Mercedes-Benz Have Been Making The E Class And It’s Predecessors Since 1947

E Is For Epoch-making – The history of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class -Mercedes-Benz Have Been Making The E Class And It's Predecessors Since 1947

Mercedes-Benz are now on their tenth generation of the E Class. The origins of today’s car comes all the way from 1947 with its immediate predecessors.

This has been a hugely important model for Mercedes as it has sold well across all markets and in many different configurations. It was the desire for something below the large luxury cars, but something bigger and more refined than the smaller offerings that really defined the market segment.

It took Mercedes-Benz until 1993 to announce the E Class name that will be used on their upper mid sized cars towards the end of the W124 Production run. The W210 being the first chassis designation, that entered into production, in 1995 with the name from the start.

This range of cars has had it’s own range of technical innovation away from the S Class. From unitary construction, to suspension developments and safety features that would make their way through the rest of the range.

It doesn’t look like the E class is going anywhere soon either. It still underpinned a variety of different vehicles and offers a blend of luxury and refinement with an upper mid sized car. However, like all cars the current generation is quite a bit larger than the old ones.

We’ve take a look at the earlier days of the E Class here at Jalopy. After all we’re interested in the classics.

 

The Origins Of The E Class - 1947 to 1955: Mercedes-Benz 170 V and 170 DS

Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W 136), Saloon. Cover of the German 1950 brochure with a drawing by Walter Gotschke.

After the Second World War, Mercedes-Benz re-launched the model 170V known as the W136 chassis in 1947. This was originally produced in 1936 as a saloon car and a range of utility vehicles and trucks. With the interruption of the war to car production, Mercedes went back to the early model to resume passenger vehicles.

The factory suffered huge damage but unlike other manufacturers, Mercedes were not reliant on the bodies being made by now out of business coachbuilders. Their ability to get the 170V steel bodies produced played a big part in their quick recovery.

 

Mercedes-Benz 170 DS (W 191), Saloon. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Clas sic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

The 170v was initially available with a 35 hp 1697cc engine up to 1950. A more powerful 45 hp 1767cc unit available after that. There was also to be a Diesel engined version. In 1949 Mercedes developed the 170 D with its 38 hp, and later 40 hp from 1950, compact four-cylinder engine. It was powered by a compact four-cylinder engine with indirect pre-chamber injection system.

The 170S was also launched in 1949 to bring a more luxurious option to the mid-sized car. essentially the beginnings of the E class as we know it. There have always been a range of more utilitarian and luxurious offerings within the same chassis designation. More power was available too with 52 hp. This was to form the basis of the Cabriolet A and B versions. Until the larger six-cylinder cars arrived, this was to be the top model offering from Mercedes at the time.

 

Beautiful silhouette against a homely backdrop: Mercedes-Benz 170 V from the W 136 series, built from 1947 onwards

In 1952 Mercedes introduced the 170 DS diesel version known as W191 with 40 hp This was the final development in the model range.

As the final development stage in the W 136 model series, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 170 S-V and 170 S-D models in 1953. Spacious bodies, high standards of comfort and a rather elegant appearance. Only available for two years until production ended in 1955.

I rather like the style of the black 170DS on the banking in the picture above.

Mercedes-Benz 170 DS W 191 Saloon. Cockpit. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

Modern Construction - 1953 to 1962: Mercedes-Benz Ponton

Star of the Heimatfilm (sentimental films in idealised regional settings popular in the 50s): "Ponton Mercedes" saloon (Mercedes-Benz 120/121 series, 1953 to 1962) against a half-timbered house backdrop.

Things were moving quickly for Mercedes-Benz. In just a few years after resuming passenger car production they launch their first unitary or monocoque, constructed passenger car. A new style where a ‘pontoon’ (Ponton in German) style body enclosed the wheel into wings. This new style meant better aerodynamics and therefore better fuel economy.

The base model 180 came initially with the same 52 hp powerplant as the predecessor. But, from 1957 a new 1.9-litre engine with 65 hp, and later with 68 hp. This was a well established car and was good enough to have all the premium models use the car as a basis for all the premium six-cylinder cars in 1954. All the bodies were very closely modelled on those of the four-cylinder cars but had a slightly longer wheelbase.

