Vehicle Segment:
Executive Sedan/Coupe/Estate/Convertible
Segment Positioning:
The W124 represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and build quality in its era, known for its durability, safety, and refinement.
Primary Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E34), Audi 100/A6 (C3/C4), Volvo 700 Series, Lexus LS 400 (later models).
Engineering Philosophy:
Over-engineered for longevity, superior build quality, advanced safety features for its time, aerodynamic design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs while ensuring proper upkeep of a complex luxury vehicle.
Years Covered:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (Saloon), Coupe, Estate (Station Wagon/T-Model), Convertible (Cabriolet)
Model Variants Covered:
All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types within the specified years.
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive, likely exceeding 1500 pages (typical for complete Mercedes-Benz workshop manuals).
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Delivery Format:
Downloadable Digital File
Software Requirement:
Adobe Reader (or compatible PDF viewer)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection systems (KE-Jetronic, HFM, LH-Jetronic), ignition systems, exhaust systems, engine cooling systems.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4-speed 722.4, 5-speed 722.5), manual transmission (if applicable to specific models within the range).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, climate control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, body control modules.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, doors, HVAC system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt checks.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (where applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Installation And Adjustment:
Component installation, timing adjustments, pressure tests, alignment procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Family:
M102, M103, M104 (Inline-4, Inline-6 petrol), OM601, OM602, OM603 (Inline-4, Inline-5, Inline-6 diesel).
Power Output Range:
Approximately 90 hp (diesel) to 270 hp (300CE-24/E320).
Torque Range:
Approximately 130 lb-ft (diesel) to 300 lb-ft (E320).
Petrol Injection Systems:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (mechanical-hybrid), Bosch HFM (Hot Film Meter), Bosch LH-Jetronic (Mass Air Flow).
Diesel Injection Systems:
Bosch inline injection pumps, indirect injection (IDI).
Engine Management:
Drivetrain Control Unit (DCU) or Engine Control Unit (ECU) depending on engine and year.
Manual Option:
Available on select models, typically 4 or 5-speed.
Automatic Option:
Predominant transmission, 4-speed (722.4) or 5-speed (722.5) electronically controlled automatic.
Automatic Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes on some models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.1, 236.3, or 236.7 (e.g., Dexron III equivalent or specialized MB fluids).
Length:
Approx. 4740-4900 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 4775-4995 mm (Estate).
Width:
Approx. 1740-1750 mm.
Height:
Approx. 1430-1460 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 1485-1500 mm (Estate).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1700 kg, depending on engine and body style.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, typically 1900-2200 kg.
Era Specific Safety:
Considered exceptionally safe for its time, featuring a very strong safety cage, crumple zones, and advanced chassis design.
Antilock Braking System:
ABS standard on most models from 1990 onwards.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) available on higher-end models/engines.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became standard on most models during this period. Passenger airbags were optional or standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Audio Systems:
Factory-installed Becker radios with optional CD changers, cassette players.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Klimatronic).
Cruise Control:
Standard on many models, cruise control functionality.
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on some rear-wheel-drive models for improved traction.
Antenna System:
Integrated antenna in rear window on sedans/coupes, mast antenna on estates/convertibles.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000 to 24,000 km) or 12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific interval.
Major Service Interval:
Major services including spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters typically around 30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher; ACEA A2-96 / B2-96. Viscosity grade often 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 depending on climate. Check manual for specific engine recommendation (e.g., M102, M104).
Coolant Specification:
MB-Approval 325.0 (Glycol-ether-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0).
Wiring Harness:
Biodegradable insulation on some engine wiring harnesses can become brittle and fail, leading to electrical issues.
Head Gasket:
Certain M104 engines (particularly early 24-valve variants) can be prone to head gasket failure due to design flaws or overheating.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging vacuum lines can leak, affecting engine idle, performance, and climate control operation.
Rust Corrosion:
Common areas include wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, and trunk lid edges, especially in regions with salt on roads.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Known for engineering excellence, luxury, durability, and pioneering automotive safety technologies.
W124 Development:
Developed as a successor to the W123, the W124 was designed for extreme durability and market-leading aerodynamics, setting new standards in its class.
Facelift Impact:
The models covered (1990-1995) represent the later phase of the W124's lifecycle, including the 1993 facelift which introduced the 'E-Class' designation and revised styling (e.g., body-colored bumper inserts, revised grille).
Production Period:
1984-1995 (with the facelift in 1993 renaming it the E-Class).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), also assembled in other global locations.
Industry Acclaim:
Consistently ranked as one of the most reliable and durable vehicles of its era by various automotive publications.
Design Accolades:
Praised for its timeless design and aerodynamic efficiency, which contributed to its fuel economy and quiet operation.
Quality Standards:
Met or exceeded all relevant automotive safety and emissions standards for the production years.
