🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

280CE

Model Code:

W123 Coupe

Year:

1981

Chassis Code:

C123

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mercedes-Benz 280CE W123 was positioned as a premium, luxury coupe, combining performance, comfort, and build quality representative of Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other luxury coupes of its era, such as BMW 6 Series, Jaguar XJ-S, and certain American personal luxury coupes, offering a distinct blend of German engineering and sophisticated styling.

Key Features:

Elegant pillarless coupe design, robust build quality, comfortable and well-appointed interior, advanced (for its time) engineering, including the K-Jetronic fuel injection system.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine fuel and emission control, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveshaft and differential, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires, body, heating and air conditioning, electrical system, instruments and gauges, lighting, wipers and washers, safety systems, troubleshooting.

Page Count:

Extensive (specific page count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive).

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book (description implies it's a product for sale).

Accessibility:

Designed for ease of use in a workshop setting, with clear sections and potentially cross-referenced diagrams.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, engine block, timing gear, oil pump.

Fuel Emission Control:

Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, air flow meter, fuel distributor, cold start valve, injection valves, fuel pump, fuel filter, emission control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant hoses, expansion tank.

Lubrication System:

Oil pan, oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler (if applicable), lubrication passages.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, high-tension leads, ignition timing.

Starting Charging:

Starter motor, battery, alternator, voltage regulator.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation and adjustment, manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission (e.g., 4-speed 722.1), driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle differential.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent, MacPherson struts), rear suspension (independent, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, steering system (power steering), tie rods, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, brake master cylinder, brake lines, brake calipers, brake pads, brake fluid, parking brake system.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel mounting, tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel alignment specifications.

Body Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, upholstery, interior trim.

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning system (if equipped), components, servicing.

Electrical Lighting:

Wiring diagrams, lighting circuits, fuses, relays, switches, headlamps, taillamps, interior lighting.

Instruments Gauges:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure warning light, indicator lights.

Wipers Washers:

Wiper motor, wiper arms, wiper blades, washer pump, washer fluid reservoir.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems related to engine performance, starting issues, electrical faults, and HVAC.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Methods for diagnosing fuel injection system issues, ignition system faults, electrical system problems, and mechanical engine issues.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle, essential for correct assembly and safety.

Bodywork Procedures:

Guidance on body panel alignment, door and window adjustments, and potentially basic rust repair or panel replacement techniques.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, and troubleshooting for electrical components, including interior and exterior lighting, instrumentation, and accessories.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

If digital, expected to be PDF with searchable text and clear imagery. If printed, high-quality paper and binding.

Print Quality:

High resolution for diagrams and text, ensuring clarity for detailed procedures.

Binding Type:

If printed: Spiral-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment, or durable hardback/softcover.

Paper Type:

If printed: Durable, possibly laminated or coated paper to withstand workshop conditions.

Completeness:

Stated to cover 'all major topics,' implying a high level of detail and thoroughness, suitable for professional repair.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Engine Code:

M110.982 (Euro) / M110.984 (US)

Displacement:

2746 cc (2.75 Liters)

Horsepower:

Approx. 180-185 hp (metric) at 5800 rpm (Euro spec), 155 hp (US spec)

Torque:

Approx. 24.5 kgm (239 Nm / 177 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (Euro spec), 22.3 kgm (219 Nm / 162 lb-ft) at 4200 rpm (US spec)

Fuel System:

Bosch K-Jetronic Continuous Injection (CIS)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium octane recommended)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 78.8 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 or 9.0:1 depending on variant

Valvetrain Actuation:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) per bank, actuated by a single-row or double-row timing chain (depending on year/production revision).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag variant)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Mercedes-Benz 722.1)

Automatic Features:

Hydraulic torque converter, potentially with selectable modes (e.g., Economy/Sport on some variants).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4725 mm (186.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1780 mm (70.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2710 mm (106.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Modern safety ratings were not prevalent in the same way as today. Known for its robust chassis and structural integrity of the era.

Active Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes, precise steering, good weight distribution.

Passive Features:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, padded interior, safety glass, seat belts (front and rear).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Analog climate control (manual or optional automatic climate control).

Driver Assistance Features:

Power steering, optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) on some later models, cruise control (optional).

Connectivity Features:

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

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter and fuel filter typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or as specified.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 30,000 miles, depending on plug type and condition.

Major Service Intervals:

Valve adjustment and other checks typically recommended at higher mileages (e.g., 60,000 miles) or as per manual.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SF or higher (e.g., SAE 10W-40, 15W-40, or 20W-50 depending on climate). Refer to manual for specific viscosity recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (typically 50/50 ratio). Mercedes-specific coolant may be recommended.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent) is often specified for the 722.1 automatic transmission, but always verify with the manual or MB technical documentation.

Differential Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 or 85W-90 (API GL-5).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid as recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Known Issues:

Rust (especially wheel arches, door bottoms, jacking points), vacuum leaks affecting central locking and climate control, wear on suspension bushings, potential injector seal leaks in K-Jetronic system, occasional head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury motor vehicles, dating back to the late 19th century. The W123 generation continued this legacy.

Model Evolution:

The W123 Coupe (C123) was introduced in 1977 as a more stylish and luxurious variant of the highly successful W123 sedan and wagon. It shared the same robust platform and drivetrain options.

Production Period:

1977-1985 (C123 Coupe series)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Sindelfingen plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 280CE might be scarce, the W123 generation as a whole was highly regarded for its build quality, durability, and engineering, often cited as one of Mercedes-Benz's most reliable models.