Isn't there a way to lock it in AWD, or does it lack a center diff like a Tercel?

On the gen1 system you could over-ride the computers with some re-wiring and lock the transfer case and diff if you so desired. It would probably make the computers angry though and disable the automatic system at least until you cycled the key. It would also make cornering problematic IMO. The Gen1 4matic system has no way to send power to the front without locking the transfer case as I understand it.

Or as babymog suggests just get a car with one of these I'll quote a G Class ad from the 80s here, but it applies... "Simply superior to all others."



Did Gen1 4Matic include ASR?

-J

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Gen I 4matic had it all, yaw sensors, steering angle/rate sensors, 4-channel ABS/ASR, really a very advanced system (built and installed by Styre-Puch in Austria). The system starts with 35/65 F/R, if there is no slip it drops to RWD at IIRC around 15mph. If there is slip, ... it re-engages drive to the front via clutches, electronics, and the same hydraulic fluid that locks the rear diff and levels the car (SLS). A very advanced and robust system in many ways, the problem being that it was over-complicated and thus many fallible components in the chain. Actually in my opinion, it was the simple fact that you had to slip/spin to get it to engage in icy conditions, where permanently-engaged AWD systems with 3 differentials (quattro, LR Discovery, Hummer H1, etc) were always engaged and less likely to have the slip condition in the first place, which the 4matic needed (and needs) to sense and react to slippery conditions.

The next generation 4matic is substantially cheaper, but not really simpler, with lockable viscous-couplings much like the many many Japanese and US AWD systems, again reactive however, so you need to slip to prevent slip, ... kind of like waiting for the other guy to shoot first.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Here's one in Canada:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-mercedes-benz-4-matic-w124-300d-turbo-diesel/

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

Woah!

I wonder if it has rear SLS?

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Datacard shows no SLS. The hydraulic reservoir is for the ASD system (locking rear diff).

Super short option list in datacard:
https://www.lastvin.com/vin/NLpwWEbLJavABz8a5

Bummer it doesn't have heated seats or manual dual-zone climate control.