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8 September 2025 (updated) MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines
Between 1984 and 1997, the Mercedes-Benz W124 established itself as the benchmark for quality and durability in the upper mid-size class and offered an exceptionally diverse range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful V8 units. This model series went through various stages of evolution and is now regarded as one of the most reliable Mercedes generations of all time.
MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines (1984-1997)
The Mercedes-Benz W124 model series represents the pinnacle of German engineering in the 1980s and 1990s and is legendary for its exceptional longevity. With proper maintenance, typical MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines easily reach 400,000 to 600,000 kilometers, with many examples even exceeding the million mark. The first major repairs are usually only due after 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, mainly on wearing parts such as injection nozzles or automatic transmissions. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 300D with the legendary OM606 engine - a six-cylinder diesel that is regarded as one of the best diesel engines of all time. Technically, the W124 was ahead of its time with innovative features such as the four-valve cylinder head, electronic engine control and advanced exhaust gas purification. Compared to competitors such as the BMW 5 Series or Audi 100, Mercedes offered unsurpassed material quality and standards of workmanship.
MERCEDES-BENZ W124 petrol engines (1984-1997)
The MERCEDES-BENZ W124 petrol engine range comprised an impressive variety of four-cylinder to eight-cylinder units. The entry-level engines were the 200 (M102, 90 kW/122 hp) and 230E (M102, 100 kW/136 hp), both with proven four-cylinder architecture. The most popular engine was the 260E with the M103 six-cylinder (118 kW/160 hp), which was characterized by very smooth running and reliability. The 300E-24 with four-valve technology (162 kW/220 hp) catered for sporty demands, while the top models 400E and 500E were equipped with V8 engines (205 kW/279 hp and 240 kW/326 hp respectively). The legendary 500E was even assembled by Porsche in Zuffenhausen and is now considered a collector's item. These MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines were characterized by their exceptional longevity - even after 300,000 kilometers, they often still run like new and only require regular maintenance.
MERCEDES-BENZ W124 diesel engines (1984-1997)
The MERCEDES-BENZ W124 diesel engines were initially dominated by the proven OM601 four-cylinder engine in the 200D and 250D with 53 kW (72 hp) and 66 kW (90 hp) respectively. From 1985, the revolutionary OM602 five-cylinder engine with 69 kW (94 hp) was introduced in the 250D, which provided a characteristic engine sound thanks to its unusual number of cylinders. The absolute highlight, however, was the OM603 six-cylinder engine in the 300D with 80-100 kW (109-136 hp), which is regarded as one of the best diesel engines of all time. From 1987, the even more modern OM606 followed in the 300D with electronic injection and up to 100 kW (136 hp). These MERCEDES-BENZ W124 diesel engines are legendary for their indestructibility - mileages of over 500,000 kilometers without an engine overhaul are not uncommon. The OM606 in particular, with its indirect injection and robust design, developed into the most reliable engine of the entire series.
| MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 (M102) | 122 HP | 8.5-9.2 l/100km | Cylinder head gasket after 250,000 km | Good |
| 230E (M102) | 136 HP | 8.8-9.5 l/100km | Valve stem seals | Good |
| 260E (M103) | 160 HP | 9.2-10.1 l/100km | Very robust, hardly any weaknesses | Very good |
| 300E-24 (M104) | 220 HP | 10.5-11.2 l/100km | More complex four-valve technology | Good |
| 400E/500E (M119) | 279/326 HP | 12.8-15.1 l/100km | High consumption, otherwise robust | Good |
| 200D (OM601) | 72 HP | 6.8-7.5 l/100km | Slow, but indestructible | Average |
| 250D (OM602) | 94 HP | 7.2-7.8 l/100km | Characteristic 5-cylinder sound | Good |
| 300D (OM603/606) | 109-136 HP | 7.5-8.2 l/100km | Legendary reliability | Very good |
Conclusion: The best MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines of all time
The Mercedes-Benz W124 represents an era in which longevity and quality had top priority. The MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines of this generation are still a benchmark for reliability today and prove that German engineering in the 1980s and 1990s was second to none. While modern engines often show their first problems after 200,000 kilometers, W124 engines often run twice or three times as long without major repairs.
- Best MERCEDES-BENZ W124 petrol engine:
The M103 six-cylinder in the 260E perfectly combines reliability, reasonable performance and moderate consumption figures - an engine for the ages.
- Best MERCEDES-BENZ W124 diesel engine:
The OM606 in the 300D is regarded as one of the best diesel engines of all time and regularly achieves mileages of over 500,000 kilometers without an engine overhaul.
- Best MERCEDES-BENZ W124 sports engine:
The M119 V8 in the 500E offers impressive performance with surprisingly high reliability, albeit with corresponding fuel consumption.
For maintenance and spare parts for all MERCEDES-BENZ W124 engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts to keep these legendary vehicles running optimally even today.
