It’s a detail that might escape casual observers, but for aficionados of the 124 Benz, it’s a subtle yet intriguing design quirk: the side mirrors are not identical. Specifically, the passenger side mirror on the 124 Benz and its sibling, the 201 series, is noticeably shorter and squarer than the driver’s side mirror, which is rectangular. This wasn’t a mistake, but a deliberate design choice rooted in practicality and a touch of aesthetic philosophy.
This seemingly minor asymmetry actually serves a very practical purpose, particularly in the narrow and often congested streets of European cities and towns. By making the passenger side mirror shorter, the overall width of the 124 Benz is slightly reduced. This seemingly small difference could be the key to navigating tight corners and squeezing through narrow passages without resorting to the expense and complexity of electric folding mirrors, which were, at the time, more commonly found on higher-end models like the S-Class.
Beyond urban practicality, Mercedes-Benz designers observed that passenger side mirrors were statistically more prone to scratches and damage than driver’s side mirrors. Positioning a shorter mirror on the passenger side effectively minimized the risk of accidental scrapes and bumps, a thoughtful consideration for the longevity and upkeep of the 124 Benz.
Interestingly, despite being shorter, the passenger side mirror of the 124 Benz doesn’t compromise on visibility. To compensate for the reduced width, the designers ingeniously increased its height, resulting in a square shape. In fact, the surface area of the passenger side mirror is slightly larger (150 sq. cms.) than the driver’s side mirror (127 sq. cms.), ensuring optimal rearward vision.
The asymmetrical mirror design of the 124 Benz wasn’t purely functional; it also had an aesthetic dimension. Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz during the W124’s development, openly acknowledged the pleasingly unconventional look this asymmetry provided. In a departure from automotive design traditions of the time, Sacco embraced this subtle visual distinction as a unique characteristic of the 124 Benz.
Initially, in keeping with what some might call a typically pragmatic, or perhaps even “Teutonic,” approach, Mercedes-Benz argued against electrically controlling the driver’s side mirror of the 124 Benz. The rationale was that the driver’s side mirror was within easy reach and adjustment. However, with the introduction of the Memory Feature for electric seats post-1993, Mercedes-Benz reconsidered. Even if the Memory Feature wasn’t standard in all markets, the driver’s side mirror of the 124 Benz was upgraded to electric operation, aligning with evolving customer expectations and technological advancements.
The asymmetrical mirrors of the 124 Benz are more than just a quirky detail. They are a testament to thoughtful engineering, blending practicality, durability, and a unique aesthetic perspective. This design element perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the 124 Benz: a vehicle where even the smallest details were meticulously considered to enhance both function and form.
