“Technology in Changing Times” (1982) is a color, English-language promotional sales film made for Mercedes-Benz. The film takes a close look at the aspects of development of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190 series of compact cars, the first of its kind, through design, testing, and pre-production. Additionally, the film underscores the ideals and engineering skills which characterize all products of Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz W201 was the internal designation for the Mercedes 190 series sedans, a range of front-engine, rear drive, five passenger, four-door sedans manufactured over a single generation, from 1982 to 1993 as the company’s first compact class automobile made in response to a need for cost-effective motoring in terms of cost per gallon following the 1970s energy crisis.

Opening introductory sequence: Oil platform, pump jack, oil exploration across various landscapes; Political and economic impacts of fuel costs over the 1970s (0:08). Camera pans a Mercedes-Benz W201 190 series car (1:15). Mercedes-Benz engineers, designers meeting, posters line walls with sketches of car models (1:23). Close-up concept drawing of Mercedes-Benz W201 (1:40). Mercedes-Benz designers work in room lined with colorful sketches, models of vehicles (2:06). Role of new technology in innovation/ design: Laser beam used to make exact measurements of models (2:20). Wind tunnel used to calculate aerodynamic forces on body shape (2:31). Two employees work on finishing touches of full-scale clay model to be used for further testing in wind tunnel, attempt to achieve optimal drag coefficient (2:42). Employee uses electronic device to scan model, computer renders final display showing mathematical surface model (3:48). Engineers try and test new ideas, i.e. “multi-link independent rear suspension,” two engineers add markings to pre-existing sketches (3:58). Rigorous testing to evaluate new design: Engineer operates special test vehicle/ buggy on racetrack, tests different types of suspension, close-up of tires as vehicles speeds along course (4:38). Front suspension characteristics (5:28). Automated machine simulates conditions of moving vehicle on the springs inside the car (5:40). Buggy W201 test model on racetrack, simulation of wear and tear from road (6:14). Design work for body of the car to assess rigidity, computer slowly fills in gaps of rendering of car model (6:42). Basic car frame sits on vibration test stand, testing vibration characteristics to improve ride comfort (7:00). Steel frame of W201 190 model, higher strength steel sheet used in this design (7:28). Various angles of physical crash tests: Frontal impact, side impact, run-off-road, rear-end, and pedestrian strikes; Special design elements to keep passenger and pedestrian safe i.e. Bonnet Edge designed to give on impact (7:36-9:27). Various angles of low-speed crash test, demonstrate ease of sectionalized repairs (9:28). Close-up impact-absorbing bumpers (9:40). Montage clips W201 190 series cars on test track being driven to critical limits: Car weaves in and out of obstacle course, drives through steam, RVs and attachable caravans (9:58). Close-up optional detachable tow-bar (10:40). Close-up of front tire as it blows out, safety features keep vehicle driving in straight line (10:50). Impact of different climates on vehicles: Montage clips W201 190 series driving on different roads, weather conditions in countries around the world; Slicked roads, dust, high altitudes (12:15). Close-up floating caliper disc brake, testing strain/ extreme loads on brake in lab (12:49). Engine: Improved versions of M102-four-cylinder range, close-up of engine inside hood of car, camera zooms into carburetor (13:18). Testing low-rolling resistance, car covered by special trailer pulled along test track to measure rolling resistance coefficient (13:52). Close-up gear box and control, manual and automatic options (14:25). Internal and external noise testing: Special dummy head hollowed out with digital recorder evaluates interior noise, microphones lined up in test chamber for external noise (15:13). Red Mercedes-Benz 190E drives along winding desolate road through lush green countryside; Other shots of same vehicle driving along highway (15:42). Film ends (17:04).

For almost two decades, we’ve worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com