🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

E320

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

W210

Engine Code:

M104.995 (3.2L Inline-6)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium executive sedan, renowned for its luxury, comfort, and engineering prowess. Targeted at discerning buyers valuing refinement and performance.

Competitors:

BMW 5 Series (E39), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Lexus GS, Cadillac DeVille.

Features:

Robust M104 inline-six engine, advanced (for its time) electronic systems, luxurious interior, excellent ride quality, solid build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance

Pages:

Estimated 1500+ pages (comprehensive)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed engine removal, disassembly, inspection, assembly, overhaul procedures for the M104.995 engine.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (KE-Jetronic variant or early EFI), ignition system, engine control module (ECM) operation, sensor testing.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (722.6 '5G-Tronic') repair, adjustment, fluid changes, electronic control unit (TCU) diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper service.

Electrical System:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, lighting system, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, refrigerant recharge, blower motor, climate control unit.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seats, safety restraints.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic tools, troubleshooting flowcharts, common faults and their solutions.

Instrument Cluster:

Operation, diagnosis, and repair of gauges, warning lights, and the driver information display.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, and their associated control modules and switches.

Security System:

Keyless entry, immobilizer system (if equipped), central locking operation and troubleshooting.

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (if applicable), and related emission control components and testing procedures.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, facilitating fault tracing.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Coverage for identifying, interpreting, and clearing OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) specific to Mercedes-Benz systems.

Alignment Specifications:

Detailed front and rear wheel alignment specifications including camber, caster, and toe angles.

Tire Wheel Data:

Recommended tire sizes, inflation pressures, and wheel bolt patterns (e.g., 5x112).

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.

Diagnostic Tools:

Guidance on using factory or equivalent diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis, although specific version for 1997 might be noted) for advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific information. High-resolution scans for clarity.

Searchability:

Yes, full text search capability enabled for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manual pages, ensuring legibility of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.2L (3199 cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Engine Code:

M104.995

Horsepower:

217 hp @ 5,500 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - likely KE-Jetronic or early ME system variations.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

ECM:

Engine Control Module (ECM) for managing fuel, ignition, and emissions.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic')

Optional Type:

None (5-speed automatic was standard for E320 Sedan and Wagon)

Features:

Electronic control, comfort/sport modes, torque converter lock-up for improved efficiency.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 (Dexron III/Mercon compatible prior to 236.10)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

190.3 inches (Sedan)

Width:

70.2 inches

Height:

56.7 inches (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,600 - 3,800 lbs (depending on body style and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

4 Stars (1997 Model Year)

NHTSA Front Passenger:

4 Stars (1997 Model Year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) available on later models, might be present on some 1997 E320s.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side airbags available.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning front seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD changer and navigation system (APS).

Speakers:

Typically 6-8 speaker system depending on trim and options.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Telematics:

Early telematics systems might be present depending on market and options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type used).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule. Crucial for 722.6 transmission longevity.

Spark Plugs:

Typically replaced every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on type: standard vs. platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Type:

MB 229.1 specification (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Known Issues:

Cracked dashboard (MB-Tex material), biodegradable wiring harness insulation issues (early W210s), blower motor resistor failure, front SAM module water ingress, rear window regulator issues, ABS/ESP sensor failures, serpentine belt tensioner pulley wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability dating back to the early 20th century.

Evolution:

The W210 E-Class replaced the W124 generation, introducing a more rounded and aerodynamic design. The E320 was a key model in this generation, offering a balance of performance and refinement.

Production Years:

W210 generation produced from 1995 to 2002. The 1997 E320 falls within the initial phase of the W210 lifecycle.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany, with some production in other global facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

Generally well-regarded for its build quality, comfort, and refinement. Often praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and luxury appointments for its era.

Reliability Reputation:

Mixed. While the core mechanicals (engine, transmission) are robust, specific electronic components and certain trim pieces were subject to premature wear or failure, as noted in known issues.