Buyers Guide
Must Know Tidbits
- Best build quality is from 1988 to 1990
- Diesels and 4Matics were not affected by biodegradable wiring harness
- Premium on estates and coupes
- AMG modfinalprojectels have AMG stamped on the engine and instrument cluster
Vin Decoder
The link below takes you to an external site. It is a useful resource that can help one better understand their Mercedes. Use it to find options, packages, paint codes, engine numbers, transmission numbers and production information.
https://www.lastvin.com/Drivetrain Identification Numbers
Both engine and transmission numbers can be broken down into two parts. For engines, digits 1 - 3 relate to the "family" and 4 - 6 the subfamily. For transmissions it differs slighly. Digits 1 - 3 classify if automatic or manual, digit 4 is the transmission model and 5 - 6 are the variant. From what I have found W124 transmissions are either automatic (722.xxx) or manual 5-speed (717.4xx).
Transmission models that can be found in W124 models:
Manual 5-Speed:
- 717.412
- 717.430
- 717.433
- 717.450
Automatic 4G-Tronic:
- 722.3xx
- 722.4xx
- 722.5xx
There is also a automatic 5G-Tronic that has been mensioned but it seems to be found in non-US spec builds.
More information coming soon.