1988 300E Questions
 

I just purchased a 1988 300E and have a lot of questions and some problems with the vehicle I hope someone can help me with.


Power steering:

What kind of fluid should I use and how full should I fill the reservoir, I have not found any full markings? How much fluid should I buy if I am going to replace the filter?


Is the motor a M103 and how do I find the body style?


Fuel Filter:

When trying to purchase a fuel filter I see the following message:
Optional 002 477 13 01 can still be used on early models with single fuel pump. New filter 002 477 44 01 is designed for tandem pumps where greater volume and dampening effect is needed.
OR
Optional with 002 477 17 01
Which fuel filter do I need?


Problems:

Rear interior light will not come on at all including when doors are open with switch on dash in both positions.
(Bulb test good no voltage at bulb, rear door switch good ground present at door switch)

Front interior light only comes on by the switch or the passenger front door.
(Drivers door switches both test good ground applied to one and 12V to the bottom one, I assume the top one (ground) works the light what does the bottom (12V) switch work?)

Front drivers door will not lock other doors but sets alarm. Passenger door locks all doors.

Does 1988 300E have a cabin air filter?

I just purchased a 1988 300E and have a lot of questions and some problems with the vehicle I hope someone can help me with.


Power steering:

What kind of fluid should I use and how full should I fill the reservoir, I have not found any full markings? How much fluid should I buy if I am going to replace the filter?

You can use any dedicated power steering fluid. I bought two quarts because I wanted to flush the system using the turkey baster and dilute method. Normaly there is a level mark on the plastic spacer on the threaded rod that holds the cap. Sometimes there is a line on the insider of the reservoir body. In my case I had markings on neither so I filled it to halfway up the plastic spacer. Good so far.


Is the motor a M103 and how do I find the body style?

Yes the motor is an M103, the body is a W124.


Jorg

no cabin air filter. I believe the 88s will use the early fuel filter. I believe one of the front door switches is for the light and the other is for the buzzer that reminds you the key is in or the lights are on when the door is open.

The lock switch in the driver's door is bad. I've not had the door panel off to check, but it may just be a missing link. I don't know if you have to get the whole lock assembly or not.

Light switch funnies are probably relay related on the front door. Might be a loose connector in the dash (since that will also keep the door lock from activating from the driver's door).

If you have an aftermarket radio, you will need to check to see that the wiring harness hasn't been "modified" by some idiot at the stereo store fishing up a keyed hot wire instead of using the correct adapter harness.

Peter