Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E (170 Hp) Automatic
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)
W124 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W124 (W124). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1330 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 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 213 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.
The Mercedes-Benz W124 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997. While considered very safe for its era with robust construction and available ABS, it lacks modern active and passive safety features found in contemporary vehicles.
260 E (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines the smooth power of the 6-cylinder engine with the comfort of an automatic, offering strong yet relaxed performance.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is decent for a powerful automatic petrol, suitable for comfortable touring.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary build quality and durability
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Spacious and practical interior
- • Wide range of robust engines (petrol and diesel)
- • Strong resale value for well-maintained examples
Cons:
- • Maintenance can be costly (parts and specialized labor)
- • Some engines are slow by modern standards
- • Susceptible to rust if neglected
- • Lacks modern safety features and technology
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger petrol engines
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C124: April, 1987 - August, 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W124 |
| Generation: | W124 |
| Modification (Engine): | 260 E (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | August, 1984 |
| End of production: | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.4 Hp/l [85mm more] |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103 E 26 / 103.940 More details about the engine M 103 E 26 / 103.940 |
| Engine displacement: | 2599 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 213 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1330 |
| Max. weight: | 1850 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 520 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4740 mm mm [85mm more] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1446 mm mm [36mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm [85mm more] |
| Front track: | 1497 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1488 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| 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 |











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