🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

300CE

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

W124 Coupe (C124)

Engine Code:

M104.980

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Premium European Grand Tourer Coupe. The 1992 300CE represented Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, performance, and build quality in the personal luxury coupe segment during the early 1990s.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against luxury coupes like the BMW 8 Series (E31), Lexus SC300/400, and the Cadillac Eldorado. The 300CE was lauded for its sophisticated engineering, comfortable ride, and enduring styling compared to some more overtly sporty or avant-garde rivals.

Key Features:

Elegant C124 Coupe body style, M104 inline-six engine renowned for smoothness and torque, advanced KE-Jetronic fuel injection, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, comfortable and luxurious interior, superior build quality, timeless design.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Electrical System, Bodywork, HVAC, Interior, Emissions Control, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Schedules, Specifications

Page Count:

Extensive (Software-based, not a fixed page count; equivalent to several thousand pages of traditional manual content)

Manual Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical (M104.980 3.0L Inline-6 DOHC), Engine Control System (KE-Jetronic), Ignition System, Fuel Delivery, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Air Intake System, Automatic Transmission (722.4/4-speed), Drivetrain (Rear-Wheel Drive), Suspension (Front Independent MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Multi-link), Steering (Power Assisted Recirculating Ball), Brakes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, ABS), Electrical System (12V, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams), Lighting, Body Control Modules, Climate Control (HVAC), Interior Trim and Upholstery, Security System, Audio System, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I)

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs), Major Service Intervals, Engine Tune-up, Troubleshooting Faults and Symptoms, Component Diagnosis, Removal and Installation Procedures for all major systems, Brake System Service, Suspension and Steering Alignment, Electrical System Diagnostics and Repair, HVAC System Service, Body Panel Repair and Adjustment, Emission Control System Maintenance, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities and Specifications

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic preventative maintenance to advanced diagnostic procedures, component overhauls, and electrical system troubleshooting. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed troubleshooting trees for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based diagnosis, electrical circuit testing, fuel system pressure testing, engine performance analysis.

Body Repair:

Panel replacement, dent removal, rust repair procedures, glass replacement, trim removal/installation.

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, Lambda sensor (oxygen sensor), EGR system (if applicable to region).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary Software Executable/Installable (with searchable text and interactive diagrams)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Completeness:

Official, factory-level data. Comprehensive coverage as provided by Mercedes-Benz for authorized service centers.

Searchability:

Full text search functionality for quick access to specific topics or parts.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.0L (2996cc) Inline-6, DOHC, 24 Valves (M104.980)

Horsepower:

217 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

228 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection with Lambda control

Engine Management:

ECU controlled ignition and fuel metering

Bore X Stroke:

88.5 mm x 80.2 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Lubrication System:

Forced lubrication with oil cooler

Valve Train:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor and ignition coil

Torque Specs:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical engine components (head bolts, main bearings, rod caps, etc.)

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.4)

Optional:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Rare in North America for 300CE)

Features:

Electronically controlled shift points, Lock-up torque converter

Fluid Type:

MB 236.2, MB 236.6, or equivalent ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.7 inches (4793 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

54.3 inches (1380 mm)

Wheelbase:

109.4 inches (2779 mm)

Front Track:

58.7 inches (1491 mm)

Rear Track:

57.5 inches (1460 mm)

Curb Weight:

3616 lbs (1640 kg) (approx.)

Gross Weight:

4575 lbs (2075 kg) (approx.)

Trunk Volume:

15.0 cu ft (420 L) (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

No standardized NHTSA/IIHS ratings available for this era; known for robust chassis and passive safety features.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Power-assisted steering, Four-wheel disc brakes

Passive Features:

Reinforced safety cell, Dual front airbags (optional/standard depending on market), crumple zones, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, anti-submarining front seats, laminated windshield

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Factory AM/FM Cassette stereo with optional CD changer. Optional climate control with automatic temperature regulation.

Driver Assistance:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Cruise Control (Standard)

Connectivity:

N/A (No external connectivity features as per modern standards)

OBD System:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation). Diagnostic port typically located under the hood or dash, requiring specialized tools for full access.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Oil Change: Every 7,500-10,000 miles (or as indicated by Service Indicator). Major Service: At 30,000 mile intervals, including fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs. Transmission Fluid/Filter: Every 50,000-60,000 miles. Coolant: Every 2-3 years. Brake Fluid: Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate specific recommendations)

Coolant Spec:

MB 325.0 / ASTM D3306 (Ethylene Glycol based)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (M104 specific), wiring harness degradation (especially around the engine), vacuum hose deterioration, mass airflow sensor issues, evaporator core leaks (HVAC), self-leveling rear suspension (SLS) issues (if equipped).

Common Electrical Faults:

Corroded grounds, failing blower motor resistor, ABS sensor issues.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mann W108, Mahle OC261, Bosch 0986452010 (Examples, always verify)

Air Filter Part Number:

Mann C35140, Mahle LX27, Bosch 1457429031 (Examples, always verify)

Fuel Filter Part Number:

Mann WK316, Bosch 0450905020 (Examples, always verify)

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) (dry fill)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Model Evolution:

The 300CE is part of the W124 E-Class family, introduced in 1984. The coupe version (C124) was launched in 1987, offering a sleeker profile and pillarless hardtop design. The M104 engine was introduced to the 300CE in 1989/1990, replacing the earlier M103.

Platform Name:

W124

Production Years:

C124 Coupe production: 1987-1996. 300CE model specific: 1989-1992 (replaced by E320 Coupe)

Manufacturing Locations:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The W124 platform as a whole was highly acclaimed for its engineering robustness, durability, and build quality, earning it a reputation as one of the finest sedans/coupes of its era. While specific awards for the 300CE model are scarce, the general W124 platform received numerous positive reviews from automotive publications worldwide.