🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

380 SE

Generation Code:

W126

Chassis Code:

W126.032

Engine Code:

M116 (V8)

Transmission Code:

722.3 (4-Speed Automatic)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners and independent repair shops specializing in classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Competitors Era:

BMW 7 Series (E23), Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ (XJ-S).

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling accurate diagnostics and maintenance for this iconic Mercedes-Benz model. Instant download eliminates waiting and shipping costs.

Bookmarking And Search:

Features comprehensive bookmarking and full text search for efficient navigation.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1984-1985

Models Covered:

Mercedes-Benz 380 SE

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but implies full factory documentation)

Type:

Factory Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment and checking, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment and checking, fuel filter replacement, air filter element replacement, V-belt and Poly V-belt inspection, intake and exhaust manifold seating, spark plug inspection and replacement, coolant level and antifreeze check, cooling system inspection, engine mount bolt re-torque, engine stop adjustment.

Fuel System:

Fuel system condition check, injection timing, fuel filter replacement.

Lighting And Indicators:

Warning and indicator lamp check, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection.

Manual Transmission:

Manual transmission oil change, checking and correcting oil level.

Automatic Transmission:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, checking and correcting fluid level.

Drive Shaft And Axles:

Transfer case fluid change and level check, front axle oil level check, rear axle oil change and level check, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.

Suspension:

Suspension and body structure inspection, level control (ADS, 4MATIC) fluid level check, self-leveling suspension inspection.

Steering:

Power steering fluid level check, steering play check, steering bolt re-tightening.

Brakes:

Brake fluid level check, brake lines inspection, brake pads and disk thickness check, brake disks inspection and cleaning, parking brake cable inspection and adjustment, brake fluid replacement, brake test and parking brake check.

Body Structure And Inspections:

Suspension and body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, body paint damage inspection.

Exterior Components:

Lubricating door hinges and locks, hydraulic top fluid level check, sunroof rail cleaning and greasing, soft top locking tab check, lubricating hood and folding side mirrors, windshield wiper blade replacement, windshield wiper and washer inspection.

Interior Components:

Cleaning cassette deck tone head, cleaning antenna mast, inspecting safety belts, backrest lock operation check.

Underbody And Panels:

Removing and installing engine compartment lower panel, removing and installing lower noise encapsulation panels.

Maintenance Tasks:

Routine inspections, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, lubrication.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Injection timing checks, idle speed adjustment, troubleshooting of common issues implied by inspection points.

Repair Procedures:

Component replacement for listed items (e.g., fuel filter, spark plugs, oxygen sensor, brake pads/discs, wiper blades).

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers. Covers inspection, adjustment, replacement, and fluid services across all major vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Printability:

Printable pages

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper Emulation:

N/A (Digital Download)

Source Authenticity:

Genuine factory files, not scanned copies

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3839 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 92.4 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 (approx.)

Horsepower Hp:

155-160 hp @ 4750 rpm (approx., varies by market and emission standards)

Torque Lb Ft:

210-215 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx., varies by market and emission standards)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Oil Capacity Quarts:

7.4 quarts (with filter)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate), API SG or equivalent.

Spark Plug Type:

Bosch W8AC or equivalent (specified in manual)

Valve Lash Clearance Intake Cold:

0.15 mm (0.006 in)

Valve Lash Clearance Exhaust Cold:

0.30 mm (0.012 in)

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

10.5 quarts (approx.)

Antifreeze Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (Mercedes-Benz approved)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (722.3)

Automatic Features:

Hydraulically controlled, torque converter automatic.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron II or Mercedes-Benz MB 236.2

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (total capacity, varies with filter change)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil (specified by Mercedes-Benz)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

116.7 inches

Length Inches:

195.7 inches

Width Inches:

70.5 inches

Height Inches:

56.5 inches

Curb Weight Lbs:

3800 - 4000 lbs (approx.)

Standard Wheel Size:

14-inch or 15-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

195/70R14 or 205/65R15 (approx.)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag (standard on later models of this generation, may not be present on all 1984 models).

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts, 3-point rear seat belts.

Crumple Zones:

Engineered crumple zones for enhanced occupant protection.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional or standard depending on the specific model year and market.

Traction Control:

Optional on some models within this generation (e.g., 4MATIC), but not standard on 380 SE.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory installed Becker radio/cassette player (often with multiple speakers).

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with manual override, often utilizing vacuum actuators.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, with options for fog lights.

Telematics:

Basic telematics, no modern smartphone integration or onboard Wi-Fi.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Interval Miles:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (recommendation based on typical use and manual guidance).

Transmission Fluid Interval Miles:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (highly recommended for longevity).

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (check manual for specifics).

Brake Fluid Flush Interval Years:

Every 2 years (critical for brake system performance and safety).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Hydraulic fluid (specified by Mercedes-Benz, e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent).

Level Control Fluid Type:

Hydraulic fluid (specific to Mercedes-Benz self-leveling suspension, consult manual).

Common W126 Issues:

Vacuum system leaks (affecting climate control, central locking, etc.), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), wear in suspension components, cooling system leaks (hose degradation), window regulator failures, head gasket leaks (less common but possible).

Manual Utility For Issues:

The manual's detailed diagnostic and inspection procedures are invaluable for identifying and rectifying these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

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

W126 Introduction:

The W126 S-Class was introduced in 1979 as a successor to the W116. It featured advanced safety and aerodynamic designs for its time.

380 Se Positioning:

The 380 SE represented the mid-range engine option for the W126 chassis in North America during its production run, offering a balance of performance and luxury.

Production Years W126:

1979-1991

Production Location:

Sindelfingen, West Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General W126 Accolades:

The W126 chassis was widely praised for its safety, comfort, and build quality, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's reputation as a leader in luxury automobiles during the 1980s.