Class:
Full-size luxury sedan and coupé
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking comfort, safety, and performance.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi V8, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Fleetwood
Design Philosophy:
Timeless design, robust engineering, and advanced comfort features for its era.
Build Quality:
Renowned for exceptional build quality and durability.
Technology Integration:
Incorporated early forms of electronic fuel injection, ABS, and climate control systems.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of engine overhaul, tune-ups, and diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel injection, carburetors (early models), fuel pumps, lines, and filters.
Ignition System:
Diagnosis and repair of ignition coils, distributors, spark plugs, and electronic ignition modules.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, and lubrication circuit maintenance.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and climate control integration.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust manifolds, and emission control systems.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting of charging system, starting system, lighting, and accessories.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul procedures for manual transmissions (less common).
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and adjustment of automatic transmissions, including hydraulic systems and valve bodies.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, and axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, and steering gear.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, discs, pads, lines, and master cylinder.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, sealing, and interior trim.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped on later models), and structural integrity.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components like engines and transmissions.
Removal Installation:
Instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies.
Adjustments:
Procedures for setting clearances, calibrations, and alignments for various systems.
Depth:
Advanced, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Detail Level:
Emphasizes special aspects of Mercedes-Benz products and proprietary component repairs.
Special Tools:
Identification and illustration of required or recommended Mercedes-Benz special tools.
Warnings Cautions Notes:
Clear highlighting of safety warnings, cautions, and important notes.
Engine Families:
M110 (2.8L, 3.0L Inline-6), M117 (3.8L, 4.2L, 5.0L V8), M119 (5.0L V8 - later models)
Common Engines:
300SE/SEL (3.0L I6), 380SE/SEL/SEC (3.8L V8), 420SE/SEL (4.2L V8), 500SE/SEL/SEC (5.0L V8), 560SE/SEL/SEC (5.6L V8)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 145 HP (early 3.0L I6) to 240 HP (late 5.6L V8)
Torque Range:
Approximately 170 lb-ft to 330 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) and later Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) fuel injection systems.
Octane Rating:
Premium unleaded gasoline (91+ octane) generally recommended.
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition management on later models.
Wheelbase Standard:
Approx. 114.9 inches (2920 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
Approx. 121.3 inches (3080 mm) for SEL models
Length:
Varies by body style, but generally around 197-203 inches (5000-5160 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,400 lbs (1680 - 2000 kg) depending on engine and configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 5,000 lbs.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or high-quality conventional oil.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Intervals vary by engine type; consult manual. Typically 30,000 - 60,000 miles for standard plugs, longer for iridium/platinum.
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher; viscosity typically 10W-30 or 15W-40 depending on climate. Refer to owner's manual for precise specifications.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. MB Specification 325.0 or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Wiring Harness:
Cracking insulation on older wiring harnesses, particularly in the engine bay and under the dashboard, can lead to electrical faults.
Fuel Injector Seals:
Leaking fuel injector seals on K-Jetronic systems can cause rough idling and fuel smell.
Climate Control:
Climate control unit failures, vacuum leaks, and blower motor issues are common.
Head Gasket:
While generally robust, head gasket leaks can occur on high-mileage engines.
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings is common due to age and mileage.
Window Regulators:
Electric window regulators can fail, often due to plastic gear wear or motor issues.
