E-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class Through The Years

[cawimmer430]

Found this old article in the used car section on Autobild. They explained the history behind some of the E-Classes and what to watch out for when buying a W124, W210 and W211. All the other E-Classes were sparsly mentioned, I guess people don't buy those awesome W123's anymore.

If you're planning on buying an E-Class, let me know and I can perhaps translate some of the important passages in the review.

Link: http://www.autobild.de/test/gebrauchtwagen/artikel.php?artikel_id=11428&artikel_seite=0



W120/W121 1953-1962. Also known as Ponton.


W110 "Heckflosse / Fintail", 1959-1968


W114/W115 "Strich-8" 1967-1976


W123, 1976-1985


W124, 1985-1995


W210, 1995-2002


W211, 2002-200X



E-Class Specials

W124 500E / E500 with the R129 500SL V8, 326-hp


582-hp W211 Brabus E-Class


W124 Stretchlimousine


The weakest gasoline engine in the W120/W121 had 72-hp. Now, the weakest gasoline E-Class has 163-horesepower.

 

[GTA45E]

Great find, I like this photo, it shows a clear and slow evolution in design up to the 4th generation E then things started to change when the W124 came on the scene. The W210 was even more "radicle" when it came on the scene
in 96 and some people really didn`t like the changes. Then comes the W211 with a more toned up feel to the evolved design. This model has really become a big hit in the US... and is a huge sales success for Mercedes-Benz.

 

[Matt]

not a fan of that w210...If things progress like they have we're going to be looking at a pretty attractive 2009 E class.

 

[Bruce]

I always love to see pictures of evolution of a certain automobile, thanks.

 

[cawimmer430]

Great find, I like this photo, it shows a clear and slow evolution in design up to the 4th generation E then things started to change when the W124 came on the scene. The W210 was even more "radicle" when it came on the scene
in 96 and some people really didn`t like the changes. Then comes the W211 with a more toned up feel to the evolved design. This model has really become a big hit in the US... and is a huge sales success for Mercedes-Benz.

Agree. The W114/W115 and W123 models in particular were basically the "same thing" design wise.

The W124 is in a class of its own when it comes to design. It doesn't really have styling cues inside and out from the W123. The W124 design was actually influenced by the 190-Series, which came out in 1982. This design direction also influenced the following MB's:

R129 SL (1989-2001)
W140 S-Class (1990-1998)
W202 C-Class (1993-2000)

The W211 is a rounder and more dynamic evolution of the W210 hands down. BTW, can you read German? This site is excellent: www.mercedes-seite.de.

 

[cawimmer430]

not a fan of that w210.

It was clearly not the best E-Class in terms of quality, but I always loved the design of the W210. I remember when I was a young boy back in 1996, I'd read the W210 brochure I had over and over again and stare at those pictures for hours. I can't do that anymore (lack of time ) but that design captivated me back then. I still find them to be elegant.

I suppose most people didn't like the "four-eyes look".

 

[Deleted member 182]

The W210 has a "notorious" reputation here in Finland because it get rusty really easily. They are importing a lot of those from Germany, though.

 

[cawimmer430]

The W210 has a "notorious" reputation here in Finland because it get rusty really easily. They are importing a lot of those from Germany, though.

Not only in Finland, also here.

 

[Gullwing]

I like the W210 and W211.
I love to work on the 210, it is so simple compaired to the 211. Though great improvements were made with the 07.
I just picked up a 2007 E350 Platinum Blue and Ash with sport package.
It is nice being a Master Tech, you get pretty good deals on some cars.

 

[cawimmer430]

I like the W210 and W211.
I love to work on the 210, it is so simple compaired to the 211. Though great improvements were made with the 07.
I just picked up a 2007 E350 Platinum Blue and Ash with sport package.
It is nice being a Master Tech, you get pretty good deals on some cars.

Welcome to GermanCarForum and congratulations on the purchase.

Feel free to post pictures of your new ride. PM me if you need help with picture hosting and posting.

 

[Gullwing]

I am the same gullwing from germancarfans, I just have not been very talkative for the past year.
I may post a few picks, but I am lazy.

 

[JaBriX]

W210 does not look so nice in that E class evolution pictures, W124 and W211 are my favourite =).

 

[cawimmer430]

I am the same gullwing from germancarfans, I just have not been very talkative for the past year.
I may post a few picks, but I am lazy.

Ah! Now I remember. You were very active on GermanCarFans.

 

[Gullwing]

This is the car I got.

This is the car I almost got...

E350 Saks 5th Ave.
After filling out paper work and waiting for four and a half hours, all I had to do was fill out a few more papers and it would be mine. But no, "Oh a special edition car, no you can't have that pick something else".

 

[klier]

Very nice man! Good to see you back posting!!!

 

[Merc1]

This is the car I got.

After filling out paper work and waiting for four and a half hours, all I had to do was fill out a few more papers and it would be mine. But no, "Oh a special edition car, no you can't have that pick something else".

Absolutely gorgeous. I love those wheels.

Now you know must visit the owners gallery and post a ton of pics!!!

M

 

[cawimmer430]

This is the car I got.

This is the car I almost got...

E350 Saks 5th Ave.
After filling out paper work and waiting for four and a half hours, all I had to do was fill out a few more papers and it would be mine. But no, "Oh a special edition car, no you can't have that pick something else".

GORGEOUS, JUST GORGEOUS!

 

[bum-man]

Didn't you have have a B5 A4 and 190E?

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

Hey good to see you again Gullwing. Welcome to GCF!

Man that E-Class is gorgeous, the color and the sport package look awesome on it. Congrats.

 

[Gullwing]

Thank you Thank you.
yes I still have the 87 190E and the 98 A4 2.8
But since I now live in Vegas where there is no snow, I don't need the A4. So if anyone wants it... I don't.
I would post pics of them, but they need to be washed, polished, waxed...