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Modern classics: the Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz 124 series (1991 to 1997)

• Classics during their own production period

• Proven technology from the Saloons and Estates of the series

• Mercedes-Benz E 36 AMG is the top-of-the-range model

In 1991 Mercedes-Benz breathed new life into an old tradition: after an interruption of exactly 20 years, the brand returned to the market with a four-seater cabriolet, developed as a derivative of the intermediate class 124 series saloon. The debut vehicle was the 300 CE-24 Cabriolet, which was built until 1993. Its immediate successor was the E 320 Cabriolet, but then came also the E 200 Cabriolet and

E 220 Cabriolet models, as well as the E 36 AMG Cabriolet as an exclusive highlight. Each of these were to become classics in their own right during their production period. What is more, they each had the potential to become genuine pieces of automotive history, since their production period – until 1997 – was relatively brief and total unit numbers amounted to just 33,952 examples in all.

The engineering in the Cabriolets came from the series’ four-door counterpart. Features that demonstrated the company’s innovative strength included, for example, the eccentric-sweep panoramic windscreen wiper, which offered the largest swept-area of any passenger car, as well as multi-link independent rear suspension and shock absorber strut independent front suspension located by individual wishbones. The braking system was also borrowed without modification from the Saloons.

The body of the Cabriolet took after the Coupé, presented in 1986. Both of these were rather shorter than the Saloon. Other stylistic features included the slightly flatter front and rear screens, an absence of B-pillars and just two doors. Nevertheless, conversion to the open-topped vehicle was extremely complex: in order to meet customary Mercedes-Benz levels of safety and quality the Cabriolet had to be fitted with numerous modified or redesigned structural components – approximately 1000 all-new design elements in total. In addition, the engineers designed a sophisticated protection system in the event of a rollover accident. This involved an extendable/retractable sensor-controlled linear rollover bar behind the rear passengers, which deployed automatically within 0.3 seconds in the event of a rollover accident. The A-pillars were also reinforced. The sum of all these measures brought the Cabriolet of the A 124 series – to give the model its precise in-house designation – to the same protection level as its closed counterpart.

The padded soft top and heated rear windscreen made of safety glass made the vehicle practical for year-round use. When the roof was open, it was stowed completely in a compartment behind the rear seats, hidden by a fixed cover plate and leaving nothing above the body line to disturb its elegant cabriolet form. In open-topped mode, in particular, the vehicle exuded classical beauty.

In terms of comfort, the Cabriolet offered all the advantages of the other models in the series, making for high-class travel whether in urban traffic or on long-distance hauls. At the same time, the brand’s definition of comfort was exceptionally comprehensive, going beyond simply physical well-being. A good example was the low level of noise afforded by the Cabriolet of the 124 series with closed roof. Although this was clearly slightly higher than in the Saloons, the padded soft top and tight-fitting joints ensured that noise levels were kept below a maximum level; on the one hand, this came as a welcome relief to passengers, on the other, it was much less tiring on drivers over lengthy periods on the road. The Cabriolet also featured an electric belt feeder, which automatically presented the seat belt comfortably to driver and front passenger once they were seated. This equipment feature was also as much about safety as comfort, since it served to simplify the task of fastening the seat belt.

The fact that the Cabriolets of the 124 series achieved classic status during their own production period is now of great benefit in today’s market. Since they were always considered special vehicles, and often used as second cars, the condition in which vehicles are offered for sale today is generally high and actual mileages often low. For anyone interested in a Cabriolet of the 124 series as a modern classic, therefore, the quality of vehicles is basically sound – nevertheless it is essential to take a close look in individual cases.

There are also vehicles that come with a manufacturer’s warranty, however.

Mercedes-Benz Young Classics regularly has Cabriolets in above-average condition and which are therefore supplied with a warranty – an offer unique in the automotive industry.

Regardless of the modern classic’s origins, however, the exceptional Mercedes-Benz original parts supply is sure to help with maintenance. For virtually every part can be procured via a Mercedes-Benz partner and the company’s own ordering system; delivery is usually made overnight. Some authorised service shops – those with outstanding competence in handling older vehicles – have even been designated Classic Partners. In addition, all Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets continue to provide a high level of technical expertise. Not for nothing does the slogan “Service for a lifetime” apply to all vehicles of the brand.

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While we’re waiting for the new issue of the German publication sport auto (mainly for the comparison between the Audi RS5 and the BMW M3), Mercedes celebrates their victory in the sport auto readers’ poll. 17.2 percent of readers’ votes in the category “super sports” went to the Mecedes-Benz SLS AMG and made for a dominant win. Congrats Mercedes-Benz, well deserved!

