Okay so I read almost every post about stalling problems and have the list ready for my first visit to a local mechanic to diagnose and fix the stalling problem on my 1993 300E - own for about a month now.

So my two rather dumb questions are: 1) how do you all run these various tests on your vehicles. Do you have techie type home shops or if I had gotten a book with the vehicle I too would know to read codes etc. from some place on or in vehicle? and then 2) I browsed and learned I would purchase a CD rom manual, but where do I look on the vehicle to see if I have the E300 2.8 or 3 or whatever?

Sorry if these questions are too elementary for the group

If you are looking for code procedures, charts and fault remedy
diagnoses, you will find nil in the Benz 124CD.
But for $20, you can get a model specific one from P.Mechanics that has all codes and procedure [including codes for the other systems at the different sockets in the diagnostic box that are not accessible with the built-in led, but are with a $5 hand made led *tool]. * see archives *
Between both Cds , you are there.....
But for codes , this is the way to go for the DIYer

Thanks for your gracious replies. I'm heading outside to look for the little black box pronto- this is an amazing site-

My advise is after you decide which hole to probe, you should put the cap back on and find out what the system on the other side of that hole does.

There are various levels of repairs that should be attempted by an individual. Code interpretation should be handled by the best tech in the shop. Codes are the second step in proper diagnosis. First is verifying the customer complaint. No code is important if the hypothesis of fault will not address the customer complaint. This connection is the heart to good repair diagnostics and is based upon intimate knowledge of the effects of proper and improper function.

Diagnostic insight is aquired through intimate knowledge and years of experience. Using diagnostic insight one takes the codes and developes testing to prove the hypothesis created in ones mind.

Your questions aren't dumb at all. The represent some of the best questions I have seen this week end. I have always said that the most imporatnt thing a technician should know is what he doesn't know.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

You may not find one with the built-in led
They were on the Cal emission spec. models

The key here is a CE lamp ;
No CE, No LED

I certainly agree with SB.
Getting a code is a simple matter....
But interpretation takes a thorough knowledge of the entire system and their inter-ralationship.
And that takes a person versed in both mechanics and electronics and there relationship..
And that usually is one with an Engineering Education..
and/or a very experienced diagnostic tech...

[ and they have some of those right here...]

So access to codes gives the DIYer a little edge when posting a querry/problem in that it gives the complaint a basic diagnostic direction for those replying..and a better understanding for anyone else interested in/following that post..

I believe MBUSA did sell 300E 2.8's in 1993 with the 2.8L I-6 M104 engine from the C280.
I don't know how to distinguish it. You should be able to check from your VIN though if it is indeed the 320E.

__________________
2008 BMW 335i Coupe

Both 104 engs. were in 124 chassis in '93
The 2.8, 104.942 and the 3.2, 104.992

The 2.8 model is the 300E 2.8

The 103 engine was used only in the 4-Matics in 93

So vehicle went to an amazing mechanic today. Before addressing the stall complaint he looked over the entire vehicle, found out I had oil in the coolant. Explained what a 90 day drive train warranty should cover and encouraged me to get dealer to do this repair as the priority (warranty expires in a few days) then bring car back. Head gasket? The first part is good news because the mechanic did not charge for this first visit!:p
The got in touch with the dealer and so far no hassles, except that dealer is two states away and there is no loaner vehicle to get me back- but hopefully amtrack to the rescue. So I'll lurk while the vehicle is abed in the repair shop and keep you posted as we carry on.