Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz W124 owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops
Alternative Sources:
Costly Factory Shop Manual CD-ROMs
Completeness:
Complete in itself, contains all information found in factory manual CD-ROMs
Delivery Method:
Email delivery, no shipping costs or waiting time
Primary Coverage:
All technical repair and maintenance information
Secondary Coverage:
Lubrication, Suspension, Brakes, Cooling System, Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission, HVAC, Emission Control, Body, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (similar to factory shop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emissions
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual and automatic), differential, drive axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment
Braking Systems:
Brake system service, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass, seals, structural components
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Rebuilding Procedures:
Engine, transmission, and other major component rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, factory-level technical repair information
Detail Level:
Includes detailed explanations, diagrams, and specifications for all repair and maintenance tasks
Compatibility:
Works under all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac
Printability:
Print all, any, or only the pages needed
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Visuals:
Lots of pictures and diagrams
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF
Engine Types Covered:
Multiple gasoline and diesel engine variants used in the W124 chassis (e.g., M102, M103, M104 inline-4, inline-6; OM601, OM602, OM603 inline-4, inline-5, inline-6 diesel)
Typical Performance:
Varies by specific engine: 4-cylinder models (e.g., 2.0L, 2.3L) around 100-140 hp; 6-cylinder models (e.g., 2.6L, 3.0L, 3.2L) around 160-220 hp; diesel models (e.g., 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L) around 70-120 hp
Fuel Injection Systems:
K-Jetronic, KE-Jetronic, CIS-E, and early electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems
Oil Capacity:
Typically 5.5 to 7.5 liters depending on engine variant
Spark Plug Type:
Varies by engine, commonly Bosch or NGK (specific types detailed in manual)
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual (optional on many models), 5-speed automatic (later models)
Transmission Types:
4-speed automatic (722.4), 5-speed manual (G5/27, G5/36), 5-speed automatic (722.5, 722.6 later models)
Fluid Type Auto:
Typically Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) specification MB 236.x (e.g., MB 236.1, MB 236.2, MB 236.4 depending on transmission type)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 6-8 liters for automatic transmissions (subject to drain/fill or torque converter)
Historical Safety:
Generally considered very safe for its era, known for robust build quality. Specific crash test ratings not readily available in the same format as modern vehicles but design emphasized occupant protection.
Available Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), optional Traction Control System (ASR) on later models
Standard Features:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, driver's airbag (standard from 1988 onwards), front seatbelt pre-tensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 to 15,000 km or annually, depending on model year and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Major Service Intervals:
Significant checks and component replacements around 50,000 km to 100,000 km (e.g., spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, transmission service)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant, typically based on ethylene glycol (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0, mixed 1:1 with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 specification brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Head gasket (especially on some M103/M104 engines), biodegradable wiring insulation degradation, SRS module issues, BECK/ARNLEY window regulators, heater control valve failure, front spring seat failure, ABS sensor failure
Diesel Specific Issues:
Glow plug issues, vacuum leaks affecting engine run-on, injector pump problems
Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendations:
Varies by climate and engine; commonly 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 (e.g., MB 229.1, MB 229.3, MB 229.5 specifications for modern oils)
Tire Pressure Recommendations:
Varies by tire size and load, typically around 2.0 - 2.5 bar (29-36 psi), detailed on the vehicle's B-pillar sticker
Parent Company:
Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG)
Introduction Year:
1984 (Sedan and Estate)
Production End Year:
1995 (Sedan/Coupe), 1996 (Estate)
Production Locations:
Germany, various international assembly plants
Production Volume:
Over 1.8 million units produced across all body styles
Industry Reputation:
Widely regarded as one of the best-built cars of its era, known for durability, comfort, and engineering excellence. Often referred to as the 'last of the over-engineered Mercedes-Benz'.
Design Awards:
Praised for timeless styling by Bruno Sacco.
Manufacturing Standards:
Adhered to stringent Mercedes-Benz engineering and quality standards of the period.
