Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) Owner's Bible 1986-1995: Maintenance, Repair, Tuning, more
Bentley's Mercedes-Benz E-Class Owner?s Bible, is a buyer's guide, maintenance manual and a technical reference bundled in one convenient manual.
This is one of the best sources of information available on the Mercedes W124 E-Class chassis.
With the help of this book, you will be able to purchase a solid Mercedes. Maintain the car to factory standards. And have the knowledge to talk to any Mercedes-Benz service pro comfortably.
Prospective buyers will also find valuable tips regarding pre-purchase inspections and why one car model may be preferred over another.
The do-it-yourself Mercedes onwer will have a hands-on guide that will enable him or her to maintain their Mercedes E-Class running in top condition.
Book Excerpt: 1986-1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) Owner's Bible
6-CYLINDER ENGINES
TIPS, MAINTENANCE, SERVICE: HEAD GASKET LEAKS
M103 and M104 are known for cylinder head gasket failure. When the gasket fails, it usually does not dump water into the combustion chamber or allow combustion pressure into the cooling system. Instead oil enters the cooling system.
At the rear of the gasket, water and oil channels pass very close to each other (arrow). It is here that the gasket develops a crossover between these channels. If the gasket fails in this way, oil is visible in the coolant.
Sometimes the gasket will leak oil to the outside parting line between the head and the block. Many times this leak will not leave oil puddles, as the oil only leaks when the engine is running (except for small quantities of residual oil ). Because the engine is tilted 15 degrees to the passenger side, the oil will just drip down into the airstream and leave the undercarriage with dark stains. The engine will have measurable oil loss without any sign of puddling.
If the leak is into the cooling system, then in addition to replacing the head gasket, the cooling system must be thoroughly cleaned. Without proper cleaning oil will saturate the cooling system hoses, making them soft and prone to bursting.
VALVE GUIDE CLEARANCE EXCESSIVE (M103 ENGINE)
If the cylinder head is off to replace the head gasket, be sure to check the valves and valve guides. Many M103 engines from 1986 through 1990 have been found with excessive valve guide to valve stem clearance. If clearance problems are found, overhaul the top end of the engine.
Comprehensive maintenance procedures, including HVAC microfilter replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement and engine oil and fluid change procedures listing the necessary tools, tightening torques and fluid capacities
Year-by-year analysis of E-Class technical highlights, including the inspiring 500E sports sedan and when the multi-cam M104 engine replaced the M103 single cam workhorse
Buying tips on how to get the best car for the least amount of money, things to look for during the test-drive and how having a prepurchase inspection can potentially save you thousands of dollars
Seasoned advice on choosing the right repair shop, be it an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, an independent specialist or an all makes?all models shop
Detailed technical information on vehicle systems, including engines, suspension, drivetrain, body and interior features
Performance modifications, including a listing of all the parts needed to upgrade to the Sportline suspension
A brief historical overview of Mercedes-Benz, the world's oldest car company
To bring you this authoritative volume, Bentley Publishers teamed up with Stu Ritter, a 25-year independent Mercedes-Benz repair shop owner/technician and current technical editor of The Star, the magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
TABLE of CONTENTS:
Warnings and Cautions | Appendix A: Mercedes-Benz Heritage | Appendix B: Problems and Repairs | Quick Reference Data
1 ? INTRODUCTION to the E-CLASS
General | Body exterior | Safety | Chassis and suspension | Body interior | Model year news
2 ? BUYING an E-CLASS
Before you buy | After you buy
3 ? MAINTENANCE
General | Fluid and lubricant specifications | Lubrication service | Maintenance service | Body and interior | Wheels, tires and brakes | Underside of car | Engine compartment maintenance | Trunk area maintenance
4 ? 6-CYLINDER ENGINES
General | M103 engine | M104 engine | Tips, maintenance, service
5 ? V-8 ENGINE
General | Engine description | Tips, maintenance, service
6 ? DIESEL ENGINES
General | Engine technical | Tips, maintenance, service
7 ? FUEL INJECTION
General | Fuel supply (Gasoline Models) | Fuel supply (Diesel Models) | Bosch CIS-E (KE-III) | Electronic fuel injection (LH and HFM) | Electronic diesel system (EDS) | Tips, maintenance, service
8 ? TRANSMISSIONS
General | Manual transmission | Automatic transmission | Tips, maintenance, service
9 ? SUSPENSION, BRAKES, STEERING
General | Suspension | Brakes | Steering | Driveline | Traction control systems | Tips, maintenance, service
10 ? BODY
Body exterior | Body interior | Body and chassis repair
11 ? ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General | Fuses, relays, modules | Gasoline engine ignition systems | Diesel glow systems | Throttle control systems | Climate control | Tips, maintenance, service
