Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts, professional mechanics, and Mercedes-Benz W123 owners seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.
Value Proposition:
Provides an inexpensive alternative to dealership service, offering factory-level detail for home repair and maintenance, saving significant costs.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos, drawings, and detailed illustrations, including enlarged insets for precise part identification.
Instruction Format:
Numbered step-by-step instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings for clarity and safety.
Navigation:
Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval.
Delivery:
Instant download via a link provided on the checkout page after payment.
Engine:
Complete engine systems, including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, and drivetrain components related to the engine.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions (specifics for the 280E likely include the 4-speed manual and 4-speed automatic options), clutch, driveshafts, differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, calipers, master cylinder, brake boosters, parking brake, ABS (if equipped on specific 1980 models, though less common).
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, instruments, comfort systems, and troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering components, alignment specifications.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, upholstery, interior trim, heating and ventilation systems, air conditioning (if equipped).
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspections.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, identification of common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting, and electrical system diagnostics.
Installation:
Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete disassembly and reassembly for both mechanical and electrical systems.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, 24-Valve (SOHC)
Displacement:
2746 cc (2.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.2:1 or 8.7:1 (depending on specific variant/market)
Horsepower Net:
Approx. 142-155 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (DIN)
Torque Net:
Approx. 230-240 Nm @ 3000-4000 rpm (DIN)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) Continuous Injection System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium 95 RON recommended)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
6.5 Liters (1.4 US Gallons)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 Liters (2.4 US Gallons)
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission (likely)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4G-TRONIC)
Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific MB Approval 236.2 (manual) or 236.3/236.6 (automatic) specifications.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated (for manual transmission)
Length:
Approx. 4725 mm (186.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2810 mm (110.6 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs) depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs)
Crash Test Results:
No specific modern crash test ratings available for this era, but the W123 platform was known for robust construction and safety features for its time.
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated), power assisted.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system, power steering optional/standard depending on market. Designed for stability.
Construction:
Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, safety door locks.
Restraints:
Seat belts (front and rear), optional airbags not standard for 1980.
Audio:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Aftermarket options may vary.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on some models.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, often with manual leveling adjustment.
HVAC:
Manual heating and ventilation, with optional air conditioning (often belt-driven compressor).
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise interval).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles) or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 24,000 miles) or as specified.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SF/SG (check manual for specific MB approval or viscosity based on climate).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific MB approval.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific MB approval).
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms, and undercarriage due to age and environmental factors.
Vacuum System:
Leaky vacuum hoses can affect central locking, climate control, and engine idle.
K-Jetronic:
Components like the fuel distributor, air flow meter, and injectors can require servicing or replacement over time.
Headliner Sagging:
Common issue with aging adhesives causing the headliner fabric to sag.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for engineering, durability, and luxury.
Generation:
W123 generation (1976-1985), succeeding the W114/W115 and preceding the W124.
280E Positioning:
The 280E represented the upper-mid range of the W123 lineup, offering a balance of performance and refinement with the larger M110 engine.
Production Years:
W123: 1976-1985; 280E variant produced throughout much of this period.
Manufacturing Locations:
Various Mercedes-Benz plants globally, including Germany.
