The Mercedes-Benz W124 250 D is a compact executive car produced by Mercedes-Benz between November 1984 and August 1989. Part of the W124 series, it represented a significant step forward in design and engineering for the German automaker, replacing the W201. The 250 D, specifically, was a diesel-powered variant aimed at providing fuel efficiency and durability, popular in European markets where diesel fuel was more affordable and readily available. While not initially a major seller in the United States due to the prevailing preference for gasoline engines, the W124 series as a whole gained a reputation for build quality and longevity, becoming a sought-after classic among enthusiasts.
The Mercedes-Benz W124 250 D: A Legacy of Engineering
The W124 series was designed with a focus on safety, comfort, and reliability. It introduced several advancements in passive safety, including reinforced passenger cell construction and side impact protection. The 250 D model, powered by a naturally aspirated diesel engine, offered a balance between performance and economy. It was positioned as a practical and dependable vehicle for everyday use, appealing to buyers who prioritized longevity over outright speed. The W124’s robust construction and relatively simple mechanicals contributed to its enduring reputation for reliability, making it a popular choice for high-mileage drivers.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the W124 250 D is its 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder diesel engine, designated OM 602 D 25 / 602.912. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 154 Nm (113.58 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2800 rpm. While the horsepower figure may seem modest by modern standards, the engine’s torque delivery provides adequate performance for comfortable cruising and everyday driving. The engine utilizes precombustion chamber injection, a common diesel technology of the era, to improve combustion efficiency. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 17 seconds, and the vehicle has a top speed of 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 15.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 9 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The W124 250 D is a four-door sedan with a classic, understated design. Its body style is characterized by clean lines, a relatively upright stance, and a spacious interior. The car seats five passengers comfortably. Key features of the W124 included hydraulic power steering, disc brakes on all four wheels, and a robust suspension system designed for both comfort and handling. The front suspension utilizes a wishbone design, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup. The interior was well-appointed for its time, with durable materials and a focus on ergonomics. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included a reinforced passenger cell and side impact protection. The 195/65 R15 tires, mounted on 6.5J x 15 inch wheel rims, provided a comfortable ride and adequate grip.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | W124 |
| Type (Engine) | 250 D (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | November, 1984 |
| End of production | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg, 11.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 36 Hp/l |
| Torque | 154 Nm @ 2800 rpm (113.58 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 602 D 25 / 602.912 |
| Engine displacement | 2497 cm3 (152.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 72 l (19.02 US gal | 15.84 UK gal) |
| Length | 4710 mm (185.43 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Rear track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/65 R15Rear wheel tires: 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6.5J x 15Rear wheel rims: 6.5J x 15 |
The Mercedes-Benz W124 250 D remains a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts, valued for its durability, comfort, and timeless design. Its robust engineering and relatively simple mechanics make it a relatively easy vehicle to maintain, ensuring that many examples continue to provide reliable transportation decades after their initial production.
