🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

E-Class

Model Code:

W210

Model Year:

1996

Generation Name:

First Generation W210

Chassis Code:

W210

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Prestige:

Premium European luxury and build quality, representing Mercedes-Benz's commitment to engineering excellence.

Competitors:

BMW 5 Series (E39), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Volvo S80, Lexus GS

Design Language:

Distinctive quad-headlight design, evolutionary styling from the W124 E-Class, focus on aerodynamic efficiency and comfort.

Build Quality:

Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, extensive use of high-quality materials, and advanced safety structures.

Demographic:

Affluent professionals, executives, and those seeking comfort, safety, and sophisticated engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Page Count:

Varies by specific publication, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a comprehensive printed book or digital PDF (exact format not specified but implied for dealership use)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline and diesel engines offered in 1996 E-Class (e.g., M111, M104, OM604, OM605, OM606)

Transmission:

Service and repair for automatic transmissions (e.g., 4G-TRONIC, 5G-TRONIC) and any manual transmissions, including hydraulic systems, electronic controls, and fluid services

Brakes:

Brake system diagnostics, ABS, ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) service, hydraulic component repair, and pad/rotor replacement

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component diagnosis and replacement, shock absorber/strut service, spring replacement, alignment procedures

Steering:

Power steering system service, steering rack and pinion repair, steering column adjustments

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for lighting, ignition, charging, starter systems, and body electronics

Climate Control:

HVAC system diagnostics, refrigerant service (R134a), component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core), and control unit troubleshooting

Bodywork:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal, and chassis diagnostics

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system diagnostics (Bosch KE-Jetronic, HFM), fuel pump, injector service, fuel tank and line repair

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat service, coolant specifications, and leak detection

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues

Engine Repair:

Engine rebuild procedures, cylinder head removal/installation, piston ring replacement, valve adjustments

Transmission Repair:

Transmission overhaul, torque converter replacement, valve body servicing

Brake Repair:

Brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, brake line repair/replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes, ECU diagnostics (where applicable)

Suspension Alignment:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures

Airbag Service:

Proper procedures for handling and servicing airbag systems

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, O2 sensor, and emissions system component diagnosis and repair

Depth Level:

Complete, from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF with searchable text for ease of use in a digital environment.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text, and durable paper quality for professional use (if printed).

Binding:

Likely professionally bound softcover or hardcover for durability in a workshop setting.

Paper Quality:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and display diagrams clearly.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

1996 saw a range including: E300 Diesel (OM605, 2.5L I5), E300 Turbo Diesel (OM606, 3.0L I6), E320 (M104, 3.2L I6), E420 (M119, 4.2L V8), E320 (M111, 2.8L I4 - less common in US market for this year, mainly 3.2L)

Specific Engine Example E320:

M104.992 (3.2L Inline-6)

Horsepower E320:

Approximately 217 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque E320:

Approximately 229 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Injection Type Gasoline:

Bosch HFM (Hot Film Air Mass) Sequential Fuel Injection

Injection Type Diesel:

Bosch VE or EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) Injection Pump

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic (e.g., M1.3 or M2.8 for gasoline, EDC for diesel)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Usdm:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 'NAG1' introduced late in the W210's life, but 4-speed 722.4/722.5 and earlier 5-speeds were common).

Optional Transmission:

No manual transmission generally offered in the US market for 1996 E-Class models.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Selectable driving modes (Economy/Sport), electronic control for smoother shifts and efficiency.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.1 or MB Spec 236.2 (Dexron III equivalent compatible with older MB fluids, but specific MB spec is critical for 722.6).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

111.5 inches (2832 mm)

Length:

190.6 inches (4841 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

57.0 inches (1448 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 16.0 cubic feet (455 liters)

Curb Weight E320:

Approximately 3570 lbs (1620 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112

Wheel Offset:

ET37 to ET41 depending on wheel size

Tire Size Standard E320:

215/55 R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star rating (driver), 4-star rating (passenger) - based on contemporary standards, specific year testing might vary

IIHS Ratings:

Good - Excellent performance in frontal offset crash tests for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Asr:

Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control on most models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (Pelvis) in later 1996 models or as part of option packages.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioner seatbelts for front occupants, three-point seatbelts for all rear occupants.

Body Structure:

Integrated crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, factory cassette or CD players.

Navigation:

Optional Becker Traffic Pilot navigation system (early generation).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional on some models.

Parking Sensors:

Not typically available for 1996 models, became common later.

Cellular Integration:

Optional factory installed car phone (rare and dated technology).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.1, SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 synthetic engine oil is recommended.

Coolant Specification:

MB Spec 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Common Failures Wiring Harness:

Biodegradable insulation on some engine wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to electrical issues. Often referred to as 'the spaghetti mess'.

Common Failures Mass Air Flow Sensor:

MAFS can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling and performance issues.

Common Failures Window Regulators:

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

Common Failures Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can cause intermittent stalling or no-start conditions.

Common Failures Rust:

Rust can form in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around window seals, particularly in areas with harsh winters.

Oil Filter E320 M104:

Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A 000 180 26 09 (or equivalent Mahle OX36D)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

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

Predecessor:

W124 E-Class (known for exceptional build quality and durability).

Successor:

W211 E-Class

Production Years:

1995-2002 (W210 platform)

Introduction Year:

1995 (for the 1996 model year in North America)

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), with other global assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:

Popular Mechanics Car of the Year - 1996 (for the W210 E-Class).

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its era.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability varied by model year and engine, but generally considered good to very good, especially the diesel variants. Manual would be crucial for troubleshooting.