Model Variants Covered:
200, 200E, 230E, 260E, 300E, 230CE, 300CE, 260E 4MATIC, 300E 4MATIC
Generation Designation:
First Generation (1984-1995)
Generation Introduction Year:
1984
Generation Facelift Year:
1993
Engine Codes Indicated:
M102, M103, M104
Body Styles Indicated:
Sedan (Saloon), Coupe (CE), Estate (T-model - not explicitly listed but implied by W124 platform and engine variants)
Product Segment:
Premium mid-size luxury sedan and coupe
Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz owners, enthusiasts, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E28, E34), Audi 100/A6, Volvo 240/740/940, Jaguar XJ.
W124 Distinguishing Features:
Exceptional build quality, robust engineering, sophisticated ride and handling, comfortable interior, long-term durability.
Manual Benefit:
Cost-effective alternative to expensive OEM factory shop manuals, comprehensive coverage.
Delivery Method:
Email delivery, instant access, no shipping costs.
System Accessibility:
Works on all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (KE-Jetronic/CIS-E, HFM/LH-Jetronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulators.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch, heater core.
Lubrication Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, lubrication points, fluid capacities and specifications.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering gear, power steering system.
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic lines, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake.
Electrical System:
Starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, ignition system, sensors, fuses, relays.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission overhaul and maintenance, manual transmission service (if applicable to models covered).
Heating Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant, controls, blower motor, climate control diagnostics.
Emission Control Systems:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control, oxygen sensors.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, trim, seat adjustments.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for various vehicle systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, fault code interpretation (if applicable to diagnostic systems).
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies.
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment specifications, camber, caster, toe settings.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners and components.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for electrical and mechanical systems, including troubleshooting flowcharts.
Rebuild Level:
Full rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.
Engine Type 200:
Inline-4 Cylinder, M102
Engine Displacement 200:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Type 200E:
Inline-4 Cylinder, M102 (Fuel Injection)
Engine Displacement 200E:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Type 230E:
Inline-4 Cylinder, M102 (Fuel Injection)
Engine Displacement 230E:
2.3 Liters (2299 cc)
Engine Type 260E:
Inline-6 Cylinder, M103 (Fuel Injection)
Engine Displacement 260E:
2.6 Liters (2599 cc)
Engine Type 300E:
Inline-6 Cylinder, M103 (Fuel Injection)
Engine Displacement 300E:
3.0 Liters (2962 cc)
Power Output 230E Approx:
136 PS (134 hp; 100 kW) @ 5100 rpm (figures vary by market and year)
Torque 230E Approx:
205 Nm (151 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (figures vary by market and year)
Power Output 300E Approx:
180 PS (178 hp; 132 kW) @ 5700 rpm (figures vary by market and year)
Torque 300E Approx:
260 Nm (192 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (figures vary by market and year)
Early Fuel System:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) mechanical fuel injection for non-'E' models and early 'E' models.
Later Fuel System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) electronic control for K-Jetronic, and HFM/LH-Jetronic electronic fuel injection for later models (especially 300E with M104).
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine and market, typically 91-95 RON).
Standard Transmission Offered:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.4)
Optional Transmission Offered:
5-speed manual transmission (available on some variants, especially earlier models and European markets).
Automatic Transmission Features:
Hydraulic torque converter, typically with Comfort/Economy mode selection.
4Matic System:
Optional all-wheel-drive system (4MATIC) available on select engine variants (260E 4MATIC, 300E 4MATIC).
Wheelbase:
2800 mm (110.2 in)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4740-4770 mm (186.6-187.8 in) depending on year/bumper design
Width:
Approx. 1740-1750 mm (68.5-68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1450-1650 kg (3197-3638 lb) depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, typically around 2000-2100 kg.
Trunk Capacity:
Approximately 520 liters (18.4 cubic feet) for sedan models.
Crash Test Performance:
The W124 was renowned for its robust safety cage and excellent passive safety for its era. Specific ratings are difficult to pin down by modern standards, but it performed very well in contemporary crash tests.
Anti Lock Brakes ABS:
Available as an option on most models, standard on some later variants.
Traction Control Asr:
Available on some later models with larger engines and 4MATIC.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became standard in the later years of production (around 1991/1992). Passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts, rear three-point seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety-cell construction, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Original Mercedes-Benz sound systems, often featuring cassette players with AM/FM radio. Optional CD changers were available on later models.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Thermatic/Thermotronic) depending on model and year.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Cruise Control Type:
Mechanical or electronic, depending on the year and engine.
Original Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic functions like power windows, mirrors, and door locks. No modern connectivity like Bluetooth or USB.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Major Service Interval:
Major services usually scheduled around 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles), including inspection of all systems, fluid changes, and component checks.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96, MB 229.1 for gasoline engines (specific viscosity grade such as 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 depending on climate).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically with corrosion inhibitors).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB-Approval 236.6 or 236.7 (e.g., Dexron III compatible fluids).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (MB-Approval 331.0).
Wiring Harness Degradation:
One of the most common issues is the degradation of the insulation on the engine wiring harness, leading to electrical faults. This is often referred to as 'noodle wire'.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust, especially in the wheel arches, rocker panels, and around the sunroof (if equipped).
Headliner Sagging:
The fabric on the headliner tends to sag over time due to adhesive failure.
Vacuum Actuators:
Central locking system and HVAC flap actuators are often vacuum-operated and can develop leaks or fail.
Overheating Due To Plastic Parts:
Early plastic coolant pipes and expansion tanks can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks and potential overheating.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building durable, high-quality, and safe automobiles.
W124 Development:
Developed as the successor to the W123, the W124 was designed with a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, safety, and engineering excellence, setting new standards for its class.
Key Innovations:
Introduction of multi-link rear suspension, significantly improved aerodynamics, and optional 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Production Years:
1984-1995
Production Locations:
Primarily Sindelfingen, Germany, with some production in other Mercedes-Benz facilities globally.
Total Production Numbers:
Over 2.5 million units produced across all body styles (sedan, coupe, estate).
Automotive Press Acclaim:
The W124 series received widespread acclaim from automotive journalists for its engineering, durability, and refinement, often being hailed as one of the best-built sedans of its era.
Design Awards:
While not specific named awards are commonly cited, its timeless design and aerodynamic efficiency were highly regarded.
Reliability Perception:
The W124 is widely recognized for its exceptional long-term reliability and durability when properly maintained, earning a reputation as a 'tank' among enthusiasts.
Certification Standards:
Built to meet rigorous German and international automotive standards for safety, emissions, and performance.