Press release:

SLS AMG wins readers’ poll

“The sportiest cars of 2010”

Affalterbach – Victory for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG over some strong competition. In the “Sportiest cars of 2010” readers’ poll organised by the renowned car magazine sport auto, the gullwing model took the title in the “super sports” section.

With no less than 17.2 percent of the votes cast, the SLS AMG left all the other super sports cars trailing in its wake. The win – over 13 competitors from Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, the USA, Sweden and France – underlines just how popular the SLS AMG is amongst the readers.

The very best series-production and performance-tuned vehicles compete against each other on an annual basis in the sport auto readers’ poll; taking part this year were 260 vehicles in 25 categories. A total of 10,000 readers cast their vote. Not only did the super sports car from Mercedes-Benz win over the judges’ hearts –
it was also victorious when put to the test. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication and 420 kW (571 hp) plus a torque of 650 newton
metres, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a transaxle configuration – not to mention its athletic double-wishbone sports suspension – add up to a unique high-tech blend, ensuring driving dynamics of the highest calibre.

These were very much in evidence at the “super test”, too, which is very highly regarded amongst the sport auto readers and industry experts alike: a lap time of 7.40 minutes on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring is an impressive performance indeed. “Respect! The Mercedes sports brand AMG has put a
magnificent machine on the road” was the reaction following sport auto’s “super test”.

Since its world premiere at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in
Frankfurt/Main, the SLS AMG has already been showered with lots of major
awards:

• “Red Dot Design Award”
• “iF product design award 2010”
• Design Award 2010 (Auto Bild)
• Plus X Award
• “Golden Steering Wheel 2009” (Bild am Sonntag and Auto Bild)
• “The Best Cars”, super sports car category (auto motor und sport)
• “Auto Trophy 2009” and “Design Trophy” (Auto Zeitung)
• “TOPauto 2010” (Motor Information Service)
• “Best New Product 2009, International Motor Show in Frankfurt” (AutoScout24)
• “GT Car of the Year” (Top Gear, GB)
  • “Best Dream Machine” (MotorWeek TV’s Driver’s Choice Award, USA)

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Mercedes Benz has unveiled information on another facelift for the ML63 AMG. Technically unchanged, the new ML 63 AMG now features a new hood with power dome, darkened head lights, darkened taillights with LED tech and new chromed front and rear underguard.

Power still comes from the marvellous 6.2 liter V8 with an output of 510 hp and 630 Nm (roughly 465 ft-lb for the US folks).

Press release and pictures below.

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Mercedes Benz Press release:

ML 63 AMG gets a new look

Affalterbach – A best-seller unveils its updated exterior: the ML 63 AMG, featuring a powerful 375 kW (510 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, takes on a more attractive appearance thanks to some subtle but effective changes.

From the front, the eye is immediately drawn to the new bonnet with power domes, and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active light function. The rear, meanwhile, also contributes appropriately to the new look: the performance SUV now features darkened tail lamps incorporating a clear-lens design and LED technology. The subtle changes to the exterior coordinate perfectly with the high-gloss, chromed front and rear underguard, and afford the ML 63 AMG an even more powerful and distinctive appearance.

Powerful and torque-laden AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine

Still boasting a power output of 375 kW (510 hp) at 6800/rpm as well as 630 Nm of torque, the ML 63 AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically lim-ited). At the renowned International Engine of the Year Awards in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took the top places in both the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 litres” categories.

As before, power transfer is taken care of via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. The permanent all-wheel drive is decidedly sporty: the power is split asymmetrically 40:60 be-tween the front and rear wheels to provide optimum agility. The AMG sports suspension, based on the AIRMATIC package with air suspension, adaptive damping system ADS and automatic level control all-round, provides dynamic performance com-bined with the hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort. The generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system, which features internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round, ensures short braking distances and optimum resistance to fading.

The ML 63 AMG comes with 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, which are painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 295/40 R 20 tyres on the front and rear. As an optional extra, titanium-grey-painted, high-sheen twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 295/35 R 21 tyres are also available.

High-quality interior with nappa leather upholstery

As usual, the interior of the ML 63 AMG is both functional and high-quality: electrically adjustable AMG sports seats finished in nappa leather upholstery, with Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas and multicontour function and heating, are complemented by the AMG sports steering wheel with AMG aluminium shift paddles and perforated leather on the specially-shaped grip area. A nappa leather-trimmed dashboard is also available as an optional extra.

The updated ML 63 AMG is available to order with immediate effect and will be delivered to customers from July 2010. It carries a price tag of 105,077 euros (incl. 19% VAT). [German market]

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