Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic

Introduction to the Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic

The Mercedes-Benz W124 series, produced from 1984 to 1995, stands as a testament to German automotive engineering, renowned for its exceptional build quality, durability, and refined driving experience. Within this iconic lineup, the S124 variant represented the highly practical and elegant station wagon (estate) body style. The Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic, produced from May 1985 to August 1989, emerged as a particularly desirable model, blending the W124’s inherent strengths with the versatility of a family hauler. Positioned in the executive segment of the European market, the 300 TE was designed to cater to discerning buyers who demanded both luxury and substantial cargo capacity without compromising on performance or comfort.

This generation of Mercedes-Benz cars, often referred to as “over-engineered,” set new benchmarks for reliability and longevity. The S124 300 TE, with its robust inline-six engine and sophisticated automatic transmission, exemplified this philosophy. It was a vehicle crafted for long-distance cruising and daily utility, offering a compelling blend of power, smoothness, and the unmistakable solidity characteristic of Mercedes-Benz vehicles from that era. While not officially sold as a “TE” in the United States, where it was often simply referred to as the 300 TD (diesel) or 300 E (sedan) with the “wagon” designation, its core mechanicals and design language were consistent with the global W124 platform, making it a recognizable and respected presence even across the Atlantic.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic

Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic resided the venerable M 103 E 30 / 103.983 engine, a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter (2962 cm3 or 180.75 cu. in.) inline-six powerplant. This engine configuration, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering, was celebrated for its inherent balance, smoothness, and robust power delivery. Equipped with a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and two valves per cylinder, the M103 featured a multi-port manifold injection system that ensured precise fuel delivery and optimal combustion efficiency for its time.

The engine produced a healthy 188 horsepower at 5700 rpm, translating to a specific output of 63.5 horsepower per liter. Peak torque stood at 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) available at a relatively accessible 4400 rpm. This combination of power and torque provided the S124 300 TE with ample motivation, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds). The top speed was rated at 130.49 mph (210 km/h), making it a capable performer on the Autobahn or any open highway.

Power was sent to the rear wheels via a smooth and durable 4-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox was well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing seamless shifts and contributing to the car’s relaxed yet capable demeanor. Despite its substantial curb weight of 3836.04 lbs, the 300 TE achieved a weight-to-power ratio of 9.3 kg/Hp (108 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 6.7 kg/Nm (149.4 Nm/tonne), indicating a well-balanced power-to-weight characteristic for an executive station wagon of its era. Fuel economy figures, while not exceptional by modern standards, were reasonable for a large luxury vehicle with a 3.0-liter engine: approximately 17.4 US mpg in urban driving and 26.1 US mpg on the highway. Its 19.02 US gallon fuel tank provided a substantial cruising range.

Design and Features: Practical Elegance

The S124 300 TE embodied the understated elegance and functional design ethos of Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s. As a 5-door, 5-seat station wagon (or estate, as it’s known in Europe), it masterfully blended the W124 sedan’s sophisticated lines with enhanced practicality. The exterior design, penned by Bruno Sacco, featured clean, aerodynamic surfaces and a timeless aesthetic that has aged remarkably well. Its length of 187.6 inches, width of 68.5 inches, and height of 58.66 inches, combined with a generous 110.24-inch wheelbase, provided a spacious and comfortable cabin for occupants and a substantial cargo area.

The S124 wagon was particularly lauded for its versatile interior. While standard seating accommodated five adults, optional rear-facing third-row seats (not detailed in the provided data but a common feature of the S124) could increase passenger capacity, making it an excellent choice for larger families. The rear cargo area was easily accessible via a large tailgate, and the rear seats could typically fold down, creating a vast, flat load floor. This emphasis on practicality, combined with the luxurious appointments expected from Mercedes-Benz, made the 300 TE a highly sought-after vehicle in its primary European markets.

Mechanically, the S124 featured advanced suspension systems for its time. The front utilized a wishbone setup, while the rear boasted an independent multi-link suspension, a pioneering design that greatly contributed to the W124’s renowned ride comfort, precise handling, and excellent stability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing confident stopping power. The steering system was a hydraulic power-assisted cone worm with recirculation balls, offering a precise yet comfortable feel. The car rode on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6.5J x 15-inch wheel rims, a specification that balanced ride comfort with adequate grip.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic

The Mercedes-Benz W124 series, and particularly its S124 station wagon variant, left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, especially in Europe where these vehicles were highly valued for their blend of luxury, safety, and practicality. The Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE (188 Hp) Automatic quickly gained a reputation for being exceptionally well-built and incredibly durable, earning the moniker of “over-engineered.” This was not a derogatory term but rather a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality, often going above and beyond industry standards in material selection, assembly precision, and component robustness.

In its primary European market, the 300 TE competed directly with other premium executive station wagons such as the BMW 5-Series Touring (E34 generation, which followed the W124) and the Audi 100 Avant. While BMW offered a sportier driving experience and Audi pioneered quattro all-wheel drive, the Mercedes-Benz S124 stood out for its unparalleled ride comfort, serene cabin, and reputation for bulletproof reliability. It was the preferred choice for professionals, affluent families, and even taxi operators in some regions due to its ability to effortlessly rack up hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance.

The S124’s influence extended beyond its sales figures. Its innovative multi-link rear suspension design became a benchmark for ride and handling, influencing subsequent generations of luxury vehicles. Its safety features, including a robust passenger cell and standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in many markets, were advanced for the time. The timeless design has ensured that the S124 remains a beloved classic, appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide for its driving dynamics, comfort, and the tangible sense of quality that permeates every aspect of the car.

Today, well-maintained examples of the Mercedes-Benz S124 300 TE are highly sought after, reflecting their enduring appeal and the lasting legacy of a vehicle that truly defined an era of automotive excellence. It represents a golden age for Mercedes-Benz, where engineering integrity and customer satisfaction were paramount, producing a car that was not just a means of transport but a cherished possession built to last.