The Mercedes-Benz W124, produced from 1985 to 1996, represented a significant leap forward in engineering and design for the German automaker. The facelifted version introduced in 1989 brought subtle but important refinements to the already highly regarded platform. Among the variants offered was the 260 E 4MATIC, a sedan combining a 2.6-liter inline-six engine with Mercedes-Benz’s all-wheel-drive system. This model, produced between September 1989 and June 1991, was primarily aimed at European markets where demand for all-weather capability was high. While not officially sold in the United States during its production run, the W124 series as a whole gained a strong following among American enthusiasts for its build quality, durability, and classic Mercedes-Benz styling.
The Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E 4MATIC: A Detailed Overview
The W124 series was designed as a successor to the W201 (190E) and W123 models, aiming to offer a more modern and refined experience. The 260 E 4MATIC specifically targeted drivers needing enhanced traction in inclement weather. The 4MATIC system, a permanent all-wheel-drive setup, provided improved stability and control compared to rear-wheel-drive counterparts. This was achieved by utilizing a viscous coupling to distribute power between the front and rear axles as needed. The facelifted models, like the 1989-1991 260 E 4MATIC, featured cosmetic updates including revised grilles, bumpers, and interior trim, further solidifying the W124’s position as a premium mid-size sedan.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 260 E 4MATIC is the M 103 E 26 inline-six engine, a 2.6-liter (2597 cm3 or 158.48 cu. in.) naturally aspirated powerplant. This engine produced 160 horsepower (Hp) at 5800 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth operation and respectable power output for its time. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 10.4 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 9.9 seconds. The vehicle had a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 9.6 kg/Hp, and its power per liter was 61.6 Hp/l. The engine required 6.5 liters (6.87 US qt) of oil and 9 liters (9.51 US qt) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design & Features
The W124 260 E 4MATIC is a four-door sedan with seating for five passengers. Its design emphasized understated elegance and functional aerodynamics. The body’s dimensions are 4740 mm (186.61 in.) in length, 1740 mm (68.5 in.) in width, and 1450 mm (57.09 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm (110.24 in.). The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.), with a maximum permissible weight of 2060 kg (4541.52 lbs.). A key feature of this model was the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern standards, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The suspension utilized a wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Steering was handled by a cone worm system with hydraulic power assistance. The vehicle was equipped with 195/65 R15 tires on 6.5J x 15 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | W124 (facelift 1989) |
| Type | 260 E (160 Hp) 4MATIC |
| Start of production | September, 1989 |
| End of production | June, 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.3 l/100 km (16.4 US mpg, 19.8 UK mpg, 7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 4600 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 103 E 26 / 103.940 |
| Engine displacement | 2597 cm3 (158.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.9 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.2 mm (3.16 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2060 kg (4541.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| 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 | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Rear track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
The Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E 4MATIC, while not a high-performance sports sedan, offered a compelling combination of luxury, practicality, and all-weather capability. Its robust engineering and build quality have ensured its continued desirability among classic Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, representing a high point in the brand’s commitment to durable and refined automobiles.
