2.3. Model range
1984, December
The model range of W-124 replaces models of the W-123 program. Besides, three diesel cars and four — with the petrol engine are created. The new model range represents a set of developments. Distinctive features are notable profitability and quality. the 4-cylinder engine is known on a model range 190/190 E.
Absolutely new development – 6-cylinder motors 260 E/300 E. On the basis of the 4-cylinder diesel 190 D (W-201) engine in a model range of W-124 the whole generation of engines is presented. It covers along with known 4-cylinder the 66 kW new 5-cylinder diesel (model 250 D), and also the 80 kW 6-cylinder diesel (model 300 D).
1985, May
More and more RUF-engines or Kat-executions are offered.
December
Versatile persons under the name of T-model expand the offered model range. Workmanship of the sedan and versatile person — identical. In comparison with predecessors car body volume is significantly increased. The interesting decision is represented by the trunk lid which is closed by means of the electric drive.
1986, September
All cars with 6-cylinder engines are serially equipped with ABS. In all cars the catalyst serially is installed. As additional equipment for diesel engines is established the speed counter.
1987, January
The beginning of deliveries of cars with automatic blocking of differential (ASD) of a back axis which at desire is run by electronics.
1987, May
The first models 4Matic are delivered. It is automatically operated drive on 4 wheels. For turning on of the four-wheel drive, blocking of the main differential and differential of a back axis electronics and hydraulics are involved. Elegant compartments 230 CE and 300 CE supplement a model range of W-124.
1987, September
The index of temperature is supplied with new electronics. The screen wiper lever — here a new covering and fastening of janitors is changed. Safety cushions receive new management with the built-in device of accumulation of energy and transformation of effort. Locks of seat belts are supplied with contact switches.
1988, September
The THOSE types 200 E and 200 supplement a model range of W-124. A rank "Diesel-89" Mercedes-Benz – the following step to minimization of toxicity of exhaust gases. Thanks to fuel combustion process improvement the level of toxicity of exhaust gases decreased by 40%. The anti-blocking system is serially put on model with 4-and 5-cylinder engines now. The right external side mirror is included in the delivery package. The safety cushion for the passenger on the right and automatic seat belts at both front seats is established.
1989, September
The middle class of Mercedes — a standard row W-124 is added with the E-24 models 300, 300 SE-24 and 300 TE-24. They are supplied with the 24-valvate engine with the adjustable drive of the camshaft of inlet valves.
1990, February
The ASR system is offered as an option for all models with 6-cylinder engines.
1990, May/June
By request Tempomat is established. The switch on a pedal of coupling disconnects "темпомат" when pressing a pedal. Installation in quality of an option of the fuel tank on 90 l is possible (except T-model).
1991, June
Model 260 E is not delivered any more. Production of models 200 TD and 300 D 4Matic is also finished.
Diesel engines are equipped with catalytic converters, cars with the automatic transmission are supplied with the mechanical managing director of the valve. On all models the steering wheel of a new sample with a diameter of 400 mm which till this time was accessory of models of a S-class is established. Instead of former disks of wheels from light metal with 8-bolted fastening are established.
1992, June
All models are equipped with new engines. Leaves in a series 8-cylinder 400 E. The acquaintance on model 250 TD the ARA system is applied in 200 D.
1993, July
There is a replacement of an abbreviation of a model range. All Mercedes models of the W-124 type are designated as the E-class now. Models with diesel engines on the right side of a trunk lid have the inscription Diesel. The new cover of a cowl and new execution of a luggage carrier give to cars C - and a S-class uniform appearance. It is the simplest to distinguish new models on a three-beam star. Now it is established on the varnished part of a cowl, but not on a front grille as earlier.
1994, December
The E-class offers 32 options. The newest model — a compartment 200 E.
1995, June
The new E-class is presented.
September:
The model range "Е" is added with models E 420 and E 290 TD.
1996, January
The model range is expanded sports version 50 AMG.
December
There was all-wheel drive model E 280 4Matic (the V-shaped 6-cylinder engine).
1997, March
Model E 280 and E 320, equipped with the V-shaped 6-cylinder engine, finish a model range.
