Era:
Early to Mid-1990s Luxury
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E34), Audi 100/A6 (C4), Lexus GS, Acura Legend
Build Quality:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, durability, and longevity.
Design:
Iconic 'W124' chassis, understated elegance, aerodynamic efficiency.
Ride Comfort:
Exceptional ride comfort and refinement characteristic of Mercedes-Benz sedans.
Safety:
Advanced safety features for its time, including optional ABS and driver-side airbag.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic/MEC-E), ignition system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensors, actuators.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (if applicable for 2.8L, though typically automatic), clutch, gearbox overhaul, service procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
4-speed automatic transmission (722.4), hydraulic system, electronic control, overhaul, adjustments, fluid service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder, servo.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering gear, power steering system.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, lighting, fuses, relays, ignition switch, starting and charging.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant, components, controls, diagnostic procedures.
Interior Features:
Seats, seat belts, dashboard, instruments, power windows, power locks, central locking system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component repairs and rebuilds (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension).
Diagnostic Testing:
Procedures for testing various systems, including fuel pressure, ignition timing, electrical circuits, and sensor outputs.
Adjustments:
Engine idle speed, throttle linkage, parking brake, headlight aim.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (722.4)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (less common for this engine variant)
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Automatic Fluid Type:
MB 236.1 ATF (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (dry fill, varies with torque converter)
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
Compliant with FMVSS standards of the era; specific ratings may vary by testing agency.
ABS:
Standard or Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) on some models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1993 onwards for W124.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners on front belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific service 'A'/'B' intervals).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-75,000 km or 3-5 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B4, viscosity typically 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 (check manual for exact MB specifications).
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0/326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green concentrate).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Wiring Harness:
Potential degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation (cracking/melting) over time, especially around the engine bay.
O-Ring Seals:
Leaking O-rings in the fuel distributor and vacuum lines can cause performance issues.
Head Gasket:
While generally robust, head gasket issues can occur with high mileage or overheating. M104 has specific head bolt torque sequences and procedures.
Suspension Components:
Wear of control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers is common with age and mileage.
Climate Control Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of vacuum lines controlling HVAC actuators can lead to erratic climate control functions.