Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan, part of the highly regarded W124 E-Class generation
Target Audience:
Owners, enthusiasts, and independent repair shops looking for in-depth technical information for maintaining and repairing their Mercedes-Benz 260 E
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E28/E34), Audi 100/200, Volvo 740/760, Lexus LS 400 (later in the generation)
Vehicle Strengths:
Exceptional build quality, durability, ride comfort, sophisticated engineering, safety features for its era
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information, empowering users to perform complex tasks with confidence, includes crucial wiring schematics often missing in generic manuals
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Specific Coverage:
Engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, body, HVAC
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact page count not provided, but described as highly detailed)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF / WINRAR
Powertrain:
Engine (M103), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, parking), wheels, tires, axles (front and rear), transfer case (if applicable to specific drivetrain)
Electrical:
Wiring schematics, lighting, instruments, ignition system, starting system, charging system, diagnostics, sensors, actuators, comfort systems (e.g., HVAC, power accessories)
Body And Interior:
Body structure, panels, doors, windows, sunroof, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim, safety belts, lubrication, sound deadening
Maintenance:
Fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, axle), filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), belt checks and replacement, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault finding for all major systems
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuilding procedures for engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical components, bodywork
Adjustments:
Idle speed, injection timing, parking brake, valve clearance, clutch linkage
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed diagnostics, and wiring schematics
Format:
Digital (PDF/WINRAR); Instant Download
Quality:
High-resolution digital reproductions, including diagrams and schematics
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Operating Systems:
Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8, Linux, MAC, iOS, Android
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.6 Liters (2599 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 160 hp @ 5800 rpm (varies slightly by market and specific tune)
Torque:
Approx. 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) or similar mechanical/electronic hybrid injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change (Consult manual for exact specification)
Spark Plugs:
Typically Bosch W8AC or equivalent (Refer to manual for precise part number and gap)
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts often used for vibration isolation; requires specific retorquing procedure.
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.4) or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (less common in some markets)
Automatic Features:
Selectable modes (e.g., Economy/Sport) on some models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.2, MB 236.3, or MB 236.6 (Check manual for specific transmission and year)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Check manual for specific transmission)
Length:
Approx. 4740 mm (186.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3200-3417 lbs), depending on options and transmission
Era Rating:
Good for its time, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's focus on passive safety (e.g., crumple zones, robust chassis).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on later models.
Asd:
Optional Automatic Slip Differential (ASD) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag typically optional or introduced during this model range's production. Passenger airbag not common for these years.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts; pre-tensioners may be present on front belts.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with upgraded speaker systems available. Features like power antenna are common.
Level Control:
Optional self-leveling suspension (SLS) system for rear axle available on some models. ADS (Active Damping System) might be integrated.
Traction Control:
ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) functions as an early form of traction control for rear-wheel drive.
HVAC:
Fully automatic climate control or manual HVAC system, with dust and activated charcoal filters. Heating and ventilation system checks are critical for comfort and defrosting.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. Always follow manual recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Automatic: 50,000 - 80,000 km (30,000 - 50,000 miles). Manual: 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 60,000 miles). Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2-4 years or as specified in the manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 or equivalent hydraulic fluid (Check manual)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz specified coolant or equivalent (e.g., G05) with appropriate antifreeze protection, typically a 50/50 mix.
Common Failures:
Vacuum system leaks (affecting idle and performance), differential seal leaks, water pump failure, front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings), wiring harness insulation degradation (especially in hot climates), head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.
Recommendations:
Regular inspection of all hoses and seals, timely fluid changes, proper use of specified lubricants, keeping HVAC system filters clean to prevent evaporator issues.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and longevity.
W124 Generation:
The W124, introduced in 1984, is considered one of Mercedes-Benz's most over-engineered and durable generations. It replaced the W123 and was succeeded by the W210. The 260 E was a significant model within this lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Sindelfingen plant primarily)
Production Period:
The W124 series was produced from 1984 to 1995. The 260 E variant was available for a portion of this run, including the specified 1987-1989 years.
Design Awards:
The W124 E-Class chassis is widely praised for its aerodynamic efficiency and timeless design, often cited as a benchmark for automotive engineering.
Reliability Perception:
High, often regarded as one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz models ever produced, provided it was maintained correctly.
Manual Quality:
The manual is described as being of professional technician quality, indicating it adheres to industry standards for technical documentation.
