The Mercedes-Benz W124 is the peak of automotive engineering, perhaps West Germany's last great gift to the world. Keeping this legend running strong requires deep, model-specific know-how.

I own and operate a repair shop that works on a lot of these cars, and I've owned a few myself. I'll demystify everything from the infamous biodegradable wiring harness to the satisfying thunk of a perfectly aligned door. We're diving deep into:

• W124 Essentials: Why Bruno Sacco's design is timeless and what to look for before you buy, from sedans and wagons to the pillarless coupe.
• Engine & Fuel Wisdom: Tackling the M103 head gasket weep, conquering the dreaded M104 wiring harness, and understanding the legendary OM602 and OM606 diesels.
• Climate Control Conquered: Evaporator nightmares, diagnosing the push-button control unit, and mastering the complex vacuum pod system.
• Drivetrain & Body Savvy: Hunting down rust in all its hiding spots, diagnosing bad flex discs, and solving the vacuum-operated central locking puzzles.
• The 500E & Beyond: Unpacking the magic of the Porsche-built 500E and a lot of other random wisdom and stories, many of them useful to a W124 owner, buyer, or fan.

Forget vague forum posts or dry factory manuals. This book is packed with the real-world wisdom, diagnostic tricks, and preventative maintenance strategies that separate a happy owner from a frustrated one.

Dodge the common pitfalls, save thousands on repairs, and enjoy your relationship with one of the best cars ever built.