Luxury Segment:
The W116 was Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan during its production run, competing with other high-end European manufacturers.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included models from BMW (e.g., 7 Series), Jaguar (e.g., XJ), and other premium European luxury marques.
Design Philosophy:
The W116 embodied Mercedes-Benz's commitment to engineering excellence, safety, comfort, and durability, featuring a sophisticated and understated design.
Innovation:
Introduced significant safety innovations for its time, including crumple zones and a robust passenger safety cell.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of the M117 V8 engine, including its M-Jet fuel injection system.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for the automatic transmission (e.g., 3-speed automatic transmission).
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, including driveshaft, differential, and axle components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including disc brake systems (front and rear), master cylinder, brake lines, and calipers.
Steering:
Power steering system, including steering gear, pump, and steering linkage.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical system coverage, including battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and wiring diagrams.
Fuel:
Fuel delivery system, including fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel tank.
Cooling:
Engine cooling system, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant hoses.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, including manifold, catalytic converter (where applicable), mufflers, and pipes.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, structural components, doors, windows, and interior trim.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for various systems, including diagnostic procedures and common fault diagnosis.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components and systems.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for the removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, and installation of components.
Adjustments:
Precise instructions for adjustments to engine timing, carburetor/fuel injection, brakes, clutch (if applicable), and other systems.
Specifications:
Inclusion of all critical service data, including torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances, and wear limits.
Depth:
Factory-level technical detail, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Illustrations:
Abundant pictorial diagrams, exploded views, drawings, and photographs to guide repair procedures.
Tool References:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized service tools required for specific repair operations.
Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Printability:
Fully printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital download)
Digital Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital download)
Reader:
Adobe Reader or compatible PDF viewer required.
Operating Systems:
Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Content Status:
100% complete and intact, with no missing or corrupt pages/sections.
Historical Safety Perception:
Highly regarded for safety due to robust construction and engineering principles of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option in later years of the W116 production, particularly from 1978 onwards.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment, energy-absorbing steering column, and impact-absorbing bumpers.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seatbelts for front occupants were standard, with rear belts often optional or standard depending on market.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, as per manual recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Significant checks and component inspections recommended at intervals like 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SF classification, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 commonly recommended (check manual for specific climate/usage).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended).
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - Type 'A' Suffix 'A' or Dexron II is often applicable, but consult manual for precise specification.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Fuel System Aging:
Degradation of rubber fuel lines and components in the M-Jet system can lead to leaks or performance issues.
Cooling System Aging:
Radiator corrosion, water pump seal leaks, and thermostat failures are common with age.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can lead to poor handling and ride comfort.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring harnesses, connectors, and vacuum-actuated systems (e.g., central locking, climate control).
