Class:
Mid-size Luxury Station Wagon / Estate
Segment Competitors:
BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi 100 Avant, Volvo 240/740/940 Wagon, Saab 9000 Wagon
Key Strengths:
Exceptional Build Quality, Durable Powertrain, Refined Ride Comfort, Robust 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System, Practicality and Versatility
Features:
Oak-wood interior trim, optional rear-facing third-row jump seats, power-operated tailgate, optional self-leveling rear suspension, advanced for its time 4MATIC system
Powertrain:
Engine (M103.984), Fuel Injection (KE-Jetronic), Ignition, Cooling, Exhaust, Transmission (4-speed Automatic 722.4), Drivetrain (4MATIC All-Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front Independent, Rear Multi-link), Steering System, Braking System (ABS equipped), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Instrumentation, Fuses and Relays, Engine Control Unit (ECU), ABS Control Module, Power Accessories (Windows, Sunroof, Seats, Mirrors), 4MATIC Control Module
Body:
Body Structure, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Seating Systems, Climate Control System (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs), Fluid Checks and Replacements (Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Belt Inspections and Replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Electrical System Fault Finding, Engine Performance Problems, Transmission Shift Quality Issues
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Servicing, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) interpretation for the era, Fuel System Diagnostics, Ignition System Diagnostics, ABS Diagnostics, 4MATIC System Diagnostics
Depth:
Detailed Component Removal and Installation, Torque Specifications, Electrical Schematics, Diagnostic Flowcharts, Exploded Views, Repair Times (often included in OE manuals)
Engine Type:
Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2960 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
88.5 mm x 80.25 mm
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5700 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
240 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EZL/AKR)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
9.5 Liters (approx.)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (722.4)
Type:
5-speed Manual (Rare on 4MATIC)
Drivetrain:
4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approved ATF (e.g., Shell ATF 3403 M-115 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
8.0 Liters (approx. for complete fill)
NHTSA Rating:
Not rated by modern NHTSA standards; designed to meet 1980s/90s safety requirements.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on 4MATIC models
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) not standard on these early 4MATIC models, but some later W124s had it.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, optional passenger airbag available later in production.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts, pre-tensioners on front seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory installed Becker cassette or radio/cassette systems, optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (optional) with adjustable A/C and heater.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Wiper Features:
Intermittent wipers, headlight washers and wipers (optional).
Factory Options:
Original communication systems (rare), antenna systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (depending on plug type).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km or 48 months.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96 or MB 229.1 approved (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-40 synthetic blend/full synthetic recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (with filter change)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB Approved Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., CHF 11S, check specific model year)
Common Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from front and rear main seals, timing chain tensioner wear, vacuum hose degradation, MAF sensor issues (less common on M103), idle control valve problems.
Common Transmission Issues:
Oil leaks from the shifter module, worn valve body, delayed engagement, harsh shifting.
Common Chassis Issues:
Sagging suspension (especially rear self-leveling), worn ball joints and tie rods, driveshaft flex disc wear, exhaust hanger failure, ABS sensor failures.
Common Electrical Issues:
Wiring harness degradation (especially insulation), fuse panel issues, BECK/BOSCH module failures (e.g., K40 relay for fuel pump), instrument cluster pixel degradation.
Common Body Issues:
Rust (especially wheel arches, jacking points, sunroof drains), door seal degradation, tailgate hydraulic strut failure.
Brand Philosophy:
Engineering excellence, durability, safety, and luxury
W124 Sedan Introduction:
1984
S124 Wagon Introduction:
1985
Facelift Details:
Minor facelift in 1989 included new door moldings, revised grille, and updated interior trim. 1993 saw further subtle styling tweaks.
4Matic Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 for sedans, later expanded to wagons.
Production Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Production End Year:
1995 (for W124 chassis)
General Reputation:
Consistently lauded for its build quality, reliability, and longevity, often referred to as the 'last of the over-engineered' Mercedes-Benz models.
Industry Awards:
While specific awards for this model variant are less publicized than modern vehicles, the W124 platform as a whole received numerous accolades for its engineering and durability.
Owner Satisfaction:
High owner satisfaction for reliability and build quality, especially among enthusiasts.
