Segment:
Full-size luxury performance sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, professional mechanics, and owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information for their 500 E
Contemporaries:
BMW M5 (E34), Audi V8 quattro, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac STS
Distinctive Features:
Hand-built at Porsche's plant, significantly wider track and flared fenders compared to standard W124 E-Class, powerful V8 engine, understated performance
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the essential, factory-accurate information required to maintain and repair this iconic and complex vehicle, crucial for preserving its performance and value.
Primary Coverage:
All mechanical and electrical systems for 1992-1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 E
Secondary Coverage:
Bodywork, interior components, specifications, and diagnostic procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory manual)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (Bosch LH-Jetronic), ignition, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
4-speed automatic transmission (722.3xx series), transmission control, hydraulic systems, torque converter
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front/rear independent, struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers), steering (power steering system, gearbox), brakes (ABS, hydraulic lines, caliper overhaul, rotor specifications)
Electrical Systems:
Engine management system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control, audio system, wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seals, interior trim, seats, airbags (if applicable for the year), HVAC components
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, fault code identification (OBD I era), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system tracing
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component identification
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; detailed diagnostic information and wiring diagrams.
Searchability:
Searchable text (OCR processed) for quick information retrieval
Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of opening PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones).
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Type:
Not Applicable (Downloadable Digital Format)
Type:
Not Applicable (Downloadable Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4973 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
98.5 mm x 82.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5750 rpm (DIN)
Torque:
354 lb-ft (480 Nm) @ 3900 rpm (DIN)
Injection System:
Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection with Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling with thermostatically controlled fan
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.365)
Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.8 or 236.6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (service fill)
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Not directly tested by NHTSA in the modern sense; relied on robust European safety standards and internal testing.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (Bosch ABS II)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard (1992-1993), passenger airbag optional on later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection
Audio System:
Factory premium sound system, often with cassette player. Options for CD changer.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with A/C and auxiliary heater
Memory Seats:
Optional front seat memory
Original Options:
Early forms of telecommunication systems were optional but rare.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Interval:
Typically around 50,000-75,000 km (30,000-45,000 miles) for comprehensive inspections and component replacements.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-50 synthetic engine oil meeting MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically MB-Approval 325.0 (Mercedes-Benz) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Head gasket leaks (especially on older engines), cooling system component deterioration (hoses, radiator), valve stem seals, front suspension bushings, fuel pump relay failure (Bosch silver relay).
Electrical Quirks:
Wiring harness insulation degradation (especially around the engine bay), ABS sensor failures, aged window regulator motors.
Air Filter Pnp:
A119 094 01 04 (or equivalent)
Oil Filter Pnp:
119 180 01 09 (or equivalent)
Spark Plug Pnp:
Bosch FGR8TQC or equivalent (check manual for specific part number)
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a legacy of engineering excellence and luxury automotive production.
Predecessor:
While not a direct successor, it shared the W124 platform with the 300E/300CE/300TE models.
Unique Development:
Developed in collaboration with Porsche, who also manufactured the vehicle at their plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany.
Production Period:
1990-1994 (officially marketed as 500 E in North America and Europe, E500 in other markets)
Production Volume:
Approximately 10,479 units worldwide, making it a relatively rare and collectible model.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its performance, build quality, and sophisticated engineering, often described as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'.
Collectible Status:
Recognized by many as a modern classic and a highly desirable future collectible due to its limited production and exceptional engineering.
