Target Audience:
Owners of Mercedes-Benz 300 TE (W124) from 1988-1993 seeking to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, or conduct repairs. Also valuable for professional automotive technicians.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and technical data that is often proprietary or hard to find, enabling owners to maintain their vehicles to Mercedes-Benz standards, thus preserving value and ensuring longevity.
Diagnostic Focus:
Specifically designed to aid in determining the cause of vehicle-related problems, offering a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
Repair Guidance:
Detailed recommended repair procedures for disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and assembly of all major components.
Multi Year Coverage:
Consolidates service information for multiple model years (1988-1993), ensuring comprehensive coverage for a significant portion of the W124 Estate's lifespan.
Model Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (exact count not provided, but typical for multi-year service manuals covering a specific model).
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
File Format:
PDF / WINRAR
Operating Systems:
Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8/Linux/MAC, iOS, Android
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, assembly, valve clearance adjustment, timing checks, fuel system components (filters, injection timing), intake and exhaust systems, spark plugs, cooling system maintenance.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system (spark plugs), oxygen sensor replacement, warning and indicator lamps.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (oil change, level check/correction), Automatic transmission (fluid/filter change, level check/correction), Transfer case (fluid change, level check/correction), Clutch system (fluid check/correction, inspection, linkage lubrication).
Suspension Steering:
Suspension and body structure inspection, level control (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC) fluid level, self-leveling suspension inspection, front axle (oil level, ball joint checks), rear axle (oil change, oil level, mount adjustment), steering play, steering bolt tightening.
Brakes:
Brake fluid level check, brake lines inspection, brake pads/disk thickness inspection, brake disk cleaning, parking brake cable inspection and adjustment, brake fluid replacement, parking brake system testing.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.
Body Chassis:
Water leakage and corrosion inspection, throttle linkage lubrication, engine compartment lower panel removal/installation, door hinge/lock lubrication, hydraulic top system fluid check, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, soft top locking tab check, hood lubrication, noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, body paint damage inspection.
HVAC Electrical:
Windshield washer fluid level check, AC refrigerant charge check, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement, headlamp/exterior lamp inspection, windshield wiper/washer inspection, wiper blade replacement.
Maintenance:
Routine oil and filter changes, fluid level checks, V-belt inspection, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant replacement, V-belt tension adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of vehicle-related problems, inspection of component condition, lines, hoses, and various systems.
Repair Rebuild:
Disassembly, inspection of parts for reuse, rebuilding and assembly of components, component-specific repairs across all major vehicle systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance tasks to detailed component disassembly, inspection, and rebuilding procedures, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated (M103 or M104 variants likely within this range)
Engine Displacement:
Approximately 3.0 Liters (2962 cc for M103, 2996 cc for M104)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 177-188 hp (depending on specific engine variant and emissions regulations).
Torque Range:
Approximately 180-188 lb-ft (depending on specific engine variant).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) Fuel Injection System (Mechanical-Electronic Hybrid)
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 20,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on performance. Manual provides specific procedure.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually. Manual will specify Mercedes-approved oils.
Engine Oil Specification:
Manual will specify Mercedes-Benz Approved engine oils, typically 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 synthetic depending on climate and exact spec.
Coolant Specification:
Manual will specify Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate and mix ratio (typically 50/50 with distilled water).
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.3 or 722.4)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual Transmission (less common for the TE model, but possible)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Manual will specify Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) specification (e.g., MB 236.3 or similar).
Manual Transmission Oil:
Manual will specify appropriate gear oil specification (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5, specific viscosity).
Transfer Case Fluid:
Applicable if equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Manual will specify fluid type and capacity.
Crash Test History:
The W124 chassis was known for its robust build quality and safety features for its era, though formal NCAP ratings as we know them today were not prevalent.
Driver Assistance Systems:
Available with optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Locking Differential (ALD), and Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Manual covers inspection and maintenance of these systems.
Occupant Protection:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, padded interior surfaces, seat belts. Manual covers safety belt inspection.
Audio System:
Factory-fitted or dealer-installed radio/cassette decks. Manual includes cleaning procedures for cassette deck tone heads.
Level Control:
Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension and systems like ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) and ADS (Automatic Damping System) were available. The manual details fluid level checks and inspections for these advanced systems.
Vehicle Systems Integration:
While not modern infotainment, the W124 featured integrated systems for climate control, power windows, and central locking, all of which are covered for diagnostics and repair.
V Belt Inspection:
Regular inspection for wear and tension is crucial. Manual details checking condition and tension of V-belts and poly V-belts.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Recommended replacement at specified intervals (e.g., every 30,000-50,000 miles). Manual covers fuel filter and prefilter replacement.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter changes are typically recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual provides detailed procedure.
Brake Fluid Specification:
Manual will specify DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, and details on replacement and bleeding procedures.
Power Steering Fluid:
Manual will specify the correct type of hydraulic fluid for power steering systems.
Common W124 Issues:
Harness insulation degradation (specific to some electronics), vacuum actuator issues for central locking/HVAC, rust on rear wheel arches/battery tray, front suspension wear. The manual will provide diagnostic and repair procedures for these and other potential issues.
Ke Jetronic Complexity:
The KE-Jetronic fuel system, while robust, requires specific diagnostic tools and procedures. This manual's detailed coverage of injection timing and component checks is vital for its maintenance.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and luxury. The W124 generation embodies these principles, often referred to as 'over-engineered' due to its robust construction.
W124 Generation:
The W124, produced from 1984 to 1995, is renowned for its timeless design, sophisticated engineering, and exceptional build quality. The 300 TE (E300 Estate) represents a practical and luxurious variant of this highly regarded platform.
Production Years For Model:
The 300 TE variant was part of the W124 E-Class family, with the covered years representing key production runs for this specific engine and body style combination.
