Vehicle Class:
Executive Sedan (W124 E-Class), representing Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, engineering, and durability in the early 1990s.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E34), Audi 100/A6 (C3/C4), Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400 (though a segment higher).
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its robust build quality, refined ride, advanced (for its time) safety features, and powerful V8 engine, making it a desirable luxury vehicle.
Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz owners, independent repair shops specializing in German vehicles, and automotive enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge of the W124 platform.
Engine:
Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment/checking, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment/checking, fuel filter replacement, air filter replacement, V-belt inspection, intake/exhaust manifold seating, oxygen sensor replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, coolant level/antifreeze check, cooling system inspection/service, engine stop adjustment, engine mount bolt retorquing.
Transmission:
Manual transmission oil change/level check, automatic transmission fluid and filter change/level check, clutch system fluid check/inspection.
Drivetrain:
Transfer case fluid change/level check, front axle oil level check, rear axle oil change/level check, rear axle mount adjustment, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Suspension and body structure inspection, level control (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC) fluid level, self-leveling suspension inspection, ball joint inspection (front axle, general), wheel inspection/rotation, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening, brake fluid level check, brake lines inspection, brake pad/disk thickness check, brake disk cleaning, parking brake cable inspection/adjustment, brake fluid replacement, brake system testing, power steering fluid level check, steering play check, steering bolt retightening.
Body Electrical Comfort:
Water leakage and corrosion inspection, fuel system condition check, exhaust system retightening, battery fluid level check, warning/indicator lamp check, water drain cleaning, engine compartment lower panel removal/installation, door hinge/lock lubrication, hydraulic top fluid level check, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, soft top locking tab check, windshield washer fluid level check, audio system tone head cleaning, antenna mast cleaning, exterior lamp inspection, wiper/washer inspection, windshield wiper blade replacement, AC refrigerant charge check, cabin air filter replacement (dust, active charcoal, recirculating), side mirror lubrication, hood lubrication, safety belt inspection, backrest lock operation check, noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, body paint damage inspection.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt checks, component inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, inspection of parts for reuse, rebuilding, and assembly of various components.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Aid in determining the cause of vehicle-related problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major repairs and component overhauls, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code:
M119.960 (4.2L V8 SOHC)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, V8, 32-valve (4 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
4196 cc (4.2 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approximately 275 hp @ 5,700 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
Approximately 295 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) with Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for fuel metering and ignition timing.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9.0 - 9.5 Liters (check manual for exact capacity)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (with filter, check manual for exact capacity)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 (depending on climate, consult owner's manual and manual for specific API service classifications).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.366 or similar variants)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Less common for 400E, more common on other W124 models like 300E/D).
Automatic Features:
Hydromechanical control, often with a 'Sport'/'Economy' mode selector.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.1 approved ATF (e.g., Dexron II E or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (for a complete fluid change, including torque converter - requires draining and filling multiple times for full flush, check manual for exact capacity).
Safety Features General:
Robust body structure, crumple zones, driver's side airbag (often standard by this era), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Active Safety Systems:
ABS, ASD (Automatic Slip Differential), optional ASR (Acceleration Skid Control) on later models, optional ADS (Adaptive Damping System).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver's airbag, front seat belt pretensioners, reinforced safety cell construction.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often from Becker. Features like tone head cleaning are mentioned in the manual.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, optional ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) and ADS (Adaptive Damping System), cruise control.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; typically featured power antenna, optional power mirrors, and basic interior lighting controls.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for precise recommendations based on driving conditions).
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000 - 50,000 miles is a common recommendation, though Mercedes-Benz often stated 'lifetime fluid' which is not advisable for longevity.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Depends on plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium), typically 30,000-100,000 miles. Consult manual for specifics.
Coolant Specifications:
Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 or 326.0 coolant (typically a silicate-free, long-life coolant, often blue or green).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified, but DOT 4 is generally preferred for higher boiling points)
Common Wear Items:
Brake wear, suspension bushings, fuel pump relay failure (especially in humid climates), wiring harness insulation degradation (a known W124 issue due to material used), blower motor resistor failure, catalytic converter issues.
Engine Specific Considerations:
The M119 engine is generally robust, but proper maintenance of the KE-Jetronic system, valve adjustments, and ignition components is crucial. Early versions of the wiring harnesses for the M119 could degrade.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability, with a long history dating back to the invention of the automobile.
W124 Generation:
The W124 chassis (1984-1995) is considered one of Mercedes-Benz's most over-engineered and robust platforms, a transitionary model incorporating advanced technology while retaining classic Mercedes build quality.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen plant).
