Market Segment:
Executive Mid-size Luxury Station Wagon
Target Audience:
Owners seeking comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance information, professional mechanics
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi 100 Avant, Volvo 740/940 Estate
Key Selling Points:
Exceptional build quality, robust engineering, comfortable ride, practical cargo space, sophisticated styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their classic Mercedes-Benz, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services
Vehicle Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Engine Variants Covered:
3.0L Inline-6 M103.983
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels for 300TE
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Systems:
4-speed automatic transmission (722.4)
Drivetrain Systems:
Rear-wheel drive, differential, axles
Suspension Steering Systems:
Front independent suspension (McPherson struts), rear independent suspension (multi-link), power steering
Braking Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical Systems:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control
Body Interior Systems:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, sunroof
Chassis Systems:
Frame, chassis components
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Engine fault diagnosis, electrical system testing, mechanical system checks
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams with component locations
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including component testing and fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era)
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed rebuild instructions for major components like engines and transmissions
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (M103)
Displacement:
2.960 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.5 mm x 80.25 mm
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower SAE Net:
188 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque SAE Net:
207 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Fuel Octane Rating:
91 AKI or higher
Engine Control Unit:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel injection and ignition timing
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (722.4)
Manual Transmission Option:
Not typically available for 300TE in North America
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled shift points (later models may have some electronic control elements)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.1 Specification (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent approved fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.0-8.0 liters (depending on torque converter drain)
Length:
4765 mm (187.6 in)
Height:
1475 mm (58.1 in)
Wheelbase:
2800 mm (110.2 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 570 liters (20.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1500 liters (53.0 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1600 kg (3527 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2150 kg (4740 lbs)
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Compliance:
Compliant with FMVSS standards of the era
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation on later models)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag optional/standard depending on market and year
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and body structure
Radio Options:
Factory AM/FM cassette stereo systems, optional CD player
Speakers:
Multiple speaker configurations, often including front door and rear parcel shelf
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, optional headlight washers and wipers
Initial Connectivity:
Basic analog connectivity (radio antenna, speaker wires)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (recommended for longevity)
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, coolant flush, brake fluid flush (typically at 30k/60k mile intervals)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for seasonal variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 liters (approx. 8 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (2.1 US gallons)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Headliner sagging, vacuum line leaks (door locks, HVAC), fuel distributor O-rings, front control arm bushings, blower motor resistor
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness insulation degradation (specifically in engine bay for some models), instrument cluster issues
Engine M103 Specifics:
Potential for timing chain stretch (though generally robust), oil leaks from valve cover gasket
ABS Sensor Issues:
ABS sensor failures can cause ABS warning light to illuminate
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long history of engineering excellence, luxury, and durability dating back to the late 19th century
W124 Introduction:
Introduced in 1985 (sedan), the S124 wagon variant followed in 1985
W124 Facelift:
Facelifted in 1989 with updated styling (e.g., 'cladding' on doors and bumpers, revised grille)
Production Period S124:
1985-1996
Production Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
