1985 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) 260 E 5MT RWD (166 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz had to replace the successful W123 series, and work on the new model started in 1976, the same year its predecessor entered the market.

It was not usual for an automaker to develop a new product in such a long time. But the German automaker didn’t rush. It took its time and took things slowly. And it did that well. The W123 proved a stunning success, with over two million units produced in its ten-year lifespan.

With a design signed by Bruno Sacco, the W124 showed a clear departure from the rest of the range. It looked more like a larger 190 than a shrunk S-Class (W126). But it didn’t need any badge to recognize the car’s brand. Its rectangular, slightly tilted headlights featured corner-mounted orange turn signals. The hood featured a slight V-shaped bulge, continued by a raked windshield. From its profile, the angular shapes were softened by curved door panels, while at the back, the raked-forward rear windscreen. Finally, at the back, the taillights flanked the V-shaped trunk opening.

Inside, the cabin was fitted with two bucket seats at the front and a bench in the rear. Sacco also created the angular-looking dashboard, with a trapezoidal shape for the instrument cluster, with a sloped area in front of the side passenger. A massive center stack hosted the tape player and the HVAC controls, extending between the front seats with a center console. There was enough room for three passengers in the rear, although the transmission tunnel was quite tall.

Under the hood, the German automaker installed a choice of gasoline engines ranging from 2.0 to 3.0-liter, offered either with a carburetor or fuel-injection system. Similar displacements were available for the diesel powerplants. A four-speed manual was fitted on the lower trim levels, while a four-speed automatic was on the options list. Power went to the rear wheels. Later on, an all-wheel drive system named 4Matic was added for selected engines.