🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500 E

Chassis Code:

W124.036

Product Name:

Mercedes 500 E 1992-1993 Service Repair Manual

Vin Code Engine:

M119.960

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E (W124.036) was a high-performance, limited-production variant of the W124 E-Class, designed as a 'sleeper' sedan. It was positioned as a discreet yet exceptionally potent luxury performance car, often referred to as the 'Porsche 500 E' due to Porsche's involvement in its development and manufacturing.

Competitors:

Competed with other high-performance sedans of the era such as the BMW M5 (E34), Audi V8 Quattro, and certain American muscle sedans, though its blend of comfort, build quality, and discreet performance set it apart.

Features:

Hand-built by Porsche, significantly widened fender flares, a powerful V8 engine, performance-tuned suspension, luxurious interior appointments, and understated styling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, and maintenance procedures for the Mercedes-Benz 500 E (W124.036) models.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M119 V8 5.0L DOHC, engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (722.3xx series), overhaul, diagnostics, adjustments.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, axles.

Suspension:

Independent front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped).

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc brake components (pads, rotors, calipers), parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering pump and lines.

Electrical System:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting, instruments, power accessories, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant service, components.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection.

Body Electronics:

Central locking system, power windows, mirrors, seats, sunroof (if equipped).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures, common fault identification, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, component removal and installation, adjustments, and rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine management system diagnosis, ABS system diagnosis.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Depth:

In-depth technical coverage suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts, including component disassembly and reassembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Searchable PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M119.960

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Cylinder Head:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Valvetrain:

Hydraulic valve lifters, timing chain driven camshafts

Horsepower Hp:

322 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

354 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Injection Type:

Bosch LH-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with ignition coil packs

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Code:

722.366

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.60, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, Reverse: 2.30

Final Drive Ratio:

2.82:1

Fluid Type:

MB 236.6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

109.5 inches (2781 mm)

Front Track:

60.6 inches (1540 mm)

Rear Track:

59.1 inches (1500 mm)

Curb Weight Lbs:

approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg)

Towing Capacity Lbs:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

While formal NHTSA/IIHS ratings were not as standardized then, the W124 chassis was renowned for its robust safety cage and exceptional passive safety features for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) on some models

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/late availability

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front)

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A and B pillars, safety cage construction

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system with AM/FM radio and cassette player. Options for CD changer.

Climate Control Type:

Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with manual override and air conditioning.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Power Features:

Power windows, power mirrors, power adjustable front seats with memory.

Connectivity Options:

N/A (This era predates modern infotainment connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Service:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) for fluid and filter change.

Coolant Change:

Every 2-3 years or as specified by Mercedes-Benz coolant.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic, meeting MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:

8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB 236.3 Power Steering Fluid

Wiring Harness:

Degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation is a common issue due to age and material breakdown.

Head Gasket:

While generally robust, head gasket leaks can occur over time, particularly on high-mileage examples.

Oil Cooler Seals:

Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear on suspension bushings can lead to clunks and degraded handling characteristics.

Climate Control:

Issues with the HVAC blower motor, vacuum actuators, or refrigerant leaks are not uncommon.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, established over decades of automotive innovation.

W124 Lineage:

The 500 E is part of the highly regarded W124 E-Class generation (1984-1995), known for its build quality, durability, and sophisticated engineering. The 500 E variant represented the pinnacle of performance within this line.

Production Years:

1990-1994 (primarily 1992-1994 for North America)

Production Location:

Hand-built by Porsche in their Stuttgart plant, Germany.

Production Volume:

Approximately 1,508 units produced globally for all model years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The W124 E-Class, including the 500 E, is widely praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its exceptional build quality, engineering, and driving dynamics, often cited as one of the finest sedans of its era.

Consumer Reports Era:

While specific ratings for the 500 E are rare, the W124 E-Class consistently received high marks for reliability and owner satisfaction in contemporary reviews.