Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking comfort, performance, and engineering excellence in a stylish coupe.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Jaguar XJ-S, Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Continental Mark IV/V.
Coupe Design:
Elegant and timeless coupe body style with a pillarless hardtop design.
Performance Engineering:
Mercedes-Benz's reputation for robust engineering and powerful V8 engines.
Comfort Luxury:
High-quality interior appointments, comfortable seating, and a refined driving experience.
Dealer Level Information:
Provides the exact same repair and diagnostic information used by authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
Diy Focus:
Perfectly suited for the enthusiast or DIY mechanic looking to maintain or restore their 450SLC.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul, diagnostics, timing, valve adjustments, fuel injection (Bosch K-Jetronic), cooling system, lubrication system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starter, alternator, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair of the 4-speed manual transmission (if applicable to specific 450SLC variants).
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed service and repair of the 3-speed (e.g., 4G-Tronic or equivalent) automatic transmission, including hydraulic control and adjustment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, disc brake overhaul, hydraulic system diagnostics, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering system, power steering.
Chassis Body:
Body structure, chassis maintenance, jacking points, door mechanisms, glass, body trim, seats.
Electrical Systems:
Lighting system, dashboard instruments, power windows, central locking, HVAC controls, audio system wiring.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic) diagnostics and component replacement.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if equipped for later years), muffler, pipes, and hangers.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, coolant specifications.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, climate control operation.
Basic Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed steps for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding the brake system.
Suspension Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, shock absorbers.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, using wiring diagrams.
Fuel Injection Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and adjustment of the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system.
Body And Trim Repair:
Procedures for interior and exterior trim removal, repair, and installation, including seats.
Climate Control Service:
Recharging AC systems, replacing components, and troubleshooting heating issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Clearances Tolerances:
Precise specifications for engine clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of required special tools for specific repair procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-50,000 miles. Refer to manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary, typically 20,000-30,000 miles for the era's plugs. Manual will specify.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 often recommended for this era and engine. Manual will confirm specific grade based on ambient temperature. API SF or SG classification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. Manual specifies mix ratio and type.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.2 (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent before later specifications)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 specification (often ATF Dexron II or Pentosin CHF 11S depending on specific system evolution).
Fuel System Aging:
Degradation of fuel hoses, injector seals, and fuel distributor diaphragms due to age and fuel composition changes.
K Jetronic Issues:
Warm-up regulator (WUR) failure, injector failure, air flow meter plate binding, and control pressure issues can affect performance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded connectors, failing relays, and aging wiring insulation can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, and trunk floor.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items.
