🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W116

Model Variants:

280 S, 280 SE, 300 SD, 450 SE, 450 SEL

Generation Code:

W116

Chassis Code:

W116

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Mercedes-Benz W116 owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.

Value Proposition:

Provides professional-level diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information, enabling significant cost savings on repairs.

Accuracy Completeness:

Original manufacturer's manual, guaranteed complete and intact, same as used by local service/repair shops.

Usability:

Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, enlarged insets, numbered table of contents, and easy-to-follow directions.

Format Advantage:

Digital PDF format offers convenience, printability of specific sections, and avoids damage to the manual.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided but implied extensive)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual (WSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Engine Control System, Cooling System, Emission System, Differential/Drive, Axle

Chassis And Suspension:

Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body

Electrical And Electronics:

Wiring Diagram, Electrical System

Comfort And Interior:

Heater/Air Conditioner, Interior, Restraint System

General Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Diagnostic And Repair:

Troubleshooting, Detailed substeps for repair procedures, Notes, cautions, and warnings, Numbered instructions, Disassembly, Assembly, Cleaning, Reinstalling procedures

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, Periodic lubrication

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures combined with detailed wiring diagrams

Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information used by professional technicians.

Scope:

Covers All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types within the specified years.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Method:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

280 S/Se:

2.8L Inline-6 (M110 engine)

300 Sd:

3.0L Inline-5 Diesel (OM617 engine)

450 Se/Sel:

4.5L V8 (M117 engine)

280 S/Se (Approximate):

160-185 hp, 155-170 lb-ft torque

300 Sd (Approximate):

110-125 hp, 170-190 lb-ft torque

450 Se/Sel (Approximate):

180-225 hp, 245-275 lb-ft torque

280 S/Se:

Bosch D-Jetronic or K-Jetronic Fuel Injection

300 Sd:

Bosch Inline Fuel Injection Pump (Diesel)

450 Se/Sel:

Bosch D-Jetronic or K-Jetronic Fuel Injection

🔧 Transmission

All Models:

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

280 S/Se:

4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission (less common for North American market)

Automatic:

Torque converter automatic with hydraulic control.

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

Approx. 4.9m (193 in)

Coupe Length:

Approx. 4.9m (193 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2.9m (114 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1600-1800 kg (3500-4000 lbs) depending on model and engine

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Context:

Designed with advanced safety features for its era, including crumple zones and robust chassis construction. Specific crash test ratings from modern agencies may not be directly applicable but it was a benchmark in safety for its time.

Braking:

Power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels (standard on most models), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available on later models.

Construction:

Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing steering column, impact-absorbing interior materials.

Restraint:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts standard in front, lap belts in rear).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically an AM/FM radio with cassette player, often from Blaupunkt or Becker. Analog tuning.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models (often optional).

Early Era:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Focus was on mechanical and electrical reliability.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, check specific model/engine recommendations.

Tune Up:

Spark plug replacement, filter changes as per manual recommendations, generally around 15,000-30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for precise viscosity based on climate).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mercedes-Benz approved G05 or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or III compatible fluid (e.g., MB 236.1).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

General:

Fuel injector issues (especially in early D-Jetronic models), climate control system malfunctions, vacuum hose degradation, rust on body panels, suspension component wear.

Diesel Specific:

Glow plug issues, injector pump wear, potential turbocharger issues (if equipped on later versions of OM617).

Oil Filter:

Bosch 3300, Mahle OC 29, Mann W930/4 (Examples, confirm for specific engine).

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, established over decades of automotive innovation.

W116 Introduction:

Introduced in 1972 as the successor to the W108/W109, the W116 was Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, setting new standards in automotive engineering, safety, and comfort. It was the first Mercedes-Benz to officially be called an 'S-Class'.

W116 Updates:

Underwent minor facelifts and technical updates throughout its production run, including the introduction of fuel injection systems and the highly regarded OM617 diesel engine for the 300 SD model.

Production Period:

1972 - 1980

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Perception:

Widely regarded as a benchmark for luxury, comfort, and engineering in its time. The W116 established the 'S-Class' moniker and its association with premium automotive standards.