The Mercedes-Benz S124 (facelift 1989) 300 TE-24 represents a pinnacle of German engineering and practical luxury within the esteemed W124 series. Introduced in 1985, the W124 quickly gained recognition for its exceptional build quality, durability, and sophisticated driving experience. The 300 TE-24, specifically, arrived in June 1989 as a significant upgrade, featuring Mercedes-Benz’s advanced M104 24-valve inline-six engine, replacing the earlier 12-valve versions. This enhancement positioned it as a high-performance, yet supremely practical, luxury estate car primarily sold in the European market, offering the spaciousness of a station wagon with the refinement expected from the three-pointed star. Production of this variant concluded in October 1992, making it a relatively short-lived but impactful model within the W124 lineage.
Engine & Performance: The Dawn of the 24-Valve Era
The heart of the Mercedes-Benz S124 (facelift 1989) 300 TE-24 is its defining feature: the M104 E30 engine. This naturally aspirated 3.0-liter (2960 cm3 or 180.63 cu. in.) inline-six powerplant marked a technological advancement for Mercedes-Benz. The introduction of a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder – totaling 24 valves – allowed for improved breathing and combustion efficiency compared to its 12-valve predecessors. This resulted in a robust 220 horsepower at 6400 rpm, yielding a specific power output of 74.3 horsepower per liter. Torque figures were equally impressive for the era, peaking at 195.45 lb.-ft. (265 Nm) at 4600 rpm, providing strong mid-range acceleration.
Power was delivered exclusively to the rear wheels via a precise 5-speed manual transmission, emphasizing driver engagement. This powertrain combination enabled the 300 TE-24 to achieve spirited performance for a luxury station wagon. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds) and reach a top speed of 137.94 mph (222 km/h). These figures were competitive with many sport sedans of the period, highlighting the “sporting” nature of this estate model. The engine’s front, longitudinal layout contributed to the W124’s balanced weight distribution and characteristic driving dynamics. With a compression ratio of 10:1 and a multi-port manifold fuel injection system, the M104 engine was both powerful and refined, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Despite its performance capabilities, the 300 TE-24 maintained reasonable fuel economy for a large, powerful luxury car. Urban consumption was approximately 15.2 US mpg (15.5 l/100 km), while extra-urban driving could yield around 26.4 US mpg (8.9 l/100 km). This blend of performance and relative efficiency, coupled with a 19.02 US gallon (72 l) fuel tank, made it an ideal grand tourer.
Design & Features: Timeless Elegance and Unmatched Utility
The Mercedes-Benz S124 (facelift 1989) 300 TE-24 inherited the W124’s design philosophy of “form follows function,” characterized by clean lines, a robust stance, and aerodynamic efficiency. The station wagon (estate) body type offered unparalleled practicality, with five doors and comfortable seating for five passengers. The 1989 facelift brought subtle updates, including body-colored side moldings and a revised front grille, enhancing its modern appeal while retaining its classic Mercedes-Benz identity.
The interior of the S124 was a benchmark for ergonomic design and material quality. Plush seating, high-quality fabrics or optional leather, and meticulously crafted wood trim created an atmosphere of understated luxury. As a premium vehicle, it came equipped with features designed for comfort and convenience, including automatic climate control, power windows, power mirrors, and a sophisticated audio system.
Safety was a paramount concern for Mercedes-Benz, and the W124 series was renowned for its robust construction and advanced safety systems. The 300 TE-24 featured an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking and enhancing directional stability. The braking system comprised ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing strong and consistent stopping power. The suspension – a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension – contributed to the S124’s legendary ride comfort, precise handling, and stability, even when fully loaded. The multi-link rear suspension maintained consistent wheel alignment, improving ride quality and tire wear. Steering was managed by a durable cone worm system with recirculating balls, offering a blend of road feel and effortless operation.
With a kerb weight of 3505.35 lbs (1590 kg) and a maximum permissible weight of 3836.04 lbs (1740 kg), the S124 300 TE-24 was a substantial vehicle, reflecting its solid construction. Its dimensions – 187.6 inches (4765 mm) in length, 68.5 inches (1740 mm) in width, and 58.62 inches (1489 mm) in height – provided ample interior space and a commanding road presence. The generous 110.24-inch (2800 mm) wheelbase further contributed to its stable ride and spacious cabin.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | S124 (facelift 1989) |
| Type (Engine) | 300 TE-24 (220 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 1989 |
| End of production | October, 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 15.5 l/100 km (15.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (0 – 100 km/h) | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 137.94 mph (222 km/h) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.2 kg/Hp, 138.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 166.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per liter | 74.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 195.45 lb.-ft. (265 Nm) @ 4600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 104 E 30 / 104.980 |
| Engine displacement | 2960 cm3 (180.63 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.48 in. (88.5 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 3.16 in. (80.2 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3505.35 lbs (1590 kg) |
| Max. weight | 3836.04 lbs (1740 kg) |
| Max load | 330.69 lbs (150 kg) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 19.02 US gal (72 l) |
| Length | 187.6 in. (4765 mm) |
| Width | 68.5 in. (1740 mm) |
| Height | 58.62 in. (1489 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 110.24 in. (2800 mm) |
| Front track | 58.94 in. (1497 mm) |
| Rear (Back) track | 58.94 in. (1497 mm) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size (Front & Rear) | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size (Front & Rear) | 6.5J x 15 |
Legacy and Market Impact: The Enduring Appeal of an Over-Engineered Classic
The Mercedes-Benz S124 series, and particularly the potent Mercedes-Benz S124 (facelift 1989) 300 TE-24, holds an indelible place in automotive history. While the W124 sedans were sold globally, including in the USA, the estate variants, especially the high-performance 24-valve models, found their most enthusiastic audience in Europe. Here, they competed against rivals such as the BMW 5-Series Touring (E34 generation) and the Audi 100 Avant (C3/C4 generations) in the executive estate segment.
What set the S124 apart was its reputation for being “over-engineered.” This wasn’t merely a marketing slogan; it was a fundamental aspect of its design and construction. Every component, from the robust chassis to the meticulously assembled interior, was built to withstand the test of time, often exceeding contemporary industry standards. This legendary durability, combined with the refined power of the M104 24-valve engine, made the 300 TE-24 a highly desirable vehicle for discerning European buyers who demanded performance, luxury, and unmatched reliability for both daily driving and long-distance travel.
Its legacy is one of a vehicle that successfully blended the practicality of a station wagon with the driving dynamics and prestige of a luxury sedan. It was a status symbol for families and professionals, capable of effortlessly swallowing luggage or transporting clients in comfort. Today, the W124 series, and particularly the well-maintained 24-valve estates, are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. They represent a golden era of Mercedes-Benz engineering, a period when quality and longevity were prioritized. The 300 TE-24 stands as a shining example of this philosophy, continuing to be admired for its timeless elegance, robust performance, and enduring mechanical integrity, solidifying its status as a true modern classic.
