🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

300TE

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

W124

Engine Code:

M103.980

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300TE (W124 chassis) was positioned as a premium, reliable, and comfortable mid-size luxury station wagon, appealing to families and individuals seeking quality, safety, and understated luxury.

Competitors:

Competed with models such as the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi 100/A6 Avant, Volvo 240/740/940 Wagon, and to some extent, American luxury wagons.

Features:

Robust build quality, refined ride, excellent safety features for its era, powerful inline-six engine, spacious and versatile interior, advanced (for the time) engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Bodywork, Interior, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul procedures, component diagnostics, timing procedures, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic), ignition system, emission control, sensor diagnostics

Transmission Automatic:

4-speed 4G-TRONIC (722.3/722.4), overhaul, adjustment, diagnostics, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, repair and overhaul

Suspension:

Front independent suspension, rear multi-link suspension, components, diagnostics, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, components, diagnosis, repair

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), components, bleeding, diagnostics

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power accessories

HVAC:

Climate control system, A/C system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pressure testing

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, inspection and replacement

Body And Interior:

Door panels, seats, trim, glass replacement, body repair, rust prevention

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem diagnosis, fault code interpretation

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine and transmission overhauls

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) information, electrical system troubleshooting, component testing procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive - Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital Software (likely executable or PDF accessed via software)

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text (as expected from official software).

Type:

Not Applicable (Software)

Type:

Not Applicable (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

M103 Inline-6

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2960 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

88.5 mm x 80.25 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 12 valves (2 per cylinder)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

207 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (K-Jetronic with electronic control)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)

Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact spec)

Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (approx. with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)

Transmission Model Codes:

722.3xx or 722.4xx

Manual Transmission:

Not commonly available for the 300TE in most markets.

Features:

Hydromechanical control, torque converter, lock-up clutch for efficiency

Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 specification automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Dexron II/III compatible as per manufacturer).

Capacity:

Approx. 8 Liters (for complete refill, including torque converter)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4740 mm (186.6 in)

Width:

1740 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1470 mm (57.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2800 mm (110.2 in)

Seating Capacity:

5-7 (optional rear-facing third row)

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 570 liters (20.1 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1670 kg (3680 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2270 kg (5000 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Era Specific Ratings:

Designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards for the early 1990s; featured significant passive safety features.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) on some models

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners on front belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium sound system, often with cassette player; upgraded head units are common.

Navigation:

Rarely equipped with factory navigation from this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Connectivity Options:

No integrated smartphone connectivity; analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 10,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification and driving conditions).

Transmission Service:

Every 50,000 - 60,000 km (30,000 - 40,000 miles) for fluid and filter change (crucial for longevity).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 - 100,000 km (40,000 - 60,000 miles) depending on plug type (e.g., standard vs. platinum).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), replace as needed or every 40,000 km (25,000 miles).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific MB approval)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 236.3 or compatible hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S on some applications, but verify for 1993 300TE).

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48).

Wiring Harness:

Biodegradable insulation on some early W124 wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to electrical issues.

Head Gasket:

The M103 engine can be prone to head gasket failure if overheated or poorly maintained, though less common than on some later engines.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms can become brittle and break.

HVAC Blower Motor:

Blower motor resistors or the motor itself can fail, affecting HVAC performance.

Fuel Distributor O-Rings:

O-rings in the fuel distributor can leak, causing starting issues or rough running.

Importance:

Proactive maintenance is critical for these vehicles to maintain their legendary reliability and prevent costly repairs.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability.

W124 Generation:

The W124 chassis (1984-1995) is renowned for its exceptional build quality, reliability, and sophisticated design, often considered one of Mercedes-Benz's finest generations.

300Te Variant:

The 300TE variant represented the mid-range gasoline engine option for the W124 wagon, offering a balance of performance and refinement. The 'T' signifies Touring (wagon).

Production Years:

W124 Estate (S124) production ran from 1985 to 1996. The 300TE specifically was produced from 1986 through 1992/1993 depending on market.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Recognition:

Mercedes-Benz consistently ranks high in automotive quality and reliability surveys, particularly for vehicles from this era.

Model Reputation:

The W124 chassis, including the 300TE, is widely regarded as one of the most over-engineered and durable vehicles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz.