Market Segment:
Luxury mid-size station wagon (T-Model)
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series Touring (E34), Audi 100 Avant (C3/C4), Volvo 240/740/940 estates
Unique Selling Points:
Exceptional build quality, robust engineering, comfortable ride, ample cargo space, sophisticated design, advanced safety features for its era
Coverage:
Full service, repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and restoration
Estimated Page Count:
800-1200 (typical for comprehensive W124 service manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) or Printed
Powertrain:
Engine (M103 inline-6 gasoline), fuel injection (KE-Jetronic/Heggs), ignition, cooling, exhaust
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4-speed 722.4, possibly 5-speed 722.5 optional), manual transmission (4-speed, 5-speed)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (struts, control arms), rear independent suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, sway bars
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications
Steering:
Power-assisted steering system, steering gear, steering column
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Body and chassis, exterior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, body repair
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions
Restoration:
Guidance on bodywork restoration, component refurbishment, and system overhauls for classic car preservation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and clearances
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans with searchable text (if OCR processed)
Print Quality:
Professionally printed on durable paper suitable for workshop environments
Binding:
Staple-bound, perfect-bound, or spiral-bound for lay-flat usability
Paper Type:
Glossy or matte, heavy-weight paper to withstand grease and handling
Engine Type:
3.0L SOHC Inline-6 (M103.980/M103.983)
Displacement:
2960 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.5 mm x 80.25 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical)
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
188 hp (140 kW) @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
205 lb-ft (278 Nm) @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch KE-Jetronic or HEGGS (Hot-Wire Electronic Fuel Injection) with Lambda control
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (91-93 octane recommended)
Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 15W-40 (depending on climate, refer to manual for precise recommendations)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (722.4)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.5), 4-speed or 5-speed Manual
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.1 or 236.2 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity
Automatic Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) for a full drain and refill (check manual for exact capacity and procedure)
Safety Compliance:
Designed to meet rigorous safety standards of the late 1980s and early 1990s
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) on later models or specific configurations
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on later models within this range; passenger airbag optional
Seat Belts:
Pyrotechnically tensioned front seat belts, rear seat belts
Body Construction:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear
Audio System:
Factory-equipped AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD changer integration.
Climate Control:
Optional automatic climate control (Thermotronic) available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, with optional Xenon HID headlights on some later models or specialized trims.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), verify with manual for specific conditions.
Major Service:
Typically around 30,000-50,000 miles, involving spark plugs, transmission fluid, differential fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 or equivalent power steering fluid
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation ("chrysanthemum" pattern) can lead to misfires and electrical faults.
Head Gasket:
Potential for head gasket leaks, especially with high mileage or overheating.
Cooling System:
Plastic components in the cooling system (e.g., expansion tank, thermostat housing) can become brittle and crack.
Fuel Distributor:
KE-Jetronic fuel distributors can develop leaks or internal wear, affecting fuel delivery.
Rust:
Prone to rust, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and sunroof drains.
Part Support:
Many parts are still available through Mercedes-Benz Classic or aftermarket specialists, but some items may be rare.
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability.
W124 Generation:
Part of the highly acclaimed W124 generation, known for its robust construction and longevity.
Production Years:
1985-1996 (W124 sedan/coupe/convertible), 1986-1996 (W124 wagon)
Model Introduction:
The 300 TE model variant was introduced as part of the W124 wagon lineup.
