At the turn of the year 1984/85 a new model generation appeared in the medium-size series. It became the successor of series 123, produced for nine years. The technological overall concept of series 124 showed close parallels to the compact-class. By using high-strength steel sheets as well as other weight reducing materials and by an aerodynamic optimisation of the body, a considerable reduction of the fuel consumption had been achieved even in the medium-size series. The engines were mostly new developments. Only the 4-cylinder aggregates came from Types 200 and 230 E of the previous W 123 series. Besides the completely newly constructed 6-cylinder injection engines with 2.6 liter and 3.0 liter displacement, there was a new Diesel engine generation. From September 1985 all petrol-engined models of this series except the basic Type 200 with carburettor could be supplied with three-way catalytic converters. An alternative option was the so-called "RÜF version", without catalyst and lambda probe, but with the multi-functional fuel supply and ignition system. This version could easily be equipped with a catalyst at a later date, an advantage for many customers as unleaded fuel was not yet available everywhere. The six-cylinder models were supplied as "RÜF versions" as standard; their performance had dropped minimally because of the conversion to the MF system, in the 230 E, the RÜF version was initially an optional extra. From September 1986, all Mercedes-Benz cars were available with a catalyst, including the carburettor version. The "RÜF versions" were still also offered, with a price reduction, until August 1989.

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