🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

280 CE

Year:

1981

Chassis Code:

W123

Engine Code Designation:

M110

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Mid-size Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed information for servicing, repairing, and maintaining the Mercedes-Benz 280 CE (W123) Coupe.

Competitors Era:

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E21), Audi Coupe GT, Porsche 944 (later in the generation)

Vehicle Appeal:

Known for Mercedes-Benz's build quality, engineering, comfort, and timeless styling. The W123 coupe offered a more sporting and luxurious alternative to the sedan.

Confidence Booster:

Empowers owners to confidently perform repairs and maintenance, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Restoration

Specific Topics:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, Interior, HVAC, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (Specific page count not provided, but implied to be extensive covering all diagnostic and repair procedures).

Type:

Factory-Authorized Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital Download (PDF/WINRAR)

Compatibility:

Windows 95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7/8, Linux, MAC, iOS, Android

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, oil pump, timing gear, lubrication system

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, air flow meter, fuel pressure regulator

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition timing

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, fan clutch, heater core

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if equipped), muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensor

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, master cylinder, slave cylinder, manual gearbox (4-speed or 5-speed), shift linkage, gears, bearings

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic gearbox (e.g., 4-speed 722.1), torque converter, valve body, transmission fluid and filter change, checking fluid level

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, flexible couplings, rear axle, differential, half-shafts

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckle, coil springs, shock absorbers

Suspension Rear:

Independent rear suspension, semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, coil springs, level control (if equipped)

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gearbox, steering column, steering linkage, steering wheel

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, disc brakes (front and rear), brake pads, brake calipers, brake rotors, brake lines, brake fluid, master cylinder, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), dashboard indicators, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, ignition switch

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, sunroof, convertible top (if applicable), door hinges, locks, windshield wipers, washer system

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, interior trim, seat belts, climate control system (HVAC), radio/cassette deck, speakers

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, refrigerant charge, dust filter, charcoal filter, recirculating air filter, blower motor

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, V-belt inspection/adjustment, fluid level checks (coolant, power steering, brake, transmission, differential), tire pressure adjustment, lubricating chassis components

Engine Repair:

Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment, component replacement (e.g., injectors, fuel pump, ignition components, cooling system parts, exhaust components)

Transmission Repair:

Manual transmission oil change and level correction, automatic transmission fluid and filter change, checking transmission fluid level, potential internal component diagnosis (though full rebuild procedures are implied)

Suspension Steering Repair:

Ball joint inspection, checking steering play, retightening steering bolts, axle oil level checks and correction, inspecting flexible couplings

Brake Repair:

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

Electrical Diagnostics:

Checking warning and indicator lamps, battery fluid level check, troubleshooting electrical faults

Body Cosmetic Repair:

Water leakage and corrosion inspection, cleaning water drains, lubricating door hinges and locks, sunroof rail maintenance, checking body for paint damage

HVAC Repair:

AC refrigerant charge check, replacing dust filter, replacing active charcoal filter, replacing recirculating air filter

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting guides for various systems, including engine performance, starting issues, braking problems, electrical faults, and more.

Depth:

Extensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to detailed repair and rebuilding procedures. Includes diagnostic steps, component testing, and specifications required for professional-level work.

Visual Aids:

Diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics are explicitly mentioned, providing crucial visual guidance.

📊 Manual Specifications

Primary Format:

PDF

Compression Format:

WINRAR (implies potential for multiple files or a compressed archive)

Printability:

Assumed to be high quality and printable, as is standard for service manuals.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Engine Code:

M110 (E28 for fuel injection)

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2746 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86.5 mm x 80.25 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 (typical for M110.981/M110.984)

Horsepower:

Approx. 142-155 hp @ 5250-5500 rpm (depending on market and specific engine variant)

Torque:

Approx. 170-180 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (depending on market and specific engine variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change. Specific grade MB 229.1 or API SG/SH recommended (check manual for precise spec).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based Antifreeze/Coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water recommended. Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 or equivalent.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.1)

Manual Fluid Spec:

GL-4 Gear Oil. SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended. Check manual for exact specification.

Automatic Fluid Spec:

Dexron III or equivalent. Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.1. Capacity approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) for change with filter.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4730 mm (186.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1470-1550 kg (3240-3417 lbs), depending on options and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Era Consideration:

Safety standards of the early 1980s. While not rated by modern agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP in the same way, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were renowned for robust construction.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front), precise steering, strong chassis structure.

Passive Safety:

Reinforced safety cage, collapsible steering column, front and rear crumple zones, padded interior surfaces, seat belts (front inertial reel, rear lap belts).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted cassette deck with analog radio. Options for upgraded systems existed.

Assistance Systems:

Limited by era. Primarily focused on mechanical systems. Some models might have had features like cruise control. Level control for suspension was an advanced option.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-15,000 km (4,500-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Consult manual for specific recommendation.

Major Service Interval:

Valve adjustment, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, and transmission service are typically recommended at intervals of 30,000-60,000 km (18,000-36,000 miles). Precise intervals are detailed in the manual.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB specification 234.0 or equivalent (typically a mineral oil based hydraulic fluid). Check manual for exact specification.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Mercedes-Benz specification 331.0 or equivalent. Recommended replacement every 2 years.

Common W123 Issues:

Rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), vacuum hose degradation affecting central locking and climate control, fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), biodegradable wiring insulation (later models), front axle subframe mounts, potential for oil leaks from engine seals and gaskets.

Manual Utility For Issues:

The manual's comprehensive nature provides detailed diagnostic and repair procedures for addressing these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Founded on innovation and engineering excellence, Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing durable and high-quality vehicles.

W123 Generation:

The W123 platform (1976-1985) is celebrated for its exceptional build quality, reliability, and durability. The coupe (C123) was introduced in 1977 and produced until 1985, offering a more stylish and personal expression of the W123's engineering prowess.

Production Period:

The 280 CE variant was produced throughout the W123 coupe's lifecycle, with minor updates and improvements over the years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

W123 Reputation:

The W123 generation is widely regarded as one of the most durable and reliable Mercedes-Benz models ever produced, often earning accolades for its longevity and build quality.