Segment:
Executive Mid-size Sedan/Coupe/Diesel
Era Positioning:
Represented Mercedes-Benz's entry into a more accessible luxury segment while maintaining high engineering standards and build quality.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E3, E12), Audi 100, Volvo 140/164, Jaguar XJ.
Design Philosophy:
Robust engineering, durable construction, refined ride quality, safety focus, sophisticated (for its time) styling.
Unique Selling Points:
Mercedes-Benz build quality and longevity, availability of efficient diesel engines (W115), comfortable and quiet cabin, distinctive styling.
Covered Models:
220, 220D, 230, 240D, 250, 250C, 280, 280C, 300D
Covered Years:
1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
Estimated Page Count:
Detailed page count not specified, but typically comprehensive workshop manuals of this era exceed 500 pages.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) - Presumed for sales purposes, but original would be printed.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage including: Engine mechanicals (disassembly, assembly, overhaul), fuel system (carburetors/injection pumps, fuel lines, filters), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Clutch system.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment.
Steering:
Steering gear, steering column, linkages, power steering system (if equipped).
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, disc and drum brake servicing, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/generator), starter, lighting system, instrumentation, accessories.
Bodywork:
Body panel repairs, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, weather stripping, body sealant.
HVAC:
Heating and ventilation system (A/C system details may be limited or separate).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), fluid checks and changes, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system troubleshooting charts.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical, electrical, and body components.
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures.
Diagnostics:
Emphasis on methodical diagnostic techniques for both mechanical and electrical faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and adjustment procedures.
Searchable Text:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, facilitating quick information retrieval.
Print Quality:
Assumed high quality, suitable for printing for workshop use. (Original print quality would have been excellent).
Binding Type:
Digital format - N/A. (Original manuals would have been bound for durability).
Paper Type:
Digital format - N/A. (Original manuals typically printed on durable, often glossy paper).
Completeness:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects of service, repair, and maintenance for the specified models and years. Includes dedicated sections for Engine, Electrical Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Owner, and Chassis.
220 Gasoline:
M115.920 (Inline-4), 2178cc, Solex carburetor, ~95 hp.
220D Diesel:
OM615.912 (Inline-4 Diesel), 2197cc, Bosch injection pump, ~55-65 hp.
230 Gasoline:
M115.940 (Inline-4), 2306cc, Solex carburetor, ~105-110 hp.
240D Diesel:
OM616.912 (Inline-4 Diesel), 2399cc, Bosch injection pump, ~60-70 hp.
250 Gasoline:
M114.920 (Inline-6), 2496cc, Solex twin-choke carburetor, ~130 hp.
250C Gasoline:
M114.920 (Inline-6), 2496cc, Solex twin-choke carburetor, ~130 hp (Coupe variant).
280 Gasoline:
M130.923 (Inline-6), 2778cc, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection (early) or Solex carburetors, ~160-180 hp.
280C Gasoline:
M130.923 (Inline-6), 2778cc, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection or Solex carburetors, ~160-180 hp (Coupe variant).
300D Diesel:
OM617.912 (Inline-5 Diesel), 3005cc, Bosch injection pump, ~70-77 hp.
Typical Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Varies by engine, generally 10-17 seconds.
Typical Top Speed:
Varies by engine, generally 90-115 mph.
Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Solex carburetors (single or dual barrel) or Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection on later 280 models.
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Bosch inline injection pumps.
Gasoline Octane Rating:
Premium unleaded (91 RON or higher recommended).
Diesel Specification:
Standard diesel fuel.
Manual Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission (column or floor shift).
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4G-Tronic) optional on most models.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by engine and transmission combination, typically around 3.69:1 to 4.08:1.
Sedan Length:
Approx. 4730 mm (186.2 in)
Coupe Length:
Approx. 4770 mm (187.8 in)
Sedan Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Sedan Height:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2750 mm (108.3 in)
Curb Weight Sedan Gasoline:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs)
Curb Weight Sedan Diesel:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs)
Curb Weight Coupe:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Generous for its class, typical sedan trunk space.
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test ratings from modern organizations exist for this era. However, Mercedes-Benz engineering of the period emphasized structural integrity and passive safety features.
Brakes:
Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes. Early models may have less powerful systems; later models offered more robust braking.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts. Lap belts were common, with some later models offering three-point belts.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column designed to mitigate injury in frontal impacts.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional upgraded units with cassette players were available in later years. Speakers were typically limited to front doors and rear parcel shelf.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some models, typically a vacuum-operated or mechanical system.
Air Conditioning:
Optional dealer-installed or factory-fitted air conditioning systems were available, often using R12 refrigerant.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Primarily mechanical and analog systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or every 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Automatic: Typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (though some recommendations were 'lifetime' fluids).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG classification or equivalent. Viscosity: 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended, depending on climate. Diesel engines often preferred 15W-40 or 20W-50.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB 236.1 or MB 236.2 specification automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Dexron III equivalent).
Common Wear Items:
Bushings (suspension, steering), ball joints, tie rod ends, flex discs (driveshaft), exhaust system components, ignition points/condenser (on carbureted models), injector pump (diesel).
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, around windshield and rear window seals, rear floor pans.
Electrical Quirks:
Aging wiring harnesses, faulty headlight switches, deteriorating vacuum lines (for central locking or climate control, if equipped).
Legacy:
Part of Mercedes-Benz's long history of producing durable, reliable, and technologically advanced vehicles.
Development:
The W114/W115 series replaced the W110 Fintail models and was a significant evolution in Mercedes-Benz design, moving away from the flamboyant fins of the previous decade to a more modern, restrained styling. The W114 designation was for the larger 6-cylinder engined cars, while the W115 was for the 4-cylinder variants, including the highly successful diesel models.
Production Period:
1968-1976
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with assembly plants in other countries.
Total Production Numbers:
Over 1.9 million units produced across all variants (sedan, coupe, diesel, gasoline).
Industry Acclaim:
Widely recognized for its build quality, reliability, and comfort, contributing significantly to Mercedes-Benz's global reputation.
Consumer Reports Era:
Likely received favorable reviews in contemporary automotive publications for its engineering and durability, particularly the diesel variants for economy.
Manufacturing Standards:
Built to stringent Mercedes-Benz internal quality and engineering standards of the era.
