Image this: it’s the early ’90s and the engineers at Mercedes-Benz try to suit an all-wheel-drive system into their 124 chassis. Feels like an ideal thought, proper?
Besides there’s one drawback: the place do you set the entrance differential and driveshaft? Properly, these engineers needed to get a bit of inventive to unravel that drawback. And by inventive, we imply they did some downright wacky stuff that resulted in an unconventional suspension structure. So let’s dive into the main points of how the 124’s suspension obtained so bizarre.
The Mercedes-Benz 124 sequence was a variety of govt automobiles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz from 1984 to 1997.
One of many distinctive options of this sequence was its suspension, which was designed to offer a snug experience whereas sustaining good dealing with traits. Nonetheless, the 124’s suspension structure has been a subject of debate amongst automotive lovers as a result of its odd design.
The 124 featured a double-wishbone entrance suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This design offered glorious dealing with and stability whereas sustaining a snug experience. All fairly regular to date, proper? Not till we get to the entrance suspension which featured a stretched coil spring.
The stretched coil spring was used on the all-wheel-drive variant 4Matic mannequin of the 124. The entrance suspension of the 4Matic mannequin needed to accommodate the entrance differential and driveshaft. To do that, the spring was stretched to offer sufficient clearance for the entrance differential.
In relation to AWD suspension design in automobiles of the identical period, the BMW E30 is a main instance. The BMW E30 AWD system, often known as the iX, used a traditional MacPherson strut design with a shorter coilover setup, permitting for a extra compact design.
Nonetheless, Mercedes went a very totally different route. The elongated coil design theoretically allowed for an extended spring journey, elevated floor clearance and supplied a extra snug experience, whereas sustaining the required stiffness for the added weight and energy of the AWD system.
Nonetheless, the stretched coil spring design additionally had some drawbacks. One of many predominant points was that it was tough to search out alternative springs. The stretched coil spring was distinctive, and it was not suitable with the usual mannequin’s suspension. This made it tough for homeowners of the 4Matic mannequin to search out alternative components.
One other difficulty with the structure was that it was costly to restore. The multi-link rear suspension was sophisticated and required particular instruments and data to work on. This meant repairs and upkeep on the suspension system could possibly be expensive.
Regardless of these points, the 124’s suspension structure was typically well-regarded by automotive lovers. It offered glorious dealing with, good experience high quality, and was appropriate for a variety of driving circumstances. Whereas the stretched coil spring design was distinctive, it was additionally an integral part of the 4Matic mannequin’s suspension system.
Regardless of its quirks, the 124’s suspension system managed to ship a clean experience whereas nonetheless with the ability to deal with some critical cornering motion.
So should you ever end up cruising round in a 124, simply keep in mind that you’re driving a automobile with some fairly odd suspension. If nothing else – it is going to at all times be an fascinating dialog piece at any time when a mechanic sticks their head below your automobile.
