The Mercedes-Benz W124 came in as a replacement for the Mercedes-Benz W123 produced between 1984 and 1997. This iconic sedan was highly regarded owing to its imposing presence, spacious cabin, engineering integrity, and comfort.
This guide covers the most commonly reported problems in the Mercedes-Benz W124, symptoms, causes, and practical fixes available in Kenya.
To buy spare parts, accessories, body kits & body components, visit: Safari Shop
- Head Gasket Oil Leaks
Symptoms
Gradual oil loss
Burning oil smell
Oil stains on the engine block
Causes
Heat cycles & aging expedites wearing of the gasket
Weak head gasket design on M104 inline-six engines
Fixes
Replace the head gasket
- Vacuum System Failures
Symptoms
Central locking stops working
Soft-close trunk malfunction
Climate control vents not working properly
Causes
Aging vacuum lines
Fixes
Replace cracked vacuum lines
Replace leaking actuators
Replace vacuum pump if found faulty
- Over-Voltage Protection Relay (OVP) Failure
Symptoms
Rough idling
Check engine light
ABS light stays on
Engine stalls unexpectedly
Causes
Faulty OVP relay, which protects electronics from voltage spikes
Fixes
Replace OVP relay
Clean fuse contacts
- Rear-Self Levelling Suspension (SLS) Issues
Symptoms
Rough ride
Hydraulic fluid lines
Suspension warning signs
Rear of the car sagging
Causes
Leaking hydraulic lines
Faulty hydraulic shocks
Fixes
Replace hydraulic shocks
Replace fluid lines
Replace SLS accumulators
- Fuel Pump Problems
Symptoms
Sudden engine stall
Weak acceleration
Engine cranks but won’t start
Causes
Aging or worn fuel pump
Fixes
Replace fuel pump
READ ALSO: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Maintenance Tips For Mercedes-Benz W124 Owners
- Follow the service schedule
- Frequent oil changes at specified intervals (5,000-8,000 miles)
- Regular brake inspections
- Use genuine parts only
- Tires and alignment (every 20,000kms)
- After every 6 months clean the battery terminal
- Frequently check the fluid levels (power steering, coolant brake, oil)
- Go for regular diagnostic scans to detect problems at an early stage
- Scan for fault codes early when warning lights appear
We would like you to know that we sale genuine Mercedes-Benz W124 spare parts and body components. You can reach out to us through 0717200956 or email info@safarispares.co.ke and we will revert immediately.
