Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 owners, independent workshops, classic car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics.
Value Proposition:
Provides the same level of detail as professional workshop manuals, offering significant cost savings for repairs and maintenance compared to dealership services.
Visuals:
Hundreds of detailed photos and diagrams, including exploded views.
Instructional Style:
Step-by-step instructions for accuracy and ease of use.
Completeness:
Full service, repair, and troubleshooting coverage.
Applicable Years:
1968-1976
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (Limousine), Coupe (C114), (Note: The manual likely covers the primary sedan and coupe variants.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (precise count not specified, but described as extensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and target market)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, propeller shaft, final drive, axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, steering gear, power steering.
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, brake adjustments, troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator/generator), starting system, lighting system, ignition system, instruments, switches, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, heating system, ventilation, air conditioning (if applicable).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common problems, fault finding for all major systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, tune-ups.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and uncommon issues.
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve clearances, clutch pedal free play, brake adjustments.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, engine data.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical system troubleshooting.
W115 Petrol:
M115 inline-4 (e.g., 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.3L OHV)
W115 Diesel:
OM615 inline-4 (e.g., 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.4L SOHC Diesel)
W114 Petrol:
M114 inline-6 (e.g., 2.3L, 2.5L, 2.8L OHV)
W114 Petrol Later:
M130 inline-6 (e.g., 2.8L SOHC - likely covered in later years within the range)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 70-140 hp (depending on engine variant and tuning)
Torque Range:
Approx. 120-220 Nm (depending on engine variant)
Petrol Induction:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Zenith, Stromberg) or Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection (on later/higher performance models)
Diesel Injection:
Bosch inline injection pump
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Type:
4-speed Manual (column or floor shift)
Type:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., 'Hydrak' or traditional torque converter automatic, often referred to as 'Flexomatic' or 'Potsdamer Getriebe')
Automatic Operation:
Full automatic control, potentially with selectable modes (e.g., Comfort/Sport on some later models).
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent automatic transmission fluid - ATF) - Specific Mercedes-Benz specification likely detailed in the manual.
Manual Fluid:
Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 90 GL-4/GL-5) - Specific Mercedes-Benz specification likely detailed in the manual.
Wheelbase:
W114: approx. 2750 mm (108.3 in) / W115: approx. 2820 mm (111.0 in)
Overall Length:
W114: approx. 4730 mm (186.2 in) / W115: approx. 4780 mm (188.2 in)
Overall Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1500 kg (depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1800-2000 kg
Crash Test Era:
Pre-modern crash testing standards; designed for structural integrity of the era.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc front brakes, drum rear brakes. (Later models may have had optional front disc brakes on all variants).
Suspension Stability:
Independent front suspension, semi-trailing arm rear suspension designed for stability.
Seat Belts:
Provision for seat belts, often lap belts in front and rear as standard, with 3-point belts becoming more common through the production run.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction, impact-absorbing steering column (a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz safety innovation).
Radio:
Optional analog radio, often with push-button tuning.
Speakers:
Typically front door speakers or dashboard speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some higher-trim models.
Power Steering:
Optional on many models, a significant comfort feature for the era.
Modern Connectivity:
N/A (Designed before widespread automotive connectivity features).
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage and oil type.
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter and fuel filter typically every 20,000-40,000 km.
Valve Adjustment:
Recommended periodically (e.g., every 20,000-40,000 km) for OHV engines.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40, 15W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate). Mercedes-Benz specification 229.1 or equivalent. (Manual will specify exact grades).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Rust:
Prone to rust, especially around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.
Fuel System Perishing:
Rubber fuel lines and components can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can become gummed up or require frequent adjustment if not maintained.
Automatic Transmission Harshness:
Older automatics may exhibit harsh shifting if fluid is low or dirty, or if vacuum modulator is faulty.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many older cars, wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz (Daimler-Benz AG)
Reputation:
Renowned for engineering quality, durability, safety, and comfort.
Predecessor:
Ponton (W110/W111/W112 series) and Heckflosse (Fintail) models.
Production Period:
1968-1976
Model Lines:
Introduced the distinct W114 (6-cylinder) and W115 (4-cylinder) designations, which continued into the W123 generation.
Market Impact:
Successfully bridged the gap between the luxury S-Class and smaller models, establishing a reputation for robust build quality and accessible luxury, earning the nickname 'Stroke Eight' due to its launch year (1968).
