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.

Beartooth Highway, Wyoming and Montana

 

Mercedes-Benz First Estate Vehicle: the 1965 200 D Universal

Mercedes-Benz 200 D Universal

Surprise: An estate car from Mercedes-Benz back in the 1960s? The 123-series estate was not launched until 1978! This makes the 200 D Universal all the more astonishing for many visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Museum. It can be seen in Collection Room 5: Gallery of everyday heroes. Its history is intriguing.

Show premiere: The estate version based on the “fintail” 110 model series was presented by the then Daimler-Benz AG at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1965, initially as the 190 D. It had a load compartment capacity of 2.71 cubic metres behind the front seats for carrying a load of up to 710 kilograms. For that reason, this spacious body variant was fitted with larger 15-inch wheels than the saloon and came with reinforced springs. The new variant was of in-house design, and sales were via the dealer network. The vehicles were manufactured by IMA in Belgium on the basis of delivered chassis with partial bodywork.

Trendsetter: Quite appropriately, its model designation was “Universal”. Because this variant cut a fine figure on any road: it was the Mercedes-Benz among estate cars, and combined the advantages of the elegant saloon with a high utility value for daily use and leisure time. The Universal was already a harbinger of the attributes that Mercedes-Benz would establish twelve years later with the 123-series estate, which was launched in 1977 and went into series production in 1978.

High everyday utility: At the same time, the Universal heightened public perception of the “fintail” model series in a special way: the successful combination of spaciousness, comfort, performance, value for money and economy was considered ideal. The rigid passenger cell with crumple zones at the front and rear also set new standards in safety at the time.

Elegance: A look at this special estate shows a coherent all-round design. For example, the characteristic rear wings with their “guidance fins” are perfectly integrated into the bodywork – earning the model series the nickname “fintail” at the time. And of course the design of the entire rear section, including the large tailgate and low loading sill, is in keeping with the car’s role as a load carrier, yet it remains elegant and harmonious – typical of Mercedes-Benz.

Symbiosis: The press package of the 1960s describes the effort involved in styling and body construction: “Though the exterior lines already emphasise that this is a vehicle with special character, rather than a car whose rear end has merely been modified or extended, further examination of the uniform bodyshell structure shows that the design has been created as an inseparable whole.”

Premium quality: A glance into the rear compartment also reveals a consistent design for practicality and function with high visual appeal. Medium brown artificial leather gives the interior a cosy feel. The flooring resembles fine mahogany wood. In fact it is ‘Panolux’, as the press package explains: a composition of wood fibres and bakelite resin. “It guarantees maximum protection against scratches, stains, wear and tear, etc., not to mention the luxurious touch it gives the car.” And more: “The use of a wooden floor made of such a valuable material as ‘Panolux’ is more expensive than painted sheet metal, but in addition to the luxurious appearance, it offers the advantage of good sound insulation.” Screw-fitted chrome strips with rubber sections prevent the load from slipping. The rear seat can be folded down to create a load area around 1.90 metres long.

Also with a six-cylinder engine: From 1967, the 190 D Universal was followed by four variants of the “estate saloon” based on the 200 D, 200, 230 and 230 S models. The first two were powered by four-cylinder engines, the other two by six-cylinder units. The 230 S Universal had a special role to play: It was assigned to the luxury-class 111 model series and – with its longer front end, the front section typical of the corresponding saloon models with vertical rectangular headlights and lavish chrome trim – it was a particularly prestigious ancestor of later lifestyle estate cars.

Export career: The exhibit in the Mercedes-Benz Museum is a 200 D Universal. It has a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1988 cubic centimetres and an output of 40 kW (55 hp). The vehicle on display was delivered near to Bordeaux in France, and registered there in July 1968. It was therefore built after the facelift, and has the newly developed hydropneumatic suspension adjustment for added safety and comfort. This automatically adapts itself to the load weight.

Rarity: Plenty of space on four wheels, packaged in an elegant body – that’s what the Mercedes-Benz Universal already offered back in the 1960s. It is a rare beauty. Because between 1965 and 1968, just 2,754 units of the first Mercedes-Benz lifestyle estate were built. A total of 622,453 saloons and 5,859 chassis with partial bodies left the Sindelfingen plant during the six-and-a-half-year production period of the 110 model series.

Mercedes-Benz/Hydro Joint Venture: A Very Interesting North/South Development

 

• Corridor Program: Mercedes-Benz and Hydro extend their strategic partnership to support the long-term development of communities along the aluminium supply chain in the state of Pará, Brazil.
• Just Transition: Lighthouse project to create positive impacts for both people and nature throughout aluminium supply chain in Brazil.
• Joint efforts: Mercedes-Benz, Hydro and local NGOs form a steering committee to enhance community involvement in mining area.
• Decarbonization: In 2022, Hydro and Mercedes-Benz agreed to work together on a technology roadmap for producing low-carbon aluminium.

At the New York Climate Week, Mercedes-Benz and Hydro elevate their strategic partnership by enhancing the vertical integration of their aluminium supply chain and launching the long-term Corridor Program for a sustained development in the Amazon. Following their joint decarbonization roadmap Mercedes-Benz and Hydro signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with local NGOs and partners in the state of Pará, Brazil. Their goals include promoting human rights, generating income for local communities, fostering biodiversity and low-carbon value chains in the Brazilian Amazon. 

