Name: Mercedes-Benz 170 model: the first E-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 170 was presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1931 in time to cushion the effects of the Great Depression - a relatively small, economical and affordable vehicle of high quality.

Facts

Model series: W 15
Production period: 1931-1936
Vehicle bodies: Saloon 4 doors (boot free-standing or attached)
Saloon 2 doors (with boot)
Cabriolet C (boot free-standing or attached)
Cabriolet C (with boot)
Touring car 2 doors
Touring car 2 doors "Sindelfingen”
Sport Roadster 2 seats
Sport Cabriolet A 2/3 seats
Quantity: 13,775
Prices: between RM 3800 (Saloon, 4 doors) and RM 7000 (Sport Cabriolet A)

Technical development

Independent suspension

Technical development

Independent suspension

Front wheels: independent suspension with swing axle of the Mercedes-Benz 170, 1931. Rear wheels: independent suspension with swing axle and coil springs of the Mercedes-Benz 170, 1931

Market appeal

Market response to the 170 model E-Class

Market appeal

Market response to the 170 model E-Class

Advert Mercedes-Benz: "Thousands delivered"

Advert Mercedes-Benz: "Thousands delivered..." 4438 units rolled through the factory gates in 1932, the first year of production.

The modern technology and the pleasing shape of the car were equally well received as the low price despite the six-cylinder engine. As a four-door saloon, the "little Mercedes" cost RM 4400, that is to say almost RM 1600 less than the cheapest version of the Stuttgart model.

As the vehicle with the smallest displacement and lowest price, the 170 model was at the lower end of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.

The 170 model played a major role in enabling Daimler-Benz to overcome the economic crisis. The company built 4438 units in 1932, which was more cars than the entire production output of all Mercedes-Benz passenger car models of the previous year.

Vehicle bodies

Exterior

Vehicle bodies

Exterior

Mercedes-Benz 170, Saloon, production period: 1931-1936

Mercedes-Benz 170, Cabriolet C, production period: 1931-1936

Interior of the Mercedes-Benz 170, Cabriolet C, production period: 1931-1936

Rolling chassis of the Mercedes-Benz 170, production period: 1931-1936

The 170 model was only available as a four-door Saloon and as a four-seat Cabriolet C in the first year of production.

The external boot available as standard was initially offered in free-standing configuration and starting in 1934 was bolted directly to the body.

From April 1932, the rolling chassis was also offered for third-party coachbuilding.

A two-seat "Roadster in Special Specification" was added to the model range in September 1932.

The "Special Cabriolet A" followed one year later and with a price of RM 7000 became the most expensive variant of the 170 model.

A two-door touring car with four seats was added in February 1934, which was available with a Sindelfingen body or with third-party coachwork.

At the same time, the four-door saloon became optionally available with a roll-back sunroof from the Sindelfingen production.

In addition, a two-door Saloon made its debut in February 1935, which already anticipated the body design of the successor model 170 V. At the same time, the previous flat radiator was replaced by a radiator with low-profile wedge shape for all body style variants.