In 1954 the 180 D Diesel was launched with the same 40 hp but almost straight away in 1953 with 43 hp. It might not sound much, but that increase in power (and torque) would have been felt. It got even higher with a 48 hp version in 1961. 

The 190 rolled off the production line in 1956 with its 75 hp motor and again like all the others received a more powerful unit in 1959 with 80 hp. A 190 D with 50 hp was launched in 1958.

 

There were also coupe and convertible models. These has a shorter wheelbase than the six cylinder saloons, but longer than the four cylinder models.

One of the key design features of the Ponton was the crumple zone. The design focused on passenger comfort and safety and the team headed by Dr. Fritz Nallinger included styling by Karl Wilfert and Béla Barényi, who masterminded the crash protection. This started a long established trend for ever increasing safety in Mercedes-Benz cars.

There is an example of how this worked with a period crash test car on display in the Deutsches Transport Museum in Munich. You can find a picture of it in the Jalopy Facebook image gallery.

 

Mercedes-Benz 180 Ponton W 120. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

There were some more great design innovations with the Ponton other than the unit construction. The single-joint swing axle at the rear with a low pivot point, which was introduced in 1955. In 1959 safety was considered on the inside with padded materials used on the instrument panel. Also partially recessed controls and a padded boss in the steering wheel.

Rather cleverly the Ponton had a heating and ventilation system, which could be individually regulated for the driver and front passenger. Something that seems rather clever on far more recent cars.

Mercedes sold around 443,000 four cylinder Pontons worldwide and the cars floorpan was used to develop the rather pretty 190SL.

 

Mercedes-Benz 180 "Ponton“ W 120. Cockpit. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

Finned Style - 1961 to 1968: Mercedes-Benz Fintail Saloon W110

Mercedes-Benz 200 Fintail W 110. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

Was it American influence over the more staid Germans that led to fins appearing on the W110? Small fins but still fins make this particular car stand out. Known as direction fins, or sights, distinguished this Mercedes-Benz upon its launch in 1961.

Actually, the W111 had fins appear two years earlier, but this was the S Class predecessor and didn’t get the same nickname of Fintail (or Tail Fin if you’re German). The bodies were largely the same, as before with Mercedes-Benz, the E Class variants have shorter bonnets and round headlights. But you can see there is a level of difference in body and interior adornment.

Again It was Béla Barényi, vehicle safety incorporating more crumple zones into the Fintail model. A safety passenger cell with crumple zones both at front and the rear. A patent application was filed on 23 January 1951 for the design and it was premiered in 1959 in the W111 model series.

 

Mercedes-Benz 200 Fintail W 110. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

Further technical highlights incorporated a dual circuit braking system with a brake servo for the front wheels. Disc brakes at the front and from 1967 a telescopic steering column which ‘collapses’ upon impact. Again, the padded steering wheel boss is present.

These things may seem small, but a lot of this still underpins vehicle safety today.

The launch included both 190 and 190 D four-cylinder saloons. Later in 1965 the 200 and 200 D were introduced. The 230 was a six-cylinder in a segment that had normally only had a four-cylinder engine. The technique of bringing more luxurious items or power to lower models in the range have been a way of elevating the car to more executive levels.

Starting with 55 hp in the 190 D and rising to 105 hp with the 230. This was later increased to 120 hp which was quite a bit more than contemporary British offerings. But it was more expensive.

 

In the countryside: Mercedes-Benz from the "Fintail" W110 series (1961 to 1968).

You could even get the 200 D and 230 in a long wheelbase version. Independent coachbuilders would take a bare chassis and produce variants such as ambulances and estate cars. But it was in 1966 that the ‘Universal’ estate car built by IMA of Belgium that were sold through the Mercedes dealer network in Germany.

The Fintails also had many options for the driver to choose from. Automatic transmission which were developed by Mercedes from 1962 onwards. A steel sunroof, power steering and a heated rear window. If you really cold afford it electric windows and air conditioning were available from 1966.

