🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W123

Model Code:

W123

Generation:

First Generation

Body Style:

Various (Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Limousine)

Transmission Code:

716

Production Start Year:

1977

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Mercedes-Benz W123 owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts focused on technical details and repair.

Advantage:

Instant download availability and comprehensive coverage of the 716 transmission.

Content Quality:

Technical details sourced directly from the manufacturer.

Visuals:

Includes pictures and diagrams for assembly/disassembly.

Support:

Email support for issues finding information.

Environmental Aspect:

Digital format promotes paper saving.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

716 Manual Transmission

Secondary Coverage:

General W123 Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (Assumed, based on product description)

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Transmission System:

Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, repair, and maintenance of the 716 manual transmission.

Engine Service:

General engine maintenance and repair, including specifications.

Electrical System:

Diagnostic procedures and component descriptions.

Suspension Steering:

Maintenance and repair procedures.

Braking System:

Maintenance and repair procedures.

Fuel System:

Maintenance and repair procedures.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair procedures.

Exhaust System:

Maintenance and repair procedures.

Bodywork Chassis:

Information on various parts, collisions, painting.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic steps for common issues.

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step guides for major components, especially the transmission.

Cleaning Lubrication:

Proper procedures for cleaning and lubricating parts.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks.

Component Replacement:

Guidance on replacing wear items and faulty components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for skilled mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed rebuild instructions for the 716 transmission.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely (typical for digital service manuals)

Printability:

Printable in sections or entirety.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options Covered:

The manual mentions 'engine' in general, implying coverage of the common engines found in the W123 chassis paired with the 716 transmission. This would likely include M115, M110, OM615, OM616, and OM617 engines.

Horsepower Torque:

Specifications for various W123 engine variants will be present in the technical details section.

Fuel Type:

Gasoline and Diesel (depending on engine variant)

Carburetor Injection:

Will cover relevant fuel delivery systems (e.g., Zenith, Solex carburetors for gasoline; Bosch injection pumps for diesel).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

716 Manual Transmission

Gear Ratios:

Likely to include specific gear ratios for the 716 transmission.

Optional Transmissions Covered:

The manual is specifically for the 716 manual transmission; other transmissions (e.g., automatics) are unlikely to be covered in detail.

Clutch System:

Likely includes information on clutch operation, adjustment, and replacement.

Shift Mechanism:

Details on the shifter linkage and operation.

Gearbox Housing:

Information on the gearbox case, seals, and bearings.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by body style (e.g., 2794 mm for sedan)

Length:

Varies by body style (e.g., 4765 mm for sedan)

Width:

Varies by body style (e.g., 1790 mm for sedan)

Height:

Varies by body style (e.g., 1430 mm for sedan)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by model and engine (e.g., ~1400-1600 kg for sedan)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

While specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era are scarce and not guaranteed to be in this manual, Mercedes-Benz had a strong safety reputation during the W123's production.

Braking System Type:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (typical for the era). Later models may have rear discs.

Seat Belts:

Likely details on seat belt maintenance and adjustment.

Crumple Zones:

The W123 chassis featured advanced passive safety structures for its time.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Basic AM/FM radio or cassette players were optional and common. Specific models vary.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option on later models and became more common, but not standard on all.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models.

Bluetooth Usb:

Not available in original factory configuration.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check manual for specific intervals; generally, manual transmissions are less frequent than automatics, often serviced at major overhauls or if leaks occur.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Diesel: ~20,000-40,000 km; Gasoline: Varies by type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Typically every 20,000-40,000 km or as needed based on conditions.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/B2. Viscosity grade often 10W-40 or 15W-40, with specific recommendations in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Likely a GL-4 gear oil. Specific viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90) will be detailed. Capacity around 1.5-2.0 liters.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common W123 Problems:

Rust (especially around wheel arches, door bottoms, sunroofs), vacuum leaks in central locking and climate control, shifter bushings, potential glow plug issues in diesels, early automatic transmission issues (less relevant here), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends).

Common Transmission Issues:

Bearing noise, synchronizer wear, shifter linkage wear leading to sloppy shifting.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

The W123 built upon Mercedes-Benz's reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and safety.

W123 Development:

Successor to the W114/W115, the W123 was designed for robustness and comfort, becoming one of Mercedes-Benz's most successful models.

Production Period:

1975-1986

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany, South Africa, and assembly plants worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Reputation:

The W123 is renowned for its 'built like a tank' reputation, durability, and reliability, often referred to as a modern classic.

Customer Satisfaction:

Consistently high marks for longevity and build quality among owners.