Mercedes-Benz W120/W121

< Mercedes-Benz W120
Mercedes-Benz W120/W121
Mercedes-Benz 180b (W120)
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler-Benz
Production19531962
442,963 built
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car (E)
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFR layout
RelatedMercedes-Benz W105219
Mercedes-Benz W180220a/S
Mercedes-Benz W128220SE
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length180: 4,460 mm (175.6 in)
180 a / 190: 4,485 mm (176.6 in)
180 b/c, 190 b: 4,500 mm (177.2 in)
Width1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height1,560 mm (61.4 in)
Curb weight1,150 kg (2,540 lb)—1,220 kg (2,690 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz W136
Mercedes-Benz W191
SuccessorMercedes-Benz W110

The Mercedes-Benz W120 and Mercedes-Benz W121 are technically similar inline-four cylinder sedans of slightly different engine displacements made as two model series by Mercedes-Benz, the 180 and 190:

  • the W120 was introduced as the 180 in 1953, powered by the company's existing 1.8 liter M136 engine. From 1954, the W120 was also offered with a diesel engine as the Mercedes-Benz 180 D. Both versions were sold through 1962
  • the W121 debuted as the 190` in 1956, powered by a 1.9 liter M121 engine,. From 1958, it was also offered with the OM621 diesel, sold as the 190 D. Both versions were sold through 1961.

Each model's diesel version received engine upgrades during its run.

Together with the longer wheelbase and more luxurious 2.2-liter inline-six cylinder W128 model 220, they constituted 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz' car production between 1953 and 1959. The W121 190/190D were replaced by the Mercedes-Benz W110 190c/190Dc in 1961.

The W120 was the first predecessor to the medium size Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan line.