1990 Mercedes-Benz 300TE Station Wagon

Description

Daimler-Benz finally replaced the long-running and commercially successful W123 E-class range in 1985 with an all-new model, codenamed the W124.  Styled by Bruno Sacco’s team and boasting the lowest coefficient of drag for any passenger car at the time, the W124 came in sedan, estate, coupe and ultimately cabriolet versions.  The W124’s platform was typically well-engineered with independent front suspension via MacPherson struts and wishbones and five-link independent rear suspension, with coil springs and anti-roll bars front/rear.  A wide range of engine and tranmission combinations was available, including both petrol and diesel units ranging from the relatively underpowered 2-litre four-cylinders all the way to a thumping 5-litre V8.  We first saw the W124 here in March 1986 and the top of the model range was the 300E, featuring a silky smooth six-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts, while advanced safety features like ABS was installed on all but the cheapest models.  Initially priced at around $80,000, the 300E’s price went above six figures within a couple of years, prompting the release of the more affordable 260E, while stylish two-door and estate models were added later.  Rarely seen in Australia, the TE station wagon came in either five or seven seat versions, the latter cleverly folding flat for maximum load space.  The combination of bank vault build quality, superb handling and ride make the W124-series a fabulous modern classic, one that can easily cope with modern traffic conditions.  Once plentiful on Australian roads, finding a good W124 is becoming more difficult every year but they still represent remarkable value for money considering the original cost and legendary German build quality.