Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and DIY Mechanics undertaking repairs, maintenance, and restoration of the W123 280E.
Value Proposition:
Provides the same in-depth information used by professional Mercedes-Benz technicians, ensuring accurate and efficient repair and maintenance.
Documentation Style:
Detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations, enlarged insets, and combined troubleshooting/wiring diagrams.
Years Covered:
1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Estimated Pages:
High, comprehensive (specific count not provided, but described as 'everything you will ever need')
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.8L M110 inline-6), Fuel Injection (Bosch K-Jetronic), Ignition, Exhaust
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, Differential, Axles
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Springs
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Linkages
Brakes:
Hydraulic