The Million Seller - 1968 to 1976: The Mercedes-Benz “Stroke/8” W 115 / W 114

1968 was a big year for Mercedes-Benz, the introduction of the W114 & W115 models. These were major advancements and were described as the “New Generation”. The model soon got the name “Stroke/8”. A nickname that was based on the suffix “/8”, which was the type designation of the year of the launch, 1968. It was used within the company to distinguish the model from its predecessors.

The standard body for the upper mid-size and premium cars was abandoned and the E and S Class became completely independent offerings.  A more sporting coupe was available too based on the saloon but with a more steeply raked front and rear screen and lower roofline.

All of the four cylinder petrol and all Diesel models are known as W115, the W114 denoted the use of six-cylinder engines.

1968. Mercedes-Benz Stroke/8 Saloon W 115. Genre photo from 1968.

Overall the model was the first for Mercedes-Benz to sell over a million. By the time production ceased more than 1.8 million saloons had been produced with 67,000 coupes.

Initially the range started with 55 hp 200 D and finished with the 130 hp 250 six-cylinder. When the coupe was introduced, the 250 CE, the 150 hp Bosch fuel injected engine put it at the top of the range.

Mercedes-Benz 280 E Stroke/8 W 114. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

In 1972 the six-cylinder 280 and 280 E had 160 hp and 185 hp respectively. The American trade journal “Road & Track” enthused about the Mercedes-Benz 280 in February 1973: “The combination of its superior handling characteristics and steering makes it – despite its innocuous image – the most satisfying car to hurl about a winding road or to drive fast in a straight line.”

One of the biggest technical innovations was the introduction of the rear diagonal swing axle. A semi-trailing arm with rubber auxiliary springs and anti-roll bar enabled a decent blend of handling and ride. Ride comfort being important and this combination actually improved driver comfort.

The “Auto Motor und Sport” magazine in Germany described the Stroke/8 as “Well-calculated perfection.”

Mercedes-Benz "Stroke 8" coupé W114

You could get your Stroke/8 with central lockign and from 1969 the six-cylinder cars had five speed transmissions. Light Alloy wheels were avaiable for the 280 and 280 E from 1972.

But in 1973 there was a facelifted version available. The door mounted mirrors were moved into the ends of the quarterlights. Dirt repellent trim on the A-pillars kept the side windows clean. Also the dirt resistant tail lights you see on the W123. And a staple feature of many other Mercedes was the four spoked safety steering wheel. Iinnertia reel belts were also now standard fitment in the front.

In July 1974, Mercedes-Benz launched the first five-cylinder Diesel car, the 240 D 3.0. 80 hp may not seem like much today, but it was a big deal back then.

Mercedes-Benz 280 E Stroke/8 W 114 Cockpit. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

Probably The Toughest Car in The World - 1976 to 1986: Mercedes-Benz W123

The W123 built on the already advanced configuration of the Stroke/8 carrying over much of the suspension improvements and even a familar style.

But things again have moved forwards, but more in a tradition of evolution rather than revolution, but that hides some major advances. The car was in such high demand at introduction that it was sold out and depreciation was initially minimal.

Many engines again were on offer, in petrol choices the  200, 230, 250, 280 and 280 E models. Diesels were the 200 D, 220 D, 240 D and 300 D.

Mercedes-Benz 230 W123 Saloon. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

Multiple body styles now including a seven or eight seat limousine and an estate for the first time. Introduced in 1977 the wagon was a huge success. The estate set standards for family-orientated lifestyle and leisure cars. The standard fitment automatic hydropneumatic level control system making quite a difference to the handling and ride of such cars.

Mercedes-Benz for the first time in E Class history produced a passenger car with a turbocharged Diesel engine for the first time in Germany. The first to receive this was the estate. The exhaust gas driven turbocharged engine made 125 hp and was available in 1980

The engine found it’s way into cars for export. North America and Japan got this engine in their saloons too.

Mercedes-Benz Estate S123. Genre photo from 1977. The Estate set standards for leisure and family vehicles.

The success wasn’t just an initial one. The W123 sold over 2.7 million of them worldwide. Quite a lot are still in use, go to Morrocco and have a ride in a big taxi and there’s a good chance it’s a W123. I have, even one with around 1 million miles on the clock.