“In managing our supply chains responsibly, we concentrate on three goals: The decarbonization of our products, the promotion of human rights and the focus on more sustainability over the vehicles' entire life cycle. The joint Corridor Program manages to connect all three. In close cooperation with our partners, it has the potential to push the vertical integration of our supply chain to a new level.“ 
Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, Head of Procurement and Supplier Quality Mercedes-Benz Cars

The Corridor coalition aims to create a positive impact for the communities along the 244-kilometer bauxite slurry pipeline operated by Hydro, which runs through seven municipalities in the state of Pará, Brazil – from the Paragominas bauxite mine to the Alunorte alumina refinery in Barcarena. The goal is to engage local communities along the aluminium supply chain and empower them to improve their economic, ecological, and social well-being. Mercedes-Benz is part of the program's governance, helping to establish necessary structures and build knowledge for sustainable risk management in raw material supply chains.

The Corridor initiative reflects the company’s commitment to a "Just Transition": Prioritizing people and human rights along with responsible policies and community engagement as the decarbonization of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s business model leads to significant changes in technology, products, and workforce. The program has the potential to become a blueprint for the involvement of local communities and getting vertically engaged in vulnerable mining areas.

“The joint program with Hydro in Brazil serves as a model: We are sourcing aluminium with reduced CO_2-emissions and are firmly committed to uphold human rights along our supply chain. In doing so, we are putting our sustainable business strategy into practice. A special focus is placed on engaging with the local communities. This example demonstrates that decarbonization measures and social considerations can go hand in hand for a successful sustainable transformation.” 
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Integrity, Governance & Sustainability

“We are excited to further develop our strategic partnership with Mercedes-Benz, expanding our collaboration beyond low-carbon product development to create positive social and environmental impact in the Amazon. Working together, we aim to lift sustainability throughout our shared value chain, from mine to end-consumer product, while fostering economic opportunities and biodiversity conservation in the communities where we operate." 
Eivind Kallevik, President and CEO in Hydro

The program has been rethought from the ground up and is built on a fundraising concept. While some projects, like scaling up local farming (Tipitix) or sewing initiatives (Estilo), are already underway, the Corridor coalition aims for long-term value creation. Local communities living around the pipeline will identify and prioritize projects, ensuring they directly benefit their regions. This approach empowers local stakeholders to foster ownership and align with the project's overarching goals. This way Corridor intends to achieve improvements for the local people. Hence, data-based tracking of effectiveness will be a crucial part of the governance.

The program will be anchored on three strategic pillars:

• Economic Development: Identifying obstacles to the economic development and finding solutions to improve the conditions for raw material value chains in the territory.
• Social Development: Large scale approach to social development, targeting basic human needs, well-being, and opportunities. The program will pursue practical ways to implement improvements to the condition of life in the communities, both in urban centers but mainly in rural areas (e. g. ongoing TerPaz program).
• Environment and Biodiversity conservation: Working on the conservation of biodiversity in the Amazon, required to ensure positive gains for people and nature. The program will identify opportunities to reduce degradation of forests as a first target but with an ambition to contribute to the regeneration of nature.

The projects will operate in strict compliance with Brazilian laws and regulations. Moreover, the program will be implemented by a multi-institutional project organization composed by the companies and organizations. Partners include (but not limited to) Hydro Brazil, Alunorte, MPSA, Mercedes-Benz, IPAM*, IMAZON**, CEA***, Hydro Sustainability Fund and BCG.

About Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is dedicated to responsible raw material sourcing and advancing global mining standards. Key to this is ensuring low participation barriers for mining communities and indigenous peoples as well as effective certification schemes. The company is actively involved in various raw material initiatives and has extended partnerships with Bon Pasteur in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Terre des Hommes in India to support human rights. Mercedes-Benz aims to merge commercial success with responsible actions towards the environment, people, and society across the entire value chain. 
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz will consistently create the preconditions for a net carbon-neutral**** 
new vehicle fleet by 2039. The company focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions and preserving resources through its "Design for Environment" approach. Mercedes-Benz collaborates with partners to research sustainable materials and promote circularity.

About Hydro

Hydro is a Norwegian leading aluminium and energy company that builds businesses and partnerships for a more sustainable future. Hydro is committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable future, creating more viable societies by developing natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways. Hydro is through its businesses present in a broad range of market segments for aluminium, energy, metal recycling, renewables and batteries, offering a unique wealth of knowledge and competence.

Singapore Grand Prix Preview

 

Second leg of the double header takes place at Marina Bay in Singapore.

• Toto Talks Singapore
• Fact File: Singapore Grand Prix
• Stat Sheet: Singapore Grand Prix

Toto Talks Singapore

We head straight to Singapore for the second race in this double header. Although a street circuit like Baku, Marina Bay is a different challenge. Physically, it is incredibly demanding on both the drivers and team members. The heat and humidity play a big role in that but so does the track itself. It is bumpy in places, contains a mixture of both low and high speed corners, and the walls are waiting to catch you out.

