🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

400 E

Model Code:

W124 E400

Production Years Covered:

1992-1993

Engine Code:

M119 E42

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz 400 E (W124) was positioned as a high-luxury, high-performance sedan, competing with other premium brands of the era. This manual targets owners and independent mechanics who seek to maintain and repair these sophisticated vehicles.

Competitors:

BMW 5 Series (e.g., 540i), Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ6.

Manual Value:

Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information, empowering owners to perform complex tasks, saving on dealership labor costs, and ensuring proper maintenance of a luxury vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Comprehensive Coverage:

Yes, covers all aspects of repair, maintenance, and refurbishment.

Specific Models Covered:

Mercedes 400 E (W124 chassis) for model years 1992 and 1993.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages (typical for full Mercedes service manuals of this era, though not explicitly stated).

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital Download (PDF/WINRAR)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, valve adjustments, oil and filter changes, timing, fuel system diagnostics (injection timing, filters), cooling system, intake/exhaust manifolds, spark plugs, engine mounts.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system (spark plugs), diagnostic procedures, warning/indicator lamps.

Transmission Manual:

Oil changes, fluid level checks and corrections, clutch system inspection and fluid levels.

Transmission Automatic:

Fluid and filter changes, fluid level checks and corrections.

Drivetrain:

Transfer case fluid changes and level checks, front axle oil changes and level checks, rear axle oil changes and level checks, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.

Suspension And Steering:

Suspension inspection, level control (ADS), ASD, 4MATIC fluid levels, self-leveling suspension inspection, front axle ball joint checks, rear axle mount limiting stop adjustment, steering play checks, steering bolt retightening, power steering fluid checks.

Brakes:

Brake fluid level checks, brake line inspection, brake pad and disk thickness checks, brake disk inspection and cleaning, parking brake cable inspection and adjustment, brake fluid replacement, brake system testing.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening.

Body And Chassis:

Body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, lower noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, paint damage inspection.

Climate Control HVAC:

Cooling and heating system inspection, coolant level and antifreeze protection checks, coolant replacement, AC refrigerant charge checks, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement.

Electrical Body:

Wiper and washer system inspection, windshield wiper blade replacement, windshield washer fluid level checks, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection, sunroof rail cleaning and greasing, hydraulic top fluid level checks, soft top locking tab checks, door hinge and lock lubrication, folding side mirror lubrication, hood lubrication.

Fuel System:

Fuel filter replacement, fuel prefilter replacement, air filter element cleaning and replacement, fuel system condition checks.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold seating inspection, exhaust flange retightening, exhaust system connection retightening.

Battery And Charging:

Battery fluid level checks.

Accessories And Trim:

Cassette deck tone head cleaning, antenna mast cleaning.

Maintenance Tasks:

Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections, spark plug checks, lubrication, cleaning.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed troubleshooting steps for various systems, component condition inspection, wiring schematics for electrical diagnostics.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete step-by-step instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components and systems.

Adjustments:

Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment, parking brake adjustment, steering bolt tightening, rear axle mount limiting stop adjustment.

Inspection And Testing:

Comprehensive inspections of all major systems including suspension, brakes, fuel lines, electrical components, bodywork, and safety systems.

Depth:

Extremely High. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component specifications.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics to facilitate understanding and execution of procedures.

Wiring Schematics Included:

Yes, explicitly mentioned as included, vital for diagnosing electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF / WINRAR

Searchability:

Likely searchable PDF format for efficient information retrieval. WINRAR format suggests it might be compressed for download.

Quality:

High-quality, likely scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Product)

Operating Systems:

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

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.2L V8 SOHC (32-valve)

Engine Code:

M119 E42

Horsepower:

Approximately 275 hp (1992) to 280 hp (1993) @ 5750 rpm (DIN/SAE varies by region/specification)

Torque:

Approximately 285 lb-ft (380 Nm) @ 3750-4000 rpm (DIN/SAE varies by region/specification)

Displacement:

4196 cc (256 cubic inches)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic (or later evolution) Fuel Injection system with Electronic Control

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 91+)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.3xx series)

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was not typically offered on the 400 E in most markets, focus is on the automatic.

Automatic Features:

Selectable modes (e.g., Economy/Sport) on some versions.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.6 (e.g., ATF Dexron II/III compatible, consult specific manual for exact MB specification like MB 236.3 or MB 236.6)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4740 mm (186.6 in)

Width:

Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1680 kg (3704 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2200 kg (4850 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test History:

While specific ratings for this exact model year and configuration may vary by testing agency and region, the W124 platform was known for its robust safety engineering, including a strong chassis, crumple zones, and advanced restraint systems for its time.

Active Safety Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) on some models, 4MATIC all-wheel drive on some models.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced passenger cell, front and side impact protection, height-adjustable seat belts, driver and passenger airbags (optional or standard depending on market and year).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo cassette system. Options for upgraded sound systems may have been available. Cassette deck tone head cleaning mentioned in manual is relevant.

Advanced Features:

ABS, ASD, optional 4MATIC, optional cruise control, self-leveling suspension (ADS).

Connectivity Options:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) present in this model. Focus is on mechanical and core electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for exact interval.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Recommended replacement every 50,000-100,000 km (30,000-60,000 miles), depending on driving conditions and specific fluid type. Crucial for longevity.

Coolant Replacement Interval:

Typically every 2-4 years or 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ/SL or higher, ACEA A3/B4, Mercedes-Benz MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50 synthetic).

Coolant Specification:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified), meeting Mercedes-Benz specification 331.0.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid (check specific MB specification for hydraulic systems like Level Control/ADS).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 specification gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Rear Axle Fluid:

API GL-5 specification gear oil, SAE 80W-90 or 85W-140 (check for limited-slip differential if applicable).

Front Axle Fluid:

API GL-5 specification gear oil, SAE 80W-90.

Common W124 Issues:

Harness wiring insulation degradation (especially on older models), vacuum hose leaks affecting engine and climate control, head gasket leaks on some engines, sunroof drain blockages leading to water ingress, distributor o-ring leaks, potential issues with self-leveling suspension components, ABS sensor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile. The W124 generation is revered for its build quality and durability.

W124 Generation:

The W124 chassis (produced 1984-1995) was Mercedes-Benz's mid-size executive car. The 400 E was a late addition, introduced in 1991, offering a powerful V8 engine within the refined W124 body style. It bridged the gap between the inline-six models and the higher-tier S-Class.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

W124 Reputation:

The W124 generation consistently received praise from automotive publications for its build quality, engineering, comfort, and durability. It is often cited as one of the best-built Mercedes-Benz models of all time.