Actually it was eliminated, but the 124 is the first chassis that I have seen from MB that had continous design changes over the course of the model run. If you have an early 89, you will have two decorative strips on the door. If you have a late 89, you will have a solid decorative panel. You can't swap wiper blades from an early and late 124, because the blades are offset by about 30mm. If you have an early 89, you will have light off cats below the headers, late ones don't. This is true of Calif. versions at least. I'm not sure about 49 state cars. Up to about 90, you have to pull the ash tray out. After that it operates like a viscous clutch. Modes up to 90 have the standard door locking system. 90 and newer allows you to close the sunroof and windows while locking the car by holding the key in the lock position while everything closes up. 90 and up had decorative wood strips along all the doors. I have an 86, an 87, an 89, and a 90. I'm amazed at the design changes in the car. I have never seen this many changes in any model in the 30 years I've been an MB mechanic. The only other model to make changes was the 123, but that was a one time thing. In 83 the 123 was upgraded with electric right side mirror, lighted sunvisor mirrors, velour carpeting, and roof strips and stiffening in the wagon version.

Peter

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