After a mixed weekend in Azerbaijan, we will take the learnings from Baku and aim for an improved performance in Singapore. At times, our pace was strong but we couldn't deliver that consistently. Our main challenge was controlling tyre temperatures and something we know we need to improve upon. It is encouraging that, when we get the car working, we have the pace to be competitive. Whilst we came away with a podium though, we know that it was fortuitous and we were P5 on merit.

We have additional motivation heading into this weekend too. Singapore has become a key race for our Title and Technical Partner PETRONAS in recent seasons, as the closest event to Malaysia. We are excited that this year we will be part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. We have enjoyed a record-breaking partnership with them since Mercedes returned to F1 as a works team in 2010. We have achieved incredible success together over the past 15 seasons and that relationship continues to grow as we push forward with our sustainability ambitions both on and off track, including the exciting work around sustainable fuels for 2026. We have several exciting moments planned as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations over the next week and look forward to sharing them with our fans.

Fact File: Singapore Grand Prix

• Last year's Singapore Grand Prix featured a new layout as redevelopment works took place in the vicinity of the track.
• The circuit between what was Turns 16 to 19 became one long 397.9m straight, reducing the number of corners from 23 down to 19.
• The circuit length was reduced from 5.063 km to 4.928 km and the number of laps of the Grand Prix increased from 61 to 62.
• Lap times were reduced by roughly 10 seconds due to the changes.
• The new layout was beneficial for the tyres; previously, they would begin to overheat towards the end of the lap, but the removal of four 90-degree corners helped them stay closer to the optimum operating window.
• Track evolution is incredibly high in Singapore, given that it is a street circuit. The surface can ramp up by as much as three seconds between FP1 on Friday and Qualifying on Saturday evening.
• The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most physically demanding races of the season. The intense humidity, warm temperatures, combined with the stop/start nature of the track, make it very challenging.
• Due to these factors, drivers can lose around 5kg of weight during the race through sweating alone.
• That stop/start nature, with a requirement for constant re-acceleration, ensures the circuit has one of the biggest fuel effects of the year. In simple terms, that means the amount of time you lose each lap is higher for every kilogram of extra fuel in the car.
• Owing to the large amount of time spent in corners, just over 50% of lap time is spent at full throttle - only Monaco and the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico have lower amounts.
• The track is also very bumpy. That adds to the stress that the drivers and cars are put through - that is particularly true with these new generation cars that run lower to the ground.
• With a speed limit of 60 km/h, and a layout that feeds in at turn two, the total pit lane time is the highest of the season at 25 seconds.
• Marina Bay is one of four circuits on the calendar to have a 60 km/h pitlane speed limit, owing to its tight nature. The others are Melbourne, Monaco, and Zandvoort.
• Being a street track, it is perhaps no surprise that all 14 of the previous Singapore Grands Prix have featured at least one Safety Car deployment.
• In the last six editions, we have seen 11 Safety Car deployments.
• The team has achieved four wins around the streets of Marina Bay. Three times with Lewis (2014, 2017, 2018) and once with Nico Rosberg (2016).  

Stat Sheet: Singapore Grand Prix

2024 Singapore Grand Prix
Session	Local Time (SST)	Brackley (BST)	Stuttgart (CEST)
Practice One – Friday	17:30 – 18:30	10:30 – 11:30	11:30 – 12:30
Practice Two - Friday	21:00 – 22:00	14:00 – 15:00	15:00 – 16:00
Practice Three – Saturday	17:30 – 18:30	10:30 – 11:30	11:30 – 12:30
Qualifying – Saturday	21:00 – 22:00	14:00 – 15:00	15:00 – 16:00
Grand Prix - Sunday	20:00	13:00	14:00

 

Race Records - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team at the Singapore Grand Prix
	Starts	Wins	Podiums	Pole Positions	Front row places	Fastest laps	DNF
Mercedes	12	4	7	3	7	4	5
Lewis Hamilton	14	4	7	4	6	3	3
George Russell	3	0	0	0	1	1	2
MB Power	14	5	12	5	10	6	18

 

Technical Stats - Season to Date (Pre-season Testing to Present)
	Laps Completed	Distance Covered (km)	Corners Taken	Gear Changes	PETRONAS Fuel Injections
Mercedes	5,178	26,539.084	85,619	253,196	107,400,000
Lewis Hamilton	2,593	13,323.442	42,884	126,562	104,000,000
George Russell	2,580	13,186.677	42,680	126,454	103,200,000
MB Power	19,741	101,123.239	324,894	964,539	788,680,000

 

Mercedes-Benz in Formula One
	Starts	Wins	Podium Places	Pole Positions	Front Row Places	Fastest Laps	1-2 Finishes	Front-Row Lockouts
Mercedes (all-time)	310	128	296	139	262	109	59	82
Mercedes (since 2010)	298	119	279	131	242	100	54	80
Lewis Hamilton	349	105	201	104	176	67	N/A	N/A
George Russell	121	2	14	3	11	8	N/A	N/A
MB Power	580	220	609	228	465