Target Audience:
W123 owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, automotive enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional workshops.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical information enabling owners to maintain and repair their W123 independently, saving costs and ensuring quality.
Diy Empowerment:
Empowers owners to take control of their vehicle's maintenance and repairs.
Cost Savings:
Facilitates significant cost savings compared to professional mechanic labor rates.
Knowledge Acquisition:
Offers deep understanding of the vehicle's intricate design and operational nuances.
Accessibility:
Convenient digital download format for immediate access and on-the-go reference.
Coverage Years:
1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Estimated Page Count:
Variable (typically 1000+ pages for full workshop manuals, but specific to download content)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF Download
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for compressed files)
Operating Systems:
Windows, macOS
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair for all W123 gasoline and diesel variants.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Brake System:
Complete coverage of brake system components, maintenance, repair, and bleeding procedures.
Wiring Diagram:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Electrical System:
Troubleshooting and repair of all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessories.
Suspension:
Service and repair procedures for front and rear suspension components, alignment, and shock absorbers.
Steering:
Maintenance and repair of the steering system, including power steering.
Cooling System:
Repair and maintenance of the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and cooling fan.
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Detailed procedures for fuel system components, including fuel pumps, injectors, and carburetors (where applicable).
Emission System:
Information on emission control systems and their servicing.
Engine Control System:
Diagnosis and repair of engine management and control systems.
Chassis Body:
Bodywork repair, chassis diagnostics, and adjustments.
Restraint System:
Information on seatbelts and other passive safety systems.
Axle:
Service and repair of front and rear axles, including differentials.
General Maintenance:
Regularly scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for taking apart and putting back together various vehicle components.
Refurbish Renovate:
Guidance on restoring and renovating worn or damaged parts and systems.
Periodic Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points, intervals, and recommended lubricants.
Engine Timing Settings:
Detailed procedures for setting ignition timing (gasoline) and injection timing (diesel).
Valve Adjustment:
Procedures for checking and adjusting valve clearances on applicable engines.
Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque values for engine components, cylinder heads, suspension parts, etc.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting Codes:
Information on identifying and interpreting any diagnostic codes (if applicable to electronic systems of the era).
Body Repair Techniques:
Guidance on body panel repair, rust prevention, and alignment.
Climate Control Service:
Service and repair procedures for air conditioning and heating systems.
Exhaust System Repair:
Maintenance and replacement of exhaust components.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment.
Technical Detail Level:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine Rebuild Level:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing installation, gasket replacement, and cylinder head service.
Transmission Rebuild Level:
Detailed steps for dismantling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling both manual and automatic transmissions.
Engine Options Gasoline:
M115 (2.0L), M116 (3.5L V8), M110 (2.8L inline-6), M102 (2.3L inline-4, later models)
Engine Options Diesel:
OM615 (2.0L diesel), OM616 (2.4L diesel), OM617 (3.0L, 3.0L turbo diesel inline-5)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 70 hp (diesel) to 185 hp (fuel-injected gasoline variants)
Torque Range:
Approx. 90 lb-ft (diesel) to 200 lb-ft (later gasoline variants)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Zenith) or Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Bosch inline injection pump
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Filter Replacement Interval:
Oil filter with every oil change; air and fuel filters typically every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-25,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specifications:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-50) and API classifications based on engine type and climate.
Coolant Specifications:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., MB 325.0) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent MB specification like MB 236.1)
Brake Fluid Specifications:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, front suspension bushings, vacuum lines, fuel accumulators (K-Jetronic).
Diesel Engine Concerns:
Glow plug issues, injector pump leaks, potential for injector nozzle wear.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, underbody, battery tray area.
