40 Years of the Mercedes-Benz W 124 (E Class after 1993): Aesthetics and Reliability

 

40 years ago, a success story begins at Mercedes-Benz which continues to this day: in November 1984, the brand unveils the saloons of the 124 model series. Just one month later, this completely redesigned generation of upper mid-size class vehicles hits the market. Customers and industry experts are captivated by its timelessly modern design and innovative engineering. From 1993 onwards, the 124 series was named E-Class for the first time. After 13 years of production and more than 2.2 million units, series production of the 124 model series ends in 1997. The saloons, estates (T-models), coupés and cabriolets quickly become highly sought-after modern classics. Rare versions attain the status of collector’s items years ago.

Today, every vehicle in the 124 model series is an invitation to philosophise. Is it a beloved witness to the vibrant 1980s and the dawn of the 1990s product offensive? Or is it a timeless classic remaining forever young? Without a doubt, this generation of upper mid-size class vehicles from Mercedes-Benz radiates a unique charm, reflected in the model series’ large fan base and its significant role in the classic car scene.

One great strength of the 124 model series is its timeless aesthetics and exceptional practicality in day-to-day use, making these vehicles a reliable gateway to the world of classic cars. Mercedes-Benz Classic continues to build on this success story, especially by ensuring the global supply of spare and wearing parts through Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts, as well as by supporting the fan community via company-recognised brand clubs.

Reliable spare parts supply from Mercedes-Benz Classic

From best-selling spare parts like the Mercedes star and individual components which are newly manufactured according to strict manufacturer’s specifications, all the way to mud wings which are still available from original production, Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts offer an unparalleled range of spare and wearing parts for the 124 model series. Currently, more than 5,800 spare parts are available for this generation of upper mid-size class vehicles – including more than 1,000 so-called exclusive parts used solely in this model series.

Fast, reliable worldwide spare parts delivery is one of the most important services provided by Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH for owners of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Classic Genuine Parts are currently available for 57 of the brand’s historical model series. Parts which are no longer available are continuously being identified and reproduced. One focus is on safety-critical and driving-related components. These currently include a rev counter and a transverse control arm for the 124 model series. Most parts can be shipped to customers within 24 hours via the worldwide network of sales partners. This high-quality service aims to ensure that classics with the star remain operational in their authentic condition in the long term as a result of genuine parts – which is also critical for value retention.

Link: https://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/

Sharing a passion for the 124 model series

The company-recognised Mercedes-Benz brand clubs form a unique international community. Members share a mutual enthusiasm for the brand, specific eras, classes or individual model series. These brand clubs, with their extensive knowledge, also support new enthusiasts interested in owning a Mercedes-Benz classic. This invaluable commitment to the brand is supported by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Club Management, the central organisation which oversees nearly 80 clubs with over 120,000 members worldwide.

Link: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/exclusive/mercedes-benz-classic-club/club-addresses/

One premiere address for owners and fans of the 124 model series is the W 124 Club Deutschland e.V., which hosts numerous events ranging from drives and annual meet-ups to technical workshops. The club celebrated the 40th birthday of the model series at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The technical resources which the club makes available to members, covering all the versions of the modern classic car, are of particular importance.

Link: https://w124-club.mercedes-benz-clubs.com/w-124-technik/

A versatile classic

The 124 model series impresses with its variety, not only in terms of the body versions, but also with a diverse array of models. Engine options range from four-cylinder entry-level versions such as the Mercedes-Benz 200 and 200 D all the way to high-performance saloons powered by V8 engines. The iconic 500 E, unveiled at the Paris Autosalon as a top model in 1990, features an eight-cylinder engine producing 240 kW (326 hp); the driving performance transforms the saloon into a powerful sports car.

The E 60 AMG follows in 1993. This is one of the first AMG vehicles which Mercedes-Benz integrates in its official product portfolio. This is the year that the brand lays significant groundwork for the future. For instance, the vaehicles of the upper mid-size class are renamed “E-Class”. To this day, the name is synonymous with the brand’s business vehicles of the upper mid-size and executive classes.

40 years ago, the 124 model series sets technical benchmarks in its segment with distinguishing features such as high-strength sheet steel panels and weight-reducing materials. Exceptional passive safety is demonstrated by challenging offset crashes. The optimised aerodynamics lead to top scores for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The groundbreaking systems which premiere in the 124 model series include the panorama windscreen wiper, with what is then the world’s largest wiping field, and the first generation of the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system.

Further information and photos in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Multimedia Archive and Research System M@RS:

• Saloon (W 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/Limousinen-der-Baureihe-124-1984---1989.xhtml?oid=5258
• Estate (T-model) (S 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/T-Modelle-der-Baureihe-124-1985---1989.xhtml?oid=5387
• Coupé (C 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/Coups-der-Baureihe-124-1987---1989.xhtml?oid=4558
• Cabriolet (A 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/Cabriolets-der-Baureihe-124-1991---1993.xhtml?oid=4639

The Mercedes 2 Liter Targa Florio Race Car -- Celebrating the 1924 Victory

Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car from 1924. Vehicle with the number 32, driven at the Targa Florio 1924 by Christian Lautenschlager with co-driver Wilhelm Traub. Photo shot during the drive past the stands in the start/finish area. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: R575)

 “I was deeply touched by the Targa Florio racing car’s returning to Sicily, to the place of our great triumph 100 years ago. This experience is something very special, even for us at Mercedes-Benz Classic who deal with outstanding classics each and every day. In 1924, our brand wrote motorsport history with the 2-litre racing car. A hundred years later, one of the original vehicles has once again been stealing people’s hearts at its outings marking the anniversary. We owe our thanks to the combined expertise of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, the Group archive of Mercedes-Benz Classic and a strong network of experts, who together made it all possible. After the racing car’s return to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, every visitor can now admire it, initially in a special display on the Classic Island, and later in its regular place in the racing curve.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

A hundred-year-old’s trip around the world

The first moment to cause goosebumps was when the classic vehicle was put into operation in April 2024 after it’s complex restoration. This was followed by fascinating guest appearances at international highlight events for automotive classics. The racing car experienced a brilliant end of the season in Italy at the Targa Florio Classica from 10 to 13 October 2024 – at the site of the great Mercedes victory 100 years ago. This revival brings together racing cars of earlier eras and is reminiscent of the legendary years of the great Targa Florio road race. In the Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car, former Formular One racing driver Karl Wendlinger inspired spectators on a section of the historic Circuito delle Madonie.

This is the original vehicle in which Christian Lautenschlager finished in 11th place in the Targa Florio overall ranking on 27 April 1924. His teammate Christian Werner won the historic victory in an identically constructed Mercedes – the first driver not hailing from Italy. He won the race in 6:32:37.4 hours across four laps, each 108 kilometres long. The winning car from 1924 has not been preserved.

For the motorsport history of the brand, the great significance of the Targa Florio extends beyond Werner’s victory in 1924. In 1921, a Mercedes racing car took second place overall. The first overall victory with a privately entered Mercedes followed in 1922. In 1955, the double victory of Stirling Moss/Peter Collins and Juan Manuel Fangio/Karl Kling with the 300 SLR (W 196 S) secured the decisive points to win the sports car world championship.