Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Estate Car
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series Touring (E34), Audi 100 Avant (C3/C4), Volvo 740/940 Estate
Brand Reputation:
Reputation for build quality, durability, safety, and engineering excellence synonymous with Mercedes-Benz.
Vehicle Attributes:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, robust build, capable performance, and excellent cargo capacity.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners to perform accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep of a classic luxury vehicle.
Engine:
M103 (3.0L Inline-6)
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (722.4)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Major Systems:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body, Interior
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of all engine components (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves).
Fuel System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection system diagnosis, repair, component testing (fuel distributor, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator).
Ignition System:
Diagnosis and repair of ignition coil, distributor, spark plug wires, and related components.
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete overhaul procedures for the 722.4 4-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, and planetary gears.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), steering gearbox diagnosis and repair, power steering system.
Brake System:
Disc brake system diagnosis, repair, fluid replacement, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and troubleshooting.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay identification, troubleshooting for common electrical faults.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core replacement, climate control module troubleshooting.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanism adjustment, seat removal and installation, trim panel replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually every serviceable component on the vehicle.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive guides for rebuilding major components like the engine and transmission.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise technical specifications, torque values, and clearances required for various repair procedures.
Depth:
Complete factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Displacement:
2960 cc (3.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
188 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection with Air Flow Metering
Recommended Octane:
91 (or higher)
System:
Electronic Ignition with Distributor
Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (approx.)
ECU Type:
Digital Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition
Crash Test History:
While specific official crash test ratings for this exact year/model variant from modern agencies may be limited, the S124 chassis was known for its robust safety cage and impact absorption structures.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard on later models and often retrofitted. Passenger airbag was optional.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with front seat belt height adjustment and pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, side impact protection.
Audio System:
Factory premium sound system, often with cassette player. Options for CD changers existed.
Climate Control System:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) was a common option, offering precise temperature regulation.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) was available as an option on some models.
Original Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle function rather than external connectivity. Optional telephone preparation might have been available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000-60,000 km or as recommended by the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (depending on plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 50,000 km.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic oil recommended.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 Specification hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Coolant Specification:
Glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0 specification)
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of insulation on original wiring harnesses, particularly in the engine bay, leading to electrical issues.
Head Gasket:
While generally robust, potential for head gasket failure with age and mileage, especially if overheated.
Fuel Distributor:
KE-Jetronic fuel distributor can become contaminated or fail, affecting fuel delivery.
Window Regulators:
Electric window regulators can be a common point of failure.
Rust:
Common rust points include wheel arches, sills, and tailgate area, especially in regions with road salt.
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering, luxury, and safety, established over decades of automotive innovation.
Predecessor:
W123 Estate (S123)
Successor:
W210 E-Class Estate (S210)
Chassis Generation:
S124 (second generation of the E-Class Estate)
Production Years:
1985-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Industry Accolades:
The W124 generation, including the 300TE, consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its build quality, comfort, and engineering. Often cited as one of the most over-engineered cars of its era.
Reliability Perception:
While requiring diligent maintenance, the M103 engine and W124 chassis are renowned for their long-term durability when properly cared for.