Mercedes-Speak

Do you know what a 124 is? Ever hear of a 140? These are internal Mercedes-Benz terms for the 86-95 E-Class and 92-99 S-Class chassis' respectively. Typically MB will roll out a new chassis with a variety of engines, and for convenience sake it is easier to refer to the chassis designations than to all the different models. Below is a list of typical chassis designations, the "public" names for the cars and the years they were produced. This list is by no means comprehensive and may not include gray-market cars brought over from Europe.  Just for fun, see if you can identify your car in the list and from now on you'll refer to it by the Mercedes-Benz designation instead of the public one. No, you will not be tested at then end of this article!

107

   SL Class from 72-89. Always popular and never lose their value. Massive for their size.

Examples: 72-80 450SLC, 72 350SL, 81-85 380SL, 86-89 560SL, 73-80 450SL

116

   The S-Class precursor to the 126.  One of which, the 450SEL 6.9 is a classic.

Examples: 75-76 280S, 77-80 280SE, 73-76 450SE, 74-80 450SEL, 78-80 300SD

123

   One of the most widely produced and successful MB chassis of all time.  They were durable, relatively simple and safe. Just ask Cliff Matthews. Many 123s are still around today.

Examples:  77-83 240D, 76-81 280E, 77-81 280CE, 300D and 300CD, 78-80 300TD, 82-85 300D Turbodiesel, 82-85 300CD Turbodiesel, 81-85 300TD Turbodiesel

124

   The successor to the 123 and also a top seller. More refined than the 123, with higher torsional rigidity and a lower coefficient of drag. All around one of the best chassis ever made by anyone in the world.

Examples: 260E, 86-93 300E, 87 300D, 94-95 E320 and E420, 92-93 400E, and 92 500E

126

   The S-Class chassis from 81-91. Excellent reputation as a solid, dependable, long-legged ride.

Examples: 81-83 380SEL, 86-91 420SEL and 560SEL, 81-85 300SD, 86-87 300SDL, 88-91 300SEL, 90-91 350SDL

R129

   The vaunted SL class.  Massive for their size. Strong and aggressive stance.  Beautifully styled. What more could you want?

  Examples: 90-97 300SL or SL320, 90-93 500SL, 98 SL500, 93-98 600SL or SL600

140

   The flagship S-Class from 92-99.  Massive chassis with many luxury amenities. Very solid and safe cars (as long as you wear seatbelts!)

Examples: 92-93 500SEL and 300SE and 600SEL, 92 400SE, 93-94 400SEL, 94- 99 S500 and S600

 

163

   The ML Class. Unique 4-Wheel Drive system. VERY popular Sport-Ute.

Examples: 98-Present ML320, 99-Present ML430

170

   The SLK. Smaller and nimbler than the SL. Electric folding hard top is a mechanical symphony.

Example: 97-Present SLK230 Kompressor, new for 2000 SLK320 (V-6)

201

   Also known as the 190 class. Many of the ideas pioneered in the 1984 190 were transferred to the E-Class in 86. Main problem is lack of rear legroom and early models were problematic.

Examples: 84-94 190E and 190D, 190E 2.3- 16, 190E 2.6

202

   The C-Class as successor to the 190E. Improved rear legroom but still limited. An excellent car as a first MB.

Examples: 94-97 C220, 94- Present C280, 98-Present C230

208

   The CLK. A personal luxury and performance statement.

Examples: 98-Present CLK320, 99-Present CLK 430

210

   The successor to the 124. Especially known for the bold, round headlights. Key change is rack and pinion steering instead of the old recirculating ball type. Again a definite world-class chassis. New V-6 engine introduced in 1998.

Examples: 96-Present E320, E420, E55, 320 Estate, and E300

 

220

   The new S-Class. High-Tech Tour De Force. New suspension. Complex Command Center.

Examples: 2000 S430 and S500 

Those who wish to delve deeper into this subject can navigate to the following web site, which provides pictures and comprehensive data:

http://fly.hiwaay.net/~gbf/mbmodels.html