Production Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Generation Code:
W124 (2nd Generation Facelift)
Class:
Executive Luxury Coupe
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E30), Audi Coupe, Volvo 780, Lexus SC300 (later models)
Styling:
Timeless coupe design, embodying the elegant lines of the W124 sedan.
Engineering:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, durability, and sophisticated engineering.
Performance:
Smooth inline-six power delivery, comfortable ride, and refined handling.
Safety Features:
Early adoption of ABS, driver's side airbag (optional/standard depending on market and year), crumple zones.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Restoration
Specific Systems:
Engine mechanical, Engine electrical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS), Climate control (AC), Electrical systems, Body and chassis, Interior systems, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printed Copy (depending on product offering)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, and reconditioning procedures for the M104 inline-six engine.
Engine Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, ignition timing, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection system operation, diagnostics, component testing (fuel distributor, injectors, fuel pump), pressure checks.
Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (722.3) overhaul, fluid change procedures, diagnosis of shift anomalies, hydraulic system.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics, component replacement, bleeding procedures.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component identification, inspection, replacement (struts, bushings, ball joints), power steering system.
Climate Control:
R134a refrigerant system (post-conversion if applicable), AC compressor, blower motor, climate control unit diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks, brake pad inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common issues (e.g., no-start, rough idle, transmission shifting problems).
Repair Rebuild:
Complete engine, transmission, brake caliper, suspension component, and electrical module repair and rebuild instructions.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) explanation for the era, diagnostic connector locations, using a multimeter for electrical testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including wiring schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Digital Format:
Searchable PDF with clickable links for navigation and cross-referencing.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, text, and images.
Printed Binding:
Coil-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment (if applicable).
Printed Paper:
Durable, heavy-weight paper suitable for workshop conditions (if applicable).
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve, DOHC
Displacement:
2.6 Liters (2599 cc) for the 300 CE-24V model, 3.0 Liters (2996 cc) for earlier 300 CE models (though 2.6 was more common in this period for CE)
Horsepower:
Approximately 188 hp @ 5700 rpm (for 2.6L), 228 hp @ 6400 rpm (for 3.0L 24V)
Torque:
Approximately 177 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (for 2.6L), 205 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (for 3.0L 24V)
Injection System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (Electronic Fuel Injection with Mechanical Control)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 Liters (7.4 Quarts) with filter change
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (722.3 series)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (rare, typically for specific markets or enthusiast requests)
Automatic Features:
Comfort-oriented shift points, torque converter lock-up.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.1, MB 236.2, MB 236.6 (e.g., Dexron III equivalent for some specs)
Length:
Approx. 4740 mm (186.6 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2000 kg (4400 lbs)
Crash Test History:
As a vehicle from this era, official NHTSA/IIHS ratings are scarce. However, the W124 chassis was known for robust passive safety construction.
ABS:
Standard on most models of this generation (Bosch ABS III).
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control) on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became available and later standard depending on market and year.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners.
Body Construction:
Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column.
Audio System:
Factory Becker or Blaupunkt radio with cassette player, optional CD changer.
Climate Control Type:
Manual or optional fully automatic climate control (Thermotronic).
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most models.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights with integrated fog lamps; optional headlight washers.
OBD Interface:
Proprietary diagnostic connectors (e.g., 38-pin connector for later W124 models or earlier diagnostic port) requiring specific tools for full access.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 km (20,000-30,000 miles) or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 50,000-75,000 km (30,000-45,000 miles) depending on plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000-80,000 km (40,000-50,000 miles).
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.1 / 229.3 (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-40 synthetic blend/full synthetic)
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 (Glycol-based coolant concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings (control arm, sway bar), vacuum lines (perish), OVP relay (Overvoltage Protection), fuel distributor seals, blower motor resistor.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be attributed to aging wiring harnesses, corrosion at grounds, and failing electronic modules.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, sunroof tray.
Heritage Context:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability dating back to the early 20th century.
W124 Family:
The 300 CE is part of the highly regarded W124 E-Class family, known for its over-engineered construction and longevity.
Coupe Development:
The C124 coupe shared its platform with the W124 sedan but featured unique styling, including frameless door windows and a more raked roofline.
Production Period:
The C124 coupe was produced from 1987 to 1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
