Auch in Deutsch verfügbar!

Modern designs for the 80's

1982. Mercedes in a new format. In late 1982, the new W 201 series saw the light of day. With their new body and running gear, these compact vehicles sparked lively discussion. Attention centred particularly on the sophisticated and still unmatched "multi-link independent rear suspension". Initially, the W 201 was available in two versions, both fitted with completely redeveloped 4-cylinder engines, a 2 litre 90 hp carburettor engine in the "190" or a 2 litre 122 hp injection engine.

1983. 190 series heads for success. Autumn 1983 saw the advent of the 190 D, an event of particular significance for economy-conscious customers. This model too was fitted with a new engine, a 72 hp four-cylinder pre-chamber diesel engine. It had the same displacement as its predecessor but was around 48 kilogrammes lighter and was more economical in consumption.

1984. The forerunner of the E-class is launched. In 1984, Daimler-Benz introduced a new "mid-series" car, the W 124, incorporating further advances in passive safety. It featured belt-tensioners for driver and front passenger as standard equipment and a steering wheel airbag was optionally available. The 200 E, 230 E, 200 D und 300 D all had 4-cylinder engines. 6-cylinder models, the 260 E and 300 E, and a 5-cylinder model, the 250 D, were also offered.

1985. The whispering diesel. The new 2.5 litre 5-cylinder diesel engine in the 190 D 2.5 marked a major step forward in diesel engineering. Full engine encapsulation, new in car design, earned this car the nickname "whispering diesel" on account of its quiet operation, which was light years away from the old stereotype of the loud diesel engine with its characteristic knocking noise.

1986. The car turns 100. The story began with a five-digit patent number. Now, 100 years later, Daimler-Benz was the possessor of thousands of patents, most of them for inventions which are now standard features of vehicle design. The new Daimler-Benz museum was opened on February 1 of the centenary year and is well worth a visit. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.00 -17.00 h, and closed on Mondays and bank holidays.

1986. Catalytic converters become standard. In 1986, Mercedes-Benz again took the lead in environmental design when it became the first vehicle manufacturer in Germany to offer the closed-loop three-way catalytic converter as standard.

1988. Bremen plant goes green. In 1988, Bremen opened the first ever water-based paint line. The traditional organic solvents were replaced by water, thus relieving strain on the environment and conserving resources. In a few years' time, all paints used by Mercedes-Benz will be water-based.