| Description |
| The W124 is a mid-sized luxury vehicle platform. Due to the high cost of German engineer-build-quality, the W124 was designed to last many miles, with awards actually given and worn by high mileage versions (155k, 312k, 465k, 620k, 1,000k miles). This unique characteristic of ownership explains the surprising number still on the road after the last one rolled off the assembly lines. Cost cutting became critical in the mid/late 90s as the over-engineered Mercedes models with a solid construction and the use of quality materials simply struggled to compete in price against mass-built Japanese high end cars. Much of the 124`s engineering and many of its features were advanced automotive technology at its introduction, incorporating innovations that have been adopted throughout the industry. It had one of the lowest coefficient of drag (Cd) of any vehicle of the time due to its aerodynamic body, that included plastic molding for the undercarriage to streamline airflow beneath the car, reducing fuel consumption and wind noise. It had a single windscreen wiper that had an eccentric mechanism at its base that extended the wiper`s reach to the top corners of the windscreen (more than if it had traveled in a simple arc). Mercedes-Benz`s four-wheel drive system, the 4Matic was first introduced on the W124 in 1986. The estate cars (model designation S124) came in 5- or 7-seat models, the 7-seater having a rear-facing bench seat that folded flush luggage compartment cover and an optional retractable cargo net and cover. Estate cars had Citroen-like self-leveling rear suspension with suspension struts rather than shock absorbers, gas-filled suspension spheres to provide damping and an under bonnet pressurizing pump. Unlike the traditional Citroën application Mercedes opted for a fixed ride height and employed rear coil springs to maintain the static ride height when parked. Fuel injection was standard, and the engines incorporated features that maximised performance. The most significant feature (over its predecessor the W123 series) was the addition of an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system which, in conjunction with a BOSCH semi-electronic fuel injection system, could make the engine run more efficiently. Thus producing a better power produced to fuel used ratio and also meeting stricter emission regulations. The basic design was face-lifted in 1993. Innovations of the W124 series were related to occupant safety. Its edgy body was designed to withstand an offset-crash in a concrete barrier at some 35 mp/h without serious harm to the occupants and a largely undamaged passenger cabin, a windshield that stays in place and doors easily to open without special recovery tools. This crash-test configuration, outstanding in 1984 and developed by Mercedes became the base for the Euro-NCAP procedure currently being the standard crash-test configuration in the EU. Most remarkably and unlike Euro-NCAP, Mercedes required the body of the W124 to withstand an offset impact from the front AND from the rear. The W124 gained a great reputation for reliability using the 12V 3.0L M103 I6 engine. The 103.980 engine (181 in.³ or 2960 cm³) produces 177 hp or 132 kW at 5700 rpm (with catalyst), 185 hp or 138 kW at 5700 rpm (without catalyst), and has a torque of 188 ft·lbf or 255 N·m at 4400 rpm (with catalyst), 191 ft·lbf or 260 N·m at 4400 rpm (without catalyst). It uses the CIS-E (Continuous Injection System - Electronic). The compression ratio is 9.2 : 1 with a redline of 6550 rpm in 1987 and 6200 rpm from 1988 on. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Lubrication system is pressure circulation lubrication system. Amount of oil in engine is 6.0 litres and amount of coolant is 8.5 litres. Number of valves is 1 intake, 1 exhaust with V-shaped overhead configuration. Valve operation was 1 top camshaft. Camshaft drive was simple roller-type chain. Starter motor is electrical with 1.5 kW; since Jan 1988 it was 1.7 kW. Ignition system is electronic ignition system. Recommended fuel octane for the M103 is 91 RON/MON (96 RON)(86 MON). | |
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| Fitted Equipment |
| MOT:00/00 | RFL:00/00 | Blue |
| Grey Leather | 4x4 | electric seats |
| driver and passenger airbags | double roller blind and sun visors | factory towbar |
| folding centre armrest | aircon | heat- insulated glass all round |
| heated rear window | headlamp wiper/washer | 15 hole alloy wheels |
| cargo anchorage | baggage rack | 7 seater folding seat bench |
| wood trim in burred walnut | roof bars | storage box in front tray |
| outside temp indicator | automatic radio antenna | 3 keys and original fobs |
| 4 owners | old MOT`s | old invoices |
| book pack. |
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