Mercedes-Benz W124 history: the E-Class that started it all

W 124 history

The 124 series entered production at the end of 1984, about a year before the last 123 saloons left the line in November 1985. Its new six-cylinder engines also went into the S-Class from 1985.

In June 1993 a facelift brought the S-Class-style integrated radiator grille and the new naming system: the mid-range models became the E-Class, so the 300 D became the E 300 Diesel and the 400 E became the E 420. The same update introduced four-valve technology on the five- and six-cylinder diesels — a world first.

Saloon production ended between June and August 1995 as the 210-series E-Class arrived. Mercedes-Benz Classic records 2,213,167 saloons, 2,342 long-wheelbase saloons and 6,398 chassis for special bodies over the eleven years.[1],[3],[5]

Years and production numbers

Engine and drivetrain facts

• From June 1993 every W 124 diesel had exhaust-gas recirculation and an oxidizing catalytic converter as standard.
• Four-valve diesel technology raised torque and cut full-throttle consumption by up to 8%, per Mercedes-Benz Classic.
• The 4MATIC models and the E 500 ended in March and April 1995, ahead of the other saloons.

Sources:[3]

What changed, year by year

1. 1984–1985Saloon launch; new six-cylinder engines.
2. 1989Revised saloon range (the 1989–1993 series).
3. 1990500 E V8 joins the range.
4. 1993E-Class name, integrated grille, four-valve diesels.
5. 1995Replaced by the W 210 E-Class.

Sources:[2],[3],[4]

What to check before you buy one

• Check the engine wiring harness on early-1990s cars and the rear self-leveling suspension on estates.
• Inspect for rust at jacking points, wheel arches and under the battery tray.
• On diesels, ask for injection-pump and glow-plug service records.
• Confirm the exact model (e.g., 300 E vs. 300 E 2.6, 400 E vs. 500 E) with the build record — trim badges are easy to swap.

Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Mercedes-Benz E-Class known issues page.

How to verify the factory options of any W 124

W 124s were sold with a wide spread of options — sunroofs, automatic climate control, 4MATIC, sport seats. The factory data card lists each option code, which also helps when ordering correct parts.