Mercedes-Benz W124 S124 200 TD (72 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 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)

S124 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W124 (S124). With 123 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1410 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 23 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz W124/S124 generation predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (which began in 1997). While not officially rated, it was considered very safe for its era, featuring robust construction, crumple zones, and available ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

200 TD (72 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Extremely slow, purely for those who value ultimate economy and robustness over any form of performance.

Fuel Economy

Exceptional fuel economy, though the automatic can slightly dull the already modest performance.

Best Use Case: Extreme Economy / Utility / Urban Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Legendary build quality and durability, often lasting hundreds of thousands of miles.
  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement, making long journeys effortless.
  • • Spacious and practical estate body with versatile cargo capacity.
  • • Wide range of robust engines (petrol and diesel) known for longevity.
  • • Timeless, elegant design that has aged gracefully.
  • • Strong classic car appeal and increasing value for well-maintained examples.
  • • Excellent visibility and ergonomic interior design.

Cons:

  • • Rust can be a significant issue on neglected examples, especially around wheel arches and sills.
  • • Maintenance costs can be high for complex repairs or specialized parts.
  • • Older engines may lack modern performance and fuel economy compared to contemporary vehicles.
  • • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., multiple airbags, stability control) by today's standards.
  • • Automatic transmissions can be slow and less efficient compared to modern units.
  • • Interior plastics and wood trim can show wear and tear over time.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W124: November, 1984 - August, 1989).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W124
Generation:S124
Modification (Engine):200 TD (72 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:October, 1985
End of production:February, 1989
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:72 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:36.1 Hp/l [55mm more]
Torque:123 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:OM 601 D 20 / 601.912 More details about the engine OM 601 D 20 / 601.912
Engine displacement:1997
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:87 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:23 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:23 sec
Maximum speed:145 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:19.6 kg/Hp, 51.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11.5 kg/Nm, 87.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:21.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1410
Max. weight:2030
Max load:620
Fuel tank capacity:72 l
Size:
Length:4765 mm mm [55mm more]
Width:1740 mm mm [10mm more]
Height:1490 mm mm [44mm more]
Wheelbase:2800 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1497 mm
Rear (Back) track:1488 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 brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
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

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mercedes-Benz W124?