Target Audience:
Owners of Mercedes-Benz W124 300E/E320 models seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics; professional automotive technicians
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level information in a convenient digital format, offering significant cost savings over dealership service
Manual Features:
Detailed substeps, notes/cautions/warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations/drawings/photos, enlarged insets, numbered table of contents, electrical troubleshooting with wiring diagrams
Delivery Method:
Instant download link provided on checkout page post-payment
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, repair, timing components, cooling system, fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic), lubrication system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service and repair, hydraulic systems, torque converter, gear shift mechanisms
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, control arms, steering gearbox, power steering system
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, ignition system, fuse box, relays, instrument cluster, onboard diagnostics
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, body sealing, chassis lubrication
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, climate control module
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (air, oil, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire pressure checks, brake fluid flush
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical component repair, exhaust system repair, interior trim repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for various systems, identifying causes of common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic routines for engine management, fuel system, electrical faults, and mechanical issues
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and overhauls, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Engine Code 300E:
M103.980
Engine Displacement 300E:
2.962 cc (3.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration 300E:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Bore X Stroke 300E:
88.5 mm x 80.25 mm
Compression Ratio 300E:
9.2:1
Horsepower 300E:
188 hp (138 kW) at 5700 rpm
Torque 300E:
195 lb-ft (265 Nm) at 4400 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (Electronically controlled mechanical injection)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI - Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Engine Code E320:
M104.990 (Note: This engine was introduced later in the W124 E320 models, typically from 1993 onwards, but this manual may cover its earlier iterations if applicable to the specified years. The 1986-1990 E320 was usually the 3.0L M103, making 'E320 3.0L' a potential overlap or specific designation.)
Engine Displacement E320 Potential:
3199 cc (3.2 Liters) for M104.990
Engine Configuration E320 Potential:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Performance Enhancements Covered:
Engine tuning, component upgrades (if mentioned in manual)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3xx series)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (G3-75/1, G3-75/2)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Hydraulic control, torque converter lock-up clutch
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.1 (e.g., MBZ ATF Dexron IIE or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 - 9.0 liters (varies with torque converter)
Safety Ratings Era:
Designed to meet stringent safety standards of its era, including robust body structure and crumple zones.
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most 300E/E320 models, advanced suspension for stability
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cell, driver and front passenger airbags (optional on early models, standard later), seatbelt pre-tensioners
Infotainment Systems:
Basic analog radio and cassette player, optional upgraded sound systems, manual likely covers their basic maintenance and repair.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control (optional), ABS (standard on many models)
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Vehicles of this era did not feature modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Transmission Service Interval:
Fluid and filter change every 50,000-80,000 km (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1 / MB 229.3 (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 synthetic based on climate and oil quality; consult manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
MB Spec 325.0 / 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant)
Common W124 Issues:
Headliner sagging, vacuum system leaks (door locks, climate control), wiring harness degradation (especially the insulation), fuel distributor leaks, idle control valve issues, evaporator core failure (for AC), rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, jack points)
Parts Identification:
Manual provides detailed illustrations and potentially part numbers for component identification during repair.
Mercedes Benz Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability.
W124 Evolution:
The W124 generation (1984-1995) is highly regarded for its build quality, sophisticated engineering, and long service life. The 300E and later E320 models represented the higher-spec inline-6 cylinder variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen)
