, 1991
End of production:July, 1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:279 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.5 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:400 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 119 E 42 / 119.975 More details about the engine M 119 E 42 / 119.975
Engine displacement:4196
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:12.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.2 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:5.8 kg/Hp, 172.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.1 kg/Nm, 246.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1620
Max. weight:2140
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:520 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1900 kg
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Length:4740 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1740 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1431 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2800 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1501-1518 mm
Rear (Back) track:1491-1509 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.2 m [above average]
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 brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15; 205/60 R15; 215/55 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 15; 7J x 15; 7J x 16
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Mercedes-Benz W124 rank in your book?