🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W124 Variant: 300E / E320 Engine Type: Inline-6 Cylinder Production Years: 1986-1990 Codes Chassis Code: W124 Engine Code 300E: M103.980 Engine Code E320: M104.990 (later models, potentially included) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Owners of Mercedes-Benz W124 300E/E320 models seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics; professional automotive technicians Competitive Analysis Manual Value Proposition: Provides comprehensive, factory-level information in a convenient digital format, offering significant cost savings over dealership service Key Features Manual Features: Detailed substeps, notes/cautions/warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations/drawings/photos, enlarged insets, numbered table of contents, electrical troubleshooting with wiring diagrams Delivery Method Delivery Method: Instant download link provided on checkout page post-payment 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Models: Mercedes-Benz W124 300E 3.0L (1986-1990), Mercedes-Benz W124 E320 3.0L (1986-1990) Page Count Page Count Estimate: Hundreds of pages (estimated based on product description) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, repair, timing components, cooling system, fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic), lubrication system, exhaust system Transmission: Automatic transmission service and repair, hydraulic systems, torque converter, gear shift mechanisms Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, control arms, steering gearbox, power steering system Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, ignition system, fuse box, relays, instrument cluster, onboard diagnostics Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, body sealing, chassis lubrication HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, climate control module Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements (air, oil, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire pressure checks, brake fluid flush Repair: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical component repair, exhaust system repair, interior trim repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for various systems, identifying causes of common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable) Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic routines for engine management, fuel system, electrical faults, and mechanical issues Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and overhauls, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format Details: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Printability: Printable without restriction Binding Type Binding Type: Digital (Downloadable) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) Searchability Search Functionality: Likely searchable via Adobe Reader (depending on PDF creation) Additional Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinRar, Flash Player ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 300E: M103.980 Engine Displacement 300E: 2.962 cc (3.0 Liters) Engine Configuration 300E: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Bore X Stroke 300E: 88.5 mm x 80.25 mm Compression Ratio 300E: 9.2:1 Horsepower 300E: 188 hp (138 kW) at 5700 rpm Torque 300E: 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) at 4400 rpm Fuel System: Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (Electronically controlled mechanical injection) Ignition System: Electronic Ignition (CDI - Capacitor Discharge Ignition) Engine Code E320: M104.990 (Note: This engine was introduced later in the W124 E320 models, typically from 1993 onwards, but this manual may cover its earlier iterations if applicable to the specified years. The 1986-1990 E320 was usually the 3.0L M103, making 'E320 3.0L' a potential overlap or specific designation.) Engine Displacement E320 Potential: 3199 cc (3.2 Liters) for M104.990 Engine Configuration E320 Potential: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) Performance Performance Enhancements Covered: Engine tuning, component upgrades (if mentioned in manual) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3xx series) Optional Optional Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission (G3-75/1, G3-75/2) Features Automatic Transmission Features: Hydraulic control, torque converter lock-up clutch Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: MB Spec 236.1 (e.g., MBZ ATF Dexron IIE or equivalent) Fluid Capacities Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 7.5 - 9.0 liters (varies with torque converter) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Sedan (Saloon), Estate (T-model), Coupe (C124), Convertible (A124) - Manual likely covers Sedan primarily, but general principles may apply to others. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1500-1600 kg (1400-1500 kg for manual, higher for auto) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings Era: Designed to meet stringent safety standards of its era, including robust body structure and crumple zones. Active Features Active Safety Features: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most 300E/E320 models, advanced suspension for stability Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Reinforced safety cell, driver and front passenger airbags (optional on early models, standard later), seatbelt pre-tensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Systems: Basic analog radio and cassette player, optional upgraded sound systems, manual likely covers their basic maintenance and repair. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Cruise control (optional), ABS (standard on many models) Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A (Vehicles of this era did not feature modern connectivity...
M104.990 (Note: This engine was introduced later in the W124 E320 models, typically from 1993 onwards, but this manual may cover its earlier iterations if applicable to the specified years. The 1986-1990 E320 was usually the 3.0L M103, making 'E320 3.0L' a potential overlap or specific designation.)
MB Spec 236.1 (e.g., MBZ ATF Dexron IIE or equivalent)
Fluid Capacities
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 - 9.0 liters (varies with torque converter)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Sedan (Saloon), Estate (T-model), Coupe (C124), Convertible (A124) - Manual likely covers Sedan primarily, but general principles may apply to others.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1500-1600 kg (1400-1500 kg for manual, higher for auto)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings Era:
Designed to meet stringent safety standards of its era, including robust body structure and crumple zones.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most 300E/E320 models, advanced suspension for stability
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cell, driver and front passenger airbags (optional on early models, standard later), seatbelt pre-tensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Systems:
Basic analog radio and cassette player, optional upgraded sound systems, manual likely covers their basic maintenance and repair.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control (optional), ABS (standard on many models)
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Vehicles of this era did not feature modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Transmission Service Interval:
Fluid and filter change every 50,000-80,000 km (refer to manual)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1 / MB 229.3 (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 synthetic based on climate and oil quality; consult manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
MB Spec 325.0 / 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Common W124 Issues:
Headliner sagging, vacuum system leaks (door locks, climate control), wiring harness degradation (especially the insulation), fuel distributor leaks, idle control valve issues, evaporator core failure (for AC), rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, jack points)
Parts Information
Parts Identification:
Manual provides detailed illustrations and potentially part numbers for component identification during repair.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability.
Model Evolution
W124 Evolution:
The W124 generation (1984-1995) is highly regarded for its build quality, sophisticated engineering, and long service life. The 300E and later E320 models represented the higher-spec inline-6 cylinder variants.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Recognition:
The W124 platform is consistently praised for its durability, engineering, and comfort, often referred to as one of the last 'over-engineered' Mercedes-Benz vehicles.