🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

280 E

Year:

1981

Chassis Code:

W123 Series (specifically E-Class variant)

Generation:

Second Generation W123 (1976-1985)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium mid-size sedan known for build quality, comfort, and engineering. Competed with BMW 5 Series, Audi 100/200, and Volvo 200 Series.

Design Philosophy:

Robust engineering, long-term durability, refined driving experience, understated luxury.

Distinguishing Features:

Solid build quality, exceptional ride comfort, advanced safety features for its era, reputation for longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive factory service and repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component replacement

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages (typical for a full factory manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, oil pump, oil cooler, lubrication system

Engine Fuel System:

Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, pressure regulator, fuel lines

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan, heater core, coolant specifications

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor, spark plug wires, timing adjustments

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, manual gearbox overhaul, gear linkage, transmission fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, fluid and filter change, torque converter, transmission control, fluid specifications

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, lighting system, fuses, relays, ignition switch, instrument cluster

Body And Chassis:

Body structure inspection, corrosion prevention, chassis lubrication, door hinges, locks, sunroof, soft top mechanisms, trim removal

Climate Control:

Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning system, refrigerant charge, cabin air filters, blower motor

Suspension Rear:

Independent rear suspension, semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, differential, axle shafts, alignment specifications

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks, belt inspection and adjustment, lubrication

Engine Repair:

Valve adjustment, injection timing adjustment, engine mount tightening, component inspection and replacement

Transmission Service:

Clutch disk inspection, manual transmission oil change and level check, automatic transmission fluid and filter change, transfer case service

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint inspection, suspension component replacement, steering play adjustment, wheel bolt tightening

Brake Service:

Brake fluid replacement, brake pad and disc inspection, parking brake adjustment, brake system testing

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, component testing, wiring diagram interpretation

Bodywork And Trim:

Door hinge lubrication, lock lubrication, sunroof rail maintenance, soft top operation checks, windshield wiper blade replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full overhaul and diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Completely searchable text

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

File Source:

Original Factory Files (not scans)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Engine Code:

M110.984 (likely)

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2746 cc)

Horsepower:

Approximately 140-155 hp (net) depending on specific market and emission controls

Torque:

Approximately 210-220 Nm (155-162 lb-ft) at 3000-4500 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) Continuous Injection System

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Valvetrain:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4G-Tronic)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4725 mm (186.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on transmission and options

🛡️ Safety Features

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted Becker AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became optional and increasingly available on higher trims and later models in the W123 range.

Antennae:

Power operated antenna mast

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 miles or annually, consult manual for exact specification

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs and ignition system checks typically every 20,000-30,000 miles

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (check manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)

Coolant:

Proprietary Mercedes-Benz coolant or equivalent (e.g., Zerex G-05), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III, or specific Mercedes-Benz power steering fluid

Manual Transmission Oil:

GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III, or specific Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission fluid

Common Issues:

Vacuum system leaks (affecting climate control, central locking, engine performance), rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, and sunroof), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), aging rubber components (hoses, mounts, bushings), electrical contact corrosion.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles dating back to the late 19th century.

W123 Lineage:

The W123 series, introduced in 1976, succeeded the W114/W115 'Stroke Eight' models. The 'E' in 280 E denotes 'Einspritzung' (Injection), signifying the fuel-injected engine.

Production Years W123:

1976-1985

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Reputation:

Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era are renowned for their build quality, durability, and longevity, often earning titles like 'over-engineered' or 'built to last a million miles'.