Demonstrating the cars build quality, Mercedes entered nearly standard W123s into the London–Sydney marathon in 1977. Two 280 E cars won what was at the time the world’s toughest rally. Two more saloons finished in the top ten.

Of the 2.7 million sold most were saloons, some 200,000 were estates so they can be pretty desirable. Only 100,000 were coupes.

The double front wishbone suspension on the front had a zero scrub radius. This helps to make the car easier to handle at low speeds and reduces the risk of a loss of traction on one front wheel under braking.

More safety features were incorporated. The collision-protected fuel tank located above the rear axle, moved from the boot floor of the W115. A collapsable steering column, incorporating a corrugated tube in line with Béla Barényi’s design. The famous padded steering wheel was retained. But for the first time, you could get the car with an airbag from 1982. ABS from as early as 1980. Advanced stuff for the time.

Interior comforts included power-assisted steering, becoming standard equipment from 1982. Cruise control was an option from 1980.

The First Of The Mercedes-Benz E Class, 1984 to 1997: Mercedes-Benz W124

Mercedes-Benz 300 E W124 Saloon. Moving vehicle. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

The W124 was unveiled in 1984 and would have a lifespan of over ten years and with four different body styles. and would later bear the E designation in 1993 when nearing the end of the production run.

The car reflected a new design philosophy with much improved aerodynamics and lighter weight gave better performance and fuel economy than it’s W123 predecessor. Depending on the model, it could have a drag factor as low as 0.29.

In November 1984 the W124 saloon was released followed in 1985 by the estate or wagon (S124), the Coupe in 1987 (C124) and for the first time in 1991, a convertible (A124). The cabriolet was the first time in 20 years that Mercedes had offered such a car and was a significant development. Since then convertible models have been offered in many different classes. In 1989 there was a long wheelbase version for limousines and even fire tenders and ambulances.

Mercedes-Benz S124 Estate. 4MATIC all-wheel made its debut in the Mercedes-Benz 124 series in 1985.

At the launch in 1985, three Diesel versions the 200 D, 250 D and 300 D. There were five petrol engines, the 200 with a 2-litre carburettor engine and four injection engines. The 200 E, 230 E, 260 E and 300 E. Power output ranged from 72 hp in the 200 D to 190 hp in the 300 E.

American magazine “Road & Track” wrote about the first top-of-the-range model in April 1986: “The 300 E is the kind of car that will outperform its direct competition, provide acceleration and handling characteristics to challenge many high-priced sports
and GT cars, and do it all with that invaluable record of durability and reliability that is unmatched by any other marque. Add to that the prestige or status, if that sort of thing is important to you, and the sum is a 4-door sedan that can provide tremendous value for the enthusiast driver – not to mention a hell of a lot of fun.”

There was a distinct air of refinement about the W124 chassis. The way it was put together and the way it would cruise at speed quietly. Some really nice design features like the one piece wiper, a common feature on the smaller 190 (W201) introduced a year earlier in 1983.

In 1990 the E Class was to gain its first V8 engine in the 500E. This car was different enough to the regular E Class that it couldn’t be assembled on the line at Mercedes. The job was handed to Porsche next door to assemble them by hand.

Another significant development was the introduction of the all wheel drive 4Matic system, which was to be available on some saloon and estate models. There was even a Diesel option.

The four-seater Mercedes Cabriolet A124. Produced between 1991 and 1997.
Mercedes-Benz 300 E W124 Saloon Cockpit. Photo from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Insight “History of the E-Class” from 19 to 22 April 2016.

I rather like the E Class origins and secrely want a W136 or W191. I should probably buy a W123, but I do have a W115. Lets say it’s a restoration project and was several years ago when I decided to drive it to France…

I stopped short of the W210 it will have its place in Jalopy soon. A definite clasic in the making, especially the AMG variants.

The tradition of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. From left to right: Ponton Saloon (W 120/W 121), Tail Fin Saloon (W 110), Stroke/8 (W 114/W 115), model series 123, model series 124, model series 210, model series 211 and model series 212.

Thanks to Mercedes-Benz for all the E Class images.

 

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