1988 Mercedes W126 SEL Service and Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W126 SEL Year: 1988 Generation Generation Code: Second Generation (Facelift) Codes Chassis Code: W126 Body Style Code: SEL (Sonderklasse Lang, Long wheelbase sedan)...

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Tipo: Coches

Proveedor:

SKU: 459779

Etiquetas: 1988 Car Cars Mercedes SEL W126

Variantes de producto

Descripción

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W126 SEL

Year:

Generation

Generation Code:

Second Generation (Facelift)

Codes

Chassis Code:

Body Style Code:

SEL (Sonderklasse Lang, Long wheelbase sedan)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Target Audience:

Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level technical information for DIY maintenance and repair, saving time and money

Competitive Analysis

Differentiation:

Vehicle-specific, not generic; identical to dealer technician manuals

Key Features

Convenience:

Single, easy-to-use PDF; print-only needed pages; no risk of damage to original manuals

Accessibility:

Fast download, usable on multiple platforms

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Covered Models:

All 1988 Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL models

Coverage Scope:

A-Z repairs, maintenance, diagnostics, servicing

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but indicated as exhaustive)

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Digital Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Complete engine service, overhaul, diagnostics, tuning

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch KE-Jetronic), fuel pump, injectors, lines, fuel pressure regulation

Ignition Charging Starting:

Ignition system (distributor, coil, plugs), charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid)

Cooling Exhaust:

Cooling system (radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan), exhaust system components and routing

Lube:

Lubrication system (oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, capacities)

Transmission Auto:

4-speed automatic transmission service, diagnostics, rebuild, fluid specifications

Transmission Manual:

Not applicable for SEL models, typically automatic

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axles, CV joints

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, linkages)

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake

Electrical System:

Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system service, refrigerant, compressor, climate control unit, ducting

Interior Exterior:

Bodywork, doors, locks, windows, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seating, instrumentation, lighting

Safety Restraints:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) if applicable, seat belts

Procedures Included

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (if applicable)

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls

Wiring Schematics:

Complete, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical systems

Technical Depth

Depth:

Factory level, comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers

Illustrations:

Extensive diagrams, illustrations, and photographic representations

Specifications:

Detailed torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and technical data

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Readability:

Searchable text, zoomable images

Print Quality

Printable:

Yes, all pages printable

Image Resolution:

High, allows for enlarged printing of diagrams

Binding Type

Binding:

Digital (no physical binding)

Paper Type

Paper Quality Equivalent:

High-quality, durable stock (when printed)

Compatibility

Operating Systems:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), macOS

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

V8 (likely M116 or M117 based on SEL designation for this year)

Displacement Liters:

Likely 4.2L (4196 cc) or 5.0L (4973 cc) for SEL models in 1988

Engine Code Example:

M116.960 (4.2L) or M117.967 (5.0L)

Performance

Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 200-230 hp depending on engine variant and market

Torque Approx:

Approximately 250-270 lb-ft depending on engine variant and market

Fuel System

Fuel Injection Type:

Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-K - Continuous Injection System - with electronic control)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (4G-Tronic)

Optional

Manual Transmission Option:

Not typically available for W126 SEL models.

Features

Transmission Control:

Hydraulic-mechanical control with some electronic influence

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase Mm:

3080 mm (121.3 in) for SEL (Long wheelbase)

Length Mm:

5094 mm (200.5 in) for SEL

Width Mm:

1798 mm (70.8 in)

Height Mm:

1437 mm (56.6 in)

Weights

Curb Weight Kg:

Approximately 1700-1850 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Federal Safety Standards Compliance:

Designed to meet 1988 US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)

Active Features

Antilock Brakes:

Standard on most W126 models, including SEL by 1988 (ABS II)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) on some models

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver's airbag became standard on W126 in 1987

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioning front seat belts

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Original factory stereo system, often with cassette player and optional amplifier

Instrument Panel:

Comprehensive analog gauges, check control system, trip computer

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard feature on most W126 models

Connectivity

Multiplex Communication:

Limited by modern standards; systems rely on traditional wiring rather than CAN bus, though some multiplexing of signals may exist in specific modules.

Other Features

Seat Adjustment:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function common

Power Windows Locks:

Standard power windows, locks, and mirrors

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, per manufacturer recommendations

Major Service Interval:

Refer to manual for specific mileage-based major service intervals (e.g., 40,000 km, 80,000 km)

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific MB-approval oils (e.g., SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 semi-synthetic/synthetic, depending on climate and specific engine variant)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB-specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), consult manual for specific MB 236.x specification

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water

Known Issues

Common W126 Issues:

Head gasket leaks, OVP relay failure, climate control flap actuator issues, suspension bushings wear, wiring harness degradation (especially near engine heat)

Manual Coverage Of Issues:

Provides diagnostic and repair procedures for these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Manufacturer:

Daimler-Benz AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group AG)

Model Evolution

W126 Introduction:

Introduced in 1979 as the successor to the W116 S-Class

W126 Facelift:

Facelifted model introduced in 1985 (model year 1986) with updated aerodynamics, interior, and engine options

Sel Designation:

SEL stands for 'Sonderklasse Lang', indicating the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class sedan.

Production

Production Years W126:

1979-1991

Production Location:

Various Mercedes-Benz plants, primarily in Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Industry Recognition:

The W126 generation S-Class was highly regarded for its engineering, safety, and luxury, often cited in automotive press of the era as a benchmark luxury sedan.

Ratings

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety marks for its era.