Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan
Competitors 1990:
BMW 5 Series (E34), Audi 100/200, Lexus LS400, Cadillac Seville
Build Quality:
Exceptional build quality and durability, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz engineering
Ride Comfort:
Renowned for a comfortable and refined ride, excellent for long-distance cruising
Safety:
Pioneering safety features for its era, including standard airbags and ABS
Engine Performance:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engine
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, timing, lubrication, cooling
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic), fuel pump, lines, injectors, pressure regulator
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic control unit (ECU)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4-speed 4G-TRONIC), torque converter, valve body, clutches, seals, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle differential, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkages, fluid service
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, calipers, pads, rotors, lines
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting
Climate Control:
Air conditioning (R-134a conversion considerations), heating system, blower motor, HVAC controls
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, locks, body repair specifications
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard components, trim panels, instrument cluster
Maintenance Schedule:
Detailed recommended service intervals for all major components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed steps for automatic transmission disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams with detailed explanations and diagnostic trees
Suspension Alignment:
Alignment specifications and procedures
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, ABS component diagnosis
Depth:
Expert level; covers complete rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and factory specifications
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (estimated for the era, comprehensive data may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (estimated for the era, comprehensive data may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) on some models
Airbags:
Standard driver's side airbag
Seat Belts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Crumple Zones:
Advanced crumple zones for enhanced crash protection
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Power Steering Fluid:
MB spec 236.3 approved hydraulic fluid
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Wiring Harness:
Cracking and degradation of engine wiring harness insulation (biodegradable insulation used in this era)
Head Gasket:
Occasional head gasket leaks, particularly if maintenance is neglected
Rust:
Susceptible to rust in wheel arches, door bottoms, and sunroofs if not properly maintained or undercoated.
Fuel Pressure Regulator:
Potential failure of the fuel pressure regulator, leading to starting issues or rough running.
Automatic Transmission:
Valve body issues or wear in the torque converter can lead to rough shifting or slipping.
