1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 (facelift 1989) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift sedan varies between 1320 and 1710 kilograms (approximately 2,910 to 3,770 pounds). This range depends on the specific equipment level, engine options, and configuration. The maximum permissible weight, which includes passengers and cargo, is between 1840 and 2175 kilograms (around 4,056 to 4,796 pounds). These weights underline the model's sturdy construction and luxury features, which contribute to its solid driving dynamics and safety profile.

The 1989 W124 facelift sedan from Mercedes-Benz offers a generous luggage capacity of 520 liters (about 18.35 cubic feet). This trunk volume is quite competitive compared to other mid-size luxury sedans from the late 1980s and early 1990s, allowing ample space for suitcases, shopping, or daily items. The sizeable trunk volume adds to the practicality of the vehicle, making it well-suited for both everyday use and longer trips requiring substantial cargo space.

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift sedan from 1989 generally fits comfortably into a standard home garage. With a length of around 4740–4750 mm (186.6–187 inches), a width up to 1796 mm (70.7 inches), and a height up to 1450 mm (57.1 inches), it fits within common residential garage dimensions. Most standard garages have widths of about 2.4 meters (8 feet) or more and lengths exceeding 5 meters (16.5 feet), providing sufficient clearance for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle safely.

Compared to the pre-facelift W124 models produced prior to 1989, the facelifted 1989 version underwent subtle dimensional adjustments but generally retained a very similar size profile. The length remained close to 4740–4750 mm, with slight increases in width from approximately 1740 mm to up to 1796 mm in some variants, enhancing interior space and road presence. Height figures remained largely consistent, between 1410 and 1450 mm. These refinements improved aerodynamics and styling but did not drastically alter the overall footprint, preserving the balance of comfort and maneuverability.

In comparison with contemporaries like the BMW 5 Series (E34) and Audi 100/200 models from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift sedan is similar in size but tends to have a slightly more conservative width and height. While BMW's E34 measured close to 4700 mm in length and roughly 1745 mm in width, the W124 offers a somewhat wider stance in upper trims, along with competitive height and trunk capacity. The W124’s well-balanced length and width offer a good mix of interior space, road presence, and parking ease relative to its main competitors in the mid-size luxury segment.

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift came equipped with various rim sizes including 6.5J x 15, 6J x 15, 8J x 15, 8J x 16, and 7J x 15 or 7J x 16 depending on the specific model and optional packages. Corresponding tire options comprised sizes such as 195/65 R15, 185/65 R15, 225/55 R16, 205/60 R15, and 215/55 R16. These tire and rim combinations aided in balancing ride comfort, handling precision, and overall vehicle aesthetics, suiting the car’s luxurious sedan profile while catering to drivers seeking either standard daily comfort or sportier dynamics.

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift has a roof load capacity of 100 kilograms (around 220 pounds). This load limit is important if owners consider using roof racks or carrying additional cargo on top, such as luggage carriers, bicycles, or ski racks. Staying within this weight ensures that vehicle stability, suspension integrity, and safety are preserved, preventing excessive strain on the roof structure and mounting points during driving.

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 facelift retained the generation’s hallmark focus on refined passenger comfort and ergonomic design. Increasingly luxurious materials, enhanced noise insulation, and improved seating contours contributed to a premium cabin atmosphere. The interior dimensions are spacious for a mid-size sedan, allowing comfortable seating for five adults and ample legroom and headroom. Advanced for its time, the W124 also offered modern convenience features such as climate control, power windows, and optional leather upholstery, ensuring a comfortable ride on both short and long journeys.

The 1989 facelift of the Mercedes-Benz W124 brought several notable updates over earlier versions. Exterior changes included refreshed, more aerodynamic bumpers, updated lighting elements such as new headlamps and tail lights, and minor body refinements for a sleeker profile. Technically, the facelift featured improved suspension tuning for enhanced ride comfort and handling, as well as upgrades in available engine options and transmission technologies, including the adoption of more efficient fuel injection and automatic gearboxes. These enhancements made the facelift model more competitive in performance, safety, and styling while retaining the series’ reputation for reliability and build quality.