Era Classification:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering in the late 1980s and early 1990s; a luxury grand tourer known for build quality and comfort.
Competitors:
Competed against luxury coupes from BMW (e.g., 8 Series), Audi (e.g., Coupe Quattro), and other premium manufacturers, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and durability.
Vehicle Appeal:
Elegant styling, robust engineering, comfortable ride quality, and a powerful inline-six engine made it a desirable vehicle.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair this sophisticated vehicle, often at a fraction of dealer costs.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Specific Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Emission Control, Diagnostic Procedures
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive Mercedes-Benz manuals of this era)
Type:
Digital Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, cylinder head assembly, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft timing, valve adjustment, lubrication system service.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (KE-Jetronic or subsequent variants), ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing and replacement, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR).
Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 or 722.4) service, repair, and adjustment; torque converter service; transmission fluid and filter replacement procedures.
Drivetrain:
Rear axle differential service, driveshaft maintenance, CV joint inspection and replacement, wheel bearing service.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), power steering system service, steering gearbox diagnosis and repair, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system diagnostics, front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) component testing and bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, starter motor and alternator testing and replacement, battery service, lighting system repair, fuse and relay identification and testing, power window, seat, and mirror systems.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant charging, compressor and evaporator diagnosis, heater core replacement, climate control unit troubleshooting.
Bodywork:
Door lock mechanisms, window regulators, exterior trim replacement, body panel alignment, interior trim removal and installation.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era), diagnostic tool usage recommendations.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks), lubrication points, inspection procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, diagnostic data, and component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and fluid changes to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnosis, and chassis component overhauls.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
3199 cc (3.2 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
217 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
228 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating 91 or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition with Distributor and Coil
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.3 or 722.4)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Less common, often designated 300CE-24 or similar, check specific VIN)
Automatic Features:
Comfort, Sport, and Economy modes; lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.
Fluid Type:
MB Approved ATF (e.g., MB 236.3, check owner's manual for specific specification)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8-9 Liters (including torque converter, for complete drain and fill)
Length:
Approx. 188.2 inches (4780 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3550-3750 lbs (1610-1700 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4700 lbs (2130 kg)
Crash Test Ratings:
While specific ratings for this exact model year may vary by testing agency, the W124 platform was renowned for its structural integrity and safety engineering, featuring advanced crumple zones and a reinforced passenger cell.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/standard depending on specific market and build date.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants; pretensioners for front seats.
Structural Integrity:
High-strength steel construction, reinforced pillars, side-impact protection beams.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (50,000 - 80,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on type (e.g., platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil:
MB 229.1 specification, typically 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (with filter)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 specification (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of wiring harness insulation (especially in the engine bay) due to age and heat, leading to electrical shorts and malfunctions.
Head Gasket:
Potential for head gasket failure on M104 engines under certain conditions, leading to coolant leaks or oil contamination.
Transmission Cooler Lines:
Corrosion and leaks in the transmission cooler lines, particularly where they pass through the radiator. This can lead to transmission fluid leaks and potential overheating.
Sunroof Drain Tubes:
Clogged sunroof drain tubes can lead to water ingress into the cabin, potentially damaging electronics and causing mold issues.
Biodegradable Wiring:
Early Mercedes-Benz models from this era used biodegradable insulation on some wiring harnesses, which can become brittle and fail.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and luxury, building upon a legacy of innovation since the early 20th century.
W124 Platform:
The 124 Coupe (C124) is part of the highly regarded W124 E-Class family, introduced in 1984 for the sedan and expanded to coupe, convertible, and wagon variants. It succeeded the W123 and was known for its over-engineered build quality and advanced technology for its time.
Production Period:
The W124 Coupe generation (C124) was produced from 1987 to 1996. The 300CE 3.2L variant falls within the later production years, benefiting from engineering refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
