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 variant, powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, was particularly popular in Europe where diesel engines enjoyed a strong market share due to fuel economy and durability. While not officially sold in the United States during its production run, the W124 series as a whole gained a following among enthusiasts for its build quality and longevity, with later models being imported through grey market channels.
The Mercedes-Benz W124 250 D: A Legacy of Engineering
The W124 was designed with a focus on safety, durability, and comfort. It introduced several advancements in passive safety, including reinforced passenger cell construction and crumple zones. The 250 D specifically, offered a blend of reasonable performance and excellent fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for long-distance travel. Its robust diesel engine was known for its reliability, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering at the time. The W124 series, including the 250 D, established a reputation for being exceptionally well-built and capable of high mileage with proper maintenance.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the W124 250 D is its OM602 D 25 inline five-cylinder diesel engine, displacing 2,497 cubic centimeters (152.38 cubic inches). This naturally aspirated engine produces 90 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 154 Nm (113.58 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,800 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 250 D offered adequate power for comfortable cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 16.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 15.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The engine utilizes precombustion chamber injection, a common diesel technology of the era, and features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The compression ratio is a high 22:1, typical for diesel engines. Fuel economy is a strong point, with urban consumption at 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg).
Design & Features
The W124 250 D is a four-door sedan with a classic, understated Mercedes-Benz design. Its body is characterized by clean lines, a relatively upright stance, and a focus on practicality. The interior is well-appointed, offering seating for five passengers. While not lavishly equipped by modern standards, the 250 D provided a comfortable and refined driving experience for its time. Standard features included hydraulic power steering, disc brakes on all four wheels, and a five-speed manual transmission. The suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. Safety features, while limited compared to contemporary vehicles, included a reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones. The vehicle’s design prioritized durability and longevity, with high-quality materials used throughout.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | W124 |
| Type (Engine) | 250 D (90 Hp) |
| 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) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| 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 oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 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 | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual 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 |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
The Mercedes-Benz W124 250 D remains a respected vehicle among enthusiasts, celebrated for its robust construction, fuel efficiency, and enduring reliability. It represents a high point in Mercedes-Benz engineering, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and durability that continues to appeal to drivers today.
