E Class History - 1968 to 1995 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

StrokeEightFan · #1 01-19-2008, 02:14 AM

Hi,

Does anyone know about what "E Class" models were exported to North America between 1968-95?

So far, I know the following were sold by M-B in the USA:

1968-1976
220/8 (W115.010, 1968-1973)
220D/8 (W115.110, 1968-1973)
230.4 (W115.017, 1974-1976)
240D (W115.117, 1974-1976)
300D (W115.114, 1975-1976)
230.6/8 (W114.015, 1968-1972)
250/8 (W114.011, 1968-1972)
250C (W114.023, 1969-1972)
250E 2.8 (W114.022, 1969-1972)
280 (W114.060, 1973-1976)
280C (W114.073, 1973-1976)

1977-1985
230.4 (W123.023, 1977-1978)
240D (W123.123, 1977-1983)
280E (W123.023, 1977-1981)
280CE (W123.053, 1978-1981)
300D (W123.130, 1977-1981)
300D Turbo (W123.133, 1982-1985)
300CD (W123.150, 1978-1981)
300CD Turbo (W123.153, 1982-1985)
300TD (W123.190, 1979-1980)
300TD Turbo (W123.193, 1981-1985)

1986-1995
260E/300E 2.6 (W124.026, 1987-1992)
300E 2.8/E280 (W124.028, 1986-1995)
300E (W124.030, 1986-1992)
300E/E320 (W124.032, 1993-1995)
300E 4MATIC (W124.230, 1990-1993)
300CE (W124.050, 1988-1989)
300CE (W124.051, 1990-1992)
300CE/E320 Coupe (W124.052, 1993-1995)
E320 Coupe (W124.066, 1994-1995)
300D (W124.133, 1987)
300TE (W124.090, 1988-1991)
300TE 24V (W124.091, 1989-1992)
300TE/E320 Station Wagon (W124.092, 1993-1995)
300TE 4MATIC (W124.290, 1990-1993)
300TD (W124.193, 1987)
300D 2.5 (W124.128, 1990-1993)
E300 Diesel (W124.131, 1994-1995)
400E/E420 (W124.034, 1992-1995)
500E/E500 (W124.036, 1992-1994)

I do not know much about the 1986-95 E-Class USA-spec model availability, though (please help me on these).

Thank you,

Ben Edge (StrokeEightFan)

sixto · #2 01-19-2008, 02:28 AM

You're missing the 260E/300E 2.6 (124.026). 87-89 IIRC.

Sixto
87 300D

Skippy · #3 01-19-2008, 01:40 PM

That list doesn't show a 300D for 1988-89. Is that right? No diesel 124 for two model years?

I know you couldn't buy a gas engine W123 for 1982-85, but that doesn't bother us diesel heads.

sixto · #4 01-19-2008, 01:49 PM

No US 300D in 86, 88, 89, 94.

Sixto
87 300D

nate300d · #5 01-19-2008, 06:02 PM

W123's rule.

Botnst · #6 01-19-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate300d

W123's rule.

I'm increasingly of that opinion, too. I don't understand electronics. I don't understand pollution controls. I don't understand mileage-enhancing features.

I haven't the time nor inclination to learn what's necessary to work on modern cars.

It can only get worse for me, right?

B

nate300d · #7 01-20-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

I'm increasingly of that opinion, too.

I work at development of automotive chassis components for OEM's through Tier III suppliers. Every year I become more convince that although everything has its limits, life cycle, and own problems I prefer products of the past over products of today. I am a W123 junkie who hangs with other Merc owners that prefer 1995 models. Most of them are Ponton, W108, and W123 'evangelists'. However, two of these same people when you mention another 'breed' with bleed Packard and are working to help me get my first one.

I have spent several hours on W124's and I do like them. Much more than my W210. The W124 is a balance of advancing the W123, but without the gremlins of my W210. But I still like a W123.

Skippy · #8 01-20-2008, 10:24 PM

Right now W124 is leading W123 by a 2 to 1 margin. I was expecting to see the W123 out in front, but maybe that's because I spend so much time in Diesel Discussion where W123's seem to be the majority.

Jim Anderson · #9 01-21-2008, 12:56 AM

I have an "E" on my trunk.

Chas H · #10 01-21-2008, 01:02 AM

I thought the "E"class didn't start 'till around the 1994 124. An "E" suffix means fuel injection, not the model style.

Skippy · #11 01-21-2008, 01:12 AM

They didn't start calling them the "E" class until 1994, but since then folks have started retroactively referring to older models by their current class designation. For example, my W123's were the mid-size "regular" Mercedes, which is now called the E class, so they are retroactively known as the E class. Mr. Anderson's 190E, on the other hand was the compact sedan, forerunner of the C class, so could be retroactively called a C.

Before 1994, the E meant einspritzung, which refers to fuel injection.

Chas H · #12 01-21-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

They didn't start calling them the "E" class until 1994, but since then folks have started retroactively referring to older models by their current class designation. For example, my W123's were the mid-size "regular" Mercedes, which is now called the E class, so they are retroactively known as the E class. Mr. Anderson's 190E, on the other hand was the compact sedan, forerunner of the C class, so could be retroactively called a C.

Before 1994, the E meant einspritzung, which refers to fuel injection.

OK, so your 123 was the mid size or "E" size. What was the "C" size for your year?

Skippy · #13 01-21-2008, 01:37 AM

For '83 it was the 190-series. For '77 there wasn't one.

Botnst · #14 01-21-2008, 08:22 AM

C.

dynalow · #15 01-21-2008, 12:05 PM

I read yesterday that the US import of the 92,93 & 94 500E's totaled 1,505 units. What I also read, and which I was unaware of, is that only the 92 & 93 models were made in co-operation with Porsche. Porsche did not build the 1994 500E.

Can anyone confirm this?

Reason I'm asking is that I am toying with buying one. If it wasn't buily by Porsche though, I wouldn't be interested. Seller says it's a 1993, but I haven't looked at it yet. Is there anything on the door plate that indicated it was a Porsche collaboration other that the date and place of assembly?
It is a little long of tooth though...163,000 miles.

View Poll Results: What's Your Favorite Generation of E-Class Cars?
1962-1967 (the Fintail era)	3	5.88%
1968-1976 (the Stroke Eight era)	4	7.84%
1977-1985 (W123)	14	27.45%
1986-1995 (W124)	30	58.82%
1996-2002 (W210)	4	7.84%
2003-present (W211)	5	9.80%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 51. You may not vote on this poll