The Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E, produced from August 1984 to September 1985, represents a pivotal moment in the German automaker’s history. Falling into the mid-size executive car segment, the W124 was designed as a successor to the W201 (190E) and W116 models, aiming to combine luxury, performance, and a new level of safety. The 260 E, specifically, was a key variant offering a balance between fuel efficiency and respectable power, making it a popular choice in European markets. While not initially a major seller in the United States due to emissions and market preferences at the time, the W124 series as a whole gained a strong following among enthusiasts for its build quality and longevity.
The Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E: A Legacy of Engineering
The W124 series was a significant departure from its predecessors, introducing a more modern and aerodynamic design. Mercedes-Benz invested heavily in engineering and safety features, resulting in a vehicle that set new standards for its class. The 260 E, powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine, offered a refined driving experience and was positioned as a comfortable and capable grand tourer. Its robust construction and relatively simple mechanicals contributed to its reputation for reliability, making it a desirable classic car today.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 260 E lies the M103 E 26 engine, a 2.6-liter (2599 cm3) naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produced 170 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. Power delivery was smooth and linear, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder engines of the era. The 260 E could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 7.8 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio was 5.8 kg/Nm. The engine required 6.5 liters (6.87 US qt) of oil and 9.5 liters (10.04 US qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The W124 260 E was exclusively offered as a four-door sedan with seating for five passengers. Its design emphasized understated elegance and functional aerodynamics. The body featured clean lines, a relatively upright grille, and a spacious interior. Safety was a primary concern in the W124’s development, and the 260 E was equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, a relatively advanced feature for the mid-1980s. The interior was characterized by high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a well-designed dashboard. The car’s suspension utilized a wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls and hydraulic power assistance. The 260 E came equipped with 195/65 R15 tires on 6.5J x 15 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | W124 |
| Type (Engine) | 260 E (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1984 |
| End of production | September, 1985 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 218 km/h (135.46 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 4500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 103 E 26 / 103.940 |
| Engine displacement | 2599 cm3 (158.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.9 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.25 mm (3.16 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1850 kg (4078.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4740 mm (186.61 in.) |
| Width | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Height | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front/Rear: 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front/Rear: 6.5J x 15 |
The Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E remains a highly regarded vehicle, celebrated for its engineering excellence, build quality, and timeless design. Its robust mechanicals and relatively simple construction make it a popular choice for restoration and classic car enthusiasts, ensuring its continued presence on roads for years to come.