June
The market is entered by model E 320 4Matic with the V-shaped 6-cylinder engine.
September
Production of model E 240 (the V-shaped 6-cylinder engine) and E430 (the V-shaped 8-cylinder engine) began.
1998, June
In the market models 200 CDI and 220 CDI with direct injection appear.
1999, June
Emergence of model E 270 CDI. Instead of the 5-staged mechanical transmission 6-staged is serially put;
August
There is model E 320 CDI;
November
On model E 430 4Matic it is possible to install the V-shaped 8-cylinder engine.
Now on the first place in preferences of buyers — individual approach and extensive opportunities for the choice. Mercedes answers them, using various complete sets of models. This principle is underlain from models of the S-class and consistently proceeds in E-class models.
Three options of a complete set of a body are offered the buyer: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde (fig. 1.3) differing in finishing of an interior, and also decorative elements of a body.
Classic model. Basic Mercedes model of the E-class. Completely completed car uniting unostentatious elegance with functionality, typical for Mercedes, and, thus, meeting needs of buyers of cars of the improved middle class.
Distinctive features of the Classic model:
1. Wheels on steel disks with decorative caps.
2. Glasses of a green shade.
3. Decorative panels on a roof, racks, a luggage carrier and a front from the anodized hematite.
4. Decorative panels of racks and glasses visually correspond to the anodized aluminum and are covered with a brilliant black varnish.
5. A bumper with a protective plate of contrast color.
6. Visible surfaces of a covering of a bumper are executed in color the car.
7. Wooden coverings are made of a plane tree.
8. Material of a covering of seats of the drawing "Wave", color — black, blue, champignon or gray.
9. MB-Tex upholstery material, color — black, blue, a saffron, champignon or gray.
10. The lever of gear shifting and a steering wheel from foam material of black color.
11. The lower average console with an open ware box.
Elegance model. The chromeplated slips on outer sides of bumpers, handles of doors and side panels, disks of wheels from light metal, and also nut and skin on a wheel and the lever of gear shifting in interior of the car provide to the Elegance model an aristocratic look.
Distinctive features of the Elegance model:
1. Disks from light metal on 10 bolts of fastening.
2. Decorative panels under color of the car.
3. The covering of racks and doors is harmoniously combined with a black varnish covering.
4. Side moldings of contrast color with the chromeplated slips.
5. The chromeplated handles of doors.
6. Bumpers contrast with chromic overlays and color of the car.
7. The wooden covering is made of nut.
8. Material of an upholstery Presto, color — black, blue, champignon, or gray.
9. Skin color of an upholstery of salon: black, blue, saffron, champignon or gray.
10. The lever of gear shifting and a steering wheel are fitted by skin under color of the panel.
11. Pockets on backs of front seats.
12. Convenient armrests.
13. Good having blown in a back part of salon.
14. Sun-protection peaks with the mirror having illumination.
15. Antiglare rear-view mirror.
Avantgarde model. This model has expressly modern and sports appearance.
Distinctive features of the Avantgarde model:
1. Disks (16 inches) from light alloy on 5 bolts of fastening with wide rubber 215/55 R 16.
2. Low landing of the car.
3. The glasses tinted in blue color.
4. Moldings on a roof under color of the car.
5. Decorative slips on average racks and on grooves of glasses of back doors of color of the car with a film of smooth transition of color.
6. A bumper and protection of the car with the chromeplated slips.
7. Good having blown in a back part of salon.
8. Pockets on a back part of front seats.
9. Exclusive types of a covering of a body: metallic of Violan and green Amazonit.
10. The chromeplated handles of doors.
11. A radiator casing with the black varnished lamels.
12. Xenon headlights.
13. The wooden covering is made of a maple.
14. Material of an upholstery of seats of the drawing Tiffany, color — black/green, black/red or black/grey.
15. Skin color of an upholstery of salon: black, blue or gray.
16. The lever of gear shifting and a steering wheel with covering from black skin.
17. Convenient armrests.
18. Cleaners of headlights.
19. Adjustment of range of light.