Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp)

The Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp): A Paragon of 1980s German Engineering

The Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp) represents a significant chapter in the history of the German automotive giant, particularly within the esteemed W124 generation. Introduced in June 1985, this model was the station wagon (estate) variant of Mercedes-Benz’s executive car lineup, renowned for its exceptional build quality, engineering prowess, and understated elegance. While the W124 series enjoyed global recognition, the S124 250 TD, with its robust diesel powertrain, found its primary market and true calling in Europe, where its efficiency, durability, and practical utility made it an indispensable workhorse and a comfortable family hauler. It quickly established itself as a benchmark for luxury and reliability in the mid-size segment, embodying the brand’s commitment to longevity and driver satisfaction during its production run, which concluded in February 1989.

The W124 Legacy and the Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp) in its Market Segment

The W124 series, often considered by many enthusiasts and experts as the last “over-engineered” Mercedes-Benz, was a successor to the W123 and set new standards for safety, aerodynamics, and structural integrity. The S124, or ‘T-Modell’ as it was known in Germany, extended these virtues into a highly practical and spacious station wagon form. The Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp), specifically, was positioned for buyers who valued fuel economy, long-distance comfort, and uncompromising reliability over outright speed. In the competitive European market of the mid-to-late 1980s, it vied for attention against rivals like the BMW 5 Series Touring and the Audi 100 Avant, distinguishing itself with its unique blend of traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury, diesel frugality, and class-leading cargo capacity. Its rear-wheel-drive powertrain architecture, coupled with a sophisticated suspension system, ensured a comfortable and stable ride, a hallmark of the brand.

Engine and Performance: The Indestructible OM 602

At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp) lay the legendary OM 602 D 25 diesel engine, an inline five-cylinder, naturally aspirated unit celebrated for its almost indestructible nature. With an engine displacement of 2,497 cubic centimeters (152.38 cu. in.), this powerplant delivered a modest but highly dependable 90 horsepower at 4,600 rpm. Torque output stood at 154 Newton-meters (113.58 lb.-ft.) available at a relatively low 2,800 rpm, providing ample pulling power for everyday driving and heavy loads, a critical attribute for a station wagon.

The OM 602 featured a SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain and utilized a precombustion chamber injection system, a common and robust diesel technology of the era known for its smooth operation and reliability. With a high compression ratio of 22:1, the engine was designed for maximum efficiency and longevity. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the S124 250 TD was not built for blistering acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in a leisurely 16.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 102.53 mph (165 km/h). However, its performance figures were perfectly adequate for its intended purpose: comfortable, economical cruising. Fuel economy was a strong point, with an extra-urban consumption rate of 40.6 US mpg (5.8 l/100 km) and urban figures around 24.8 US mpg (9.5 l/100 km), making it an economical choice for both long journeys and city driving. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio of 16 kg/Hp (62.5 Hp/tonne) further underscores its focus on utility and endurance over raw speed.

Design and Features: Form Follows Function

The design of the Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp) was a testament to the W124 series’ philosophy of ‘form follows function,’ combining elegant lines with exceptional practicality. As a 5-door station wagon, it offered seating for five adults and a generous cargo area, making it ideal for families, professionals, and anyone requiring substantial hauling capacity. The exterior dimensions—187.6 inches in length, 68.5 inches in width, and 58.66 inches in height—contributed to its commanding yet refined presence on the road. The 110.24-inch wheelbase provided a stable platform and contributed significantly to the W124’s renowned ride quality.

Inside, the S124 featured the durable materials and ergonomic design characteristic of Mercedes-Benz during this period. While not overtly luxurious by today’s standards, the cabin was built to last, with high-quality plastics, robust upholstery, and intuitive controls. Safety features, advanced for its time, included a rigid passenger cell, anti-lock brakes (ABS was often optional or standard on higher trims), and a sophisticated suspension system designed to maintain stability under various driving conditions. The front suspension utilized a wishbone design, while the rear featured an independent multi-link setup, a groundbreaking innovation that significantly improved handling and ride comfort. Braking was handled by disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, providing confident stopping power. Steering was a hydraulic power-assisted cone worm with recirculating balls, offering a precise yet comfortable feel. The vehicle rode on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6.5J x 15-inch wheel rims, a practical size for comfort and cost-effective replacement.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp), like the entire W124 range, has achieved legendary status in the automotive world. Its reputation for bulletproof reliability, exceptional build quality, and enduring design has made it a highly sought-after classic, particularly in Europe where many examples continue to serve faithfully today. These vehicles were designed to cover hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal fuss, a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering principles of the era.

In its primary market, the S124 250 TD was a common sight as a taxi, a family car, and a long-distance cruiser. Its robust diesel engine, while not powerful, offered unparalleled longevity and low running costs, especially when coupled with its spacious interior and large cargo volume. Competitors like the BMW 5 Series Touring might have offered a sportier driving experience, and the Audi 100 Avant boasted innovative quattro all-wheel drive, but the S124 consistently stood out for its unyielding durability and a sense of solid, uncompromised engineering that few could match.

The historical significance of the Mercedes-Benz S124 250 TD (90 Hp) lies in its embodiment of a golden age for Mercedes-Benz, when quality and engineering integrity were paramount. It represents a period where vehicles were built to last, not merely for a lease cycle. Today, well-maintained S124 models command respectable prices, a clear indicator of their enduring appeal and the appreciation for their mechanical honesty and timeless design. It remains a beloved icon, a symbol of German engineering at its finest, proving that practicality, efficiency, and robustness can indeed coexist with luxury and prestige.