🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

260 E

Chassis Code:

W124

Generation Name:

First Generation (W124)

Generation Years:

1984-1993

Engine Code For 260E:

M103

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size luxury sedan.

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to maintain and repair their Mercedes-Benz 260 E, including DIY enthusiasts and independent workshops.

Competitors Of 260E:

BMW 5 Series (E28/E34), Audi 100 (C3), Volvo 240/740, Jaguar XJ (XJ40).

Vehicle Reputation:

Renowned for its robust build quality, engineering excellence, ride comfort, and durability.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides detailed, authoritative repair and maintenance information specifically for the Mercedes 260 E, enabling owners to perform a wide range of service tasks, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Model Years:

1987, 1988, 1989

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 800-1200 pages (combined across year-specific manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF / WINRAR

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic), ignition timing, idle speed control, emission controls (oxygen sensor).

Cooling System:

Coolant level checks, antifreeze protection, system pressure, radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, heater core replacement.

Fuel System:

Fuel filter replacement, pre-filter, fuel pump checks, fuel line inspection, injection system diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission oil change and level check, automatic transmission fluid and filter service, transfer case fluid service, clutch system inspection and fluid correction.

Suspension:

Front and rear axle oil level checks, ball joint inspection (including special tool usage), self-leveling suspension (ADS) fluid level, 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Brakes:

Brake fluid level and inspection, brake lines, brake pad and disk thickness checks, parking brake adjustment, brake fluid replacement, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) related checks.

Steering:

Power steering fluid level, steering play checks, steering bolt retightening.

Electrical System:

Battery fluid level, warning and indicator lamp checks, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection, wiper and washer systems.

Body And Chassis:

Suspension and body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection, door hinge and lock lubrication, sunroof maintenance, soft top checks, body paint damage inspection.

Climate Control:

AC refrigerant charge checks, dust filter, active charcoal filter, and recirculating air filter replacement, windshield washer fluid level.

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil and filter change, air filter replacement, fuel filter and pre-filter replacement, V-belt inspection and tensioning, spark plug inspection and replacement, fluid level checks (coolant, power steering, brake, transmission, differential).

Engine Tune Up:

Valve clearance adjustment and checking, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment and checking.

Component Replacement:

Oxygen sensor, spark plugs, fuel filters, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluids, differential fluids, air filter elements, dust filters, charcoal filters.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Component condition inspection, line and hose inspection, suspension and body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, checking intake/exhaust manifold seating.

Troubleshooting:

Methods for determining the cause of vehicle-related problems as stated in the product description.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance, tune-ups, component replacement, diagnostics, and specific procedures like injection timing adjustment and valve clearance setting, suitable for both DIY mechanics and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Delivery:

Instant Download

Compatibility:

Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8/Linux/MAC, iOS, Android

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF content for ease of navigation and information retrieval.

Physical Format Implied:

N/A (Digital product)

Physical Format Implied:

N/A (Digital product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Engine Code:

M103.940

Displacement:

2597 cc (2.6 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 80.25 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1 (Typical)

Horsepower Est:

160 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque Est:

228 Nm (168 lb-ft) @ 4400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Injection System:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection with Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for ignition and auxiliary functions.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

7.5 Liters (approx.)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (depending on climate, refer to manual for exact specification)

Cooling System Capacity:

10.5 Liters (approx.)

Spark Plugs Type:

NGK BPR5ES or equivalent.

Spark Plug Gap:

0.8 mm (0.032 inches)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4G-Tronic)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 220, Shell Spirax S4 ATD).

Manual Transmission Oil Type:

MB 235.1 Specification Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W/90 GL-4).

Transfer Case Oil Type:

MB 235.1 Specification Gear Oil (for 4MATIC models).

Clutch Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (same as brake system).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4740 mm (186.6 inches)

Width:

1740 mm (68.5 inches)

Height:

1430 mm (56.3 inches)

Wheelbase:

2800 mm (110.2 inches)

Curb Weight Est:

1450 kg - 1550 kg (approx., depending on transmission and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2000 kg

Standard Tire Size:

195/65R15 or 205/60R15

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112 mm

Wheel Offset:

ET37 or similar (check specific wheel).

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Safety Standards:

Designed to meet or exceed safety standards of the late 1980s. Features early adoption of safety innovations.

Anti Lock Braking System:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.

Automatic Slip Differential:

Optional ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became standard later in the W124 generation, potentially optional or unavailable on early 1987 models.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for front and rear occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed Becker cassette radio with AM/FM tuner. Cassette deck cleaning procedure is included in the manual.

Traction Control:

Availability of ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) on certain models.

Suspension Systems:

Optional Level Control and ADS (Automatic Damping System) for enhanced ride comfort.

Antenna:

Manual antenna mast cleaning specified.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Typically every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to owner's manual for exact specification).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) or every 4 years.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 2 years, using correct Mercedes-Benz coolant specification.

Transmission Fluid And Filter Change:

Automatic: Every 80,000 km (50,000 miles). Manual: Periodically, or as per manual recommendations. Check manual for specifics.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 Specification Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).

Common W124 Issues:

Wiring harness degradation (especially insulation), vacuum line leaks (affecting central locking, climate control), rust in common areas (wheel wells, door bottoms, sunroof tray), fuel distributor leaks (KE-Jetronic), idle control valve issues, differential seal leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Longstanding reputation for automotive engineering, luxury, and durability since the early 20th century.

W124 Introduction:

The W124 chassis replaced the W123 and introduced significant advancements in aerodynamics, safety, and handling. It was produced from 1984 to 1993.

260E Positioning:

The 260 E was positioned as an entry-level luxury sedan within the W124 range, offering the core Mercedes-Benz attributes at a more accessible price point.

Production Period For 260E W124:

1985-1989

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany, with some assembly also occurring in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

W124 Reputation:

Consistently ranked among the best cars of the 1980s for its engineering, durability, and overall quality. Often referred to as the 'last of the over-engineered' Mercedes-Benz vehicles.