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, and specifically the 260 E model, refined the already successful W124 platform. Positioned as a mid-size executive car, the W124 aimed to blend luxury, performance, and durability, becoming a popular choice for discerning buyers in Europe and beyond. The 260 E, with its 2.6-liter inline-six engine, offered a compelling balance of power and fuel efficiency within the W124 range.
Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E: A Refined Executive Sedan
The W124 series was designed as a successor to the W201 (190E) and W123 models, addressing criticisms of the earlier cars regarding build quality and refinement. The 1989 facelift brought subtle but important changes to the exterior styling, including revised headlights, grilles, and interior trim. The 260 E, introduced as part of this update, was intended to provide a more powerful and sophisticated alternative to the four-cylinder models, appealing to customers who desired a smoother and more capable driving experience. While never officially sold in the United States, the W124 gained a strong following among enthusiasts who appreciated its robust construction and timeless design.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 260 E is its M103 E 26 inline-six engine, a 2.6-liter (2597 cm³) naturally aspirated powerplant. This engine produced 160 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth operation and respectable performance. Power delivery was linear and predictable, making it well-suited for both city driving and long-distance cruising. The engine’s specific output was 61.6 horsepower per liter. The 260 E was equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 9.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 9.3 seconds. The car had a top speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 8.9 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 6.5 kg/Nm contributed to a balanced driving experience.
Design & Features
The W124 260 E is a four-door sedan with a classic, understated design. Its body style emphasized practicality and elegance, rather than overt sportiness. The car offered seating for five passengers and a spacious interior for its class. Key features included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. A significant advancement for its time was the inclusion of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), enhancing safety and control during emergency braking. The suspension utilized a wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The interior was characterized by high-quality materials and a focus on ergonomics. The 260 E typically featured comfortable seating, wood trim, and a well-designed dashboard. The car’s design prioritized safety and durability, with a robust chassis and crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | W124 (facelift 1989) |
| Type | 260 E (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 1989 |
| End of production | October, 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.5 l/100 km (16.2 US mpg / 19.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg / 35.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 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 | 82.91 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.19 mm (3.16 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| 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 | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1420 kg (3130.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1990 kg (4387.2 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 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 | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1501 mm (59.09 in.) |
| Rear track | 1491 mm (58.7 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 | 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: 195/65 R15, Rear: 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front: 6.5J x 15, Rear: 6.5J x 15 |
The Mercedes-Benz W124 260 E remains a highly regarded vehicle, celebrated for its build quality, reliability, and refined driving experience. Its enduring appeal continues to attract enthusiasts who appreciate a classic Mercedes-Benz that embodies the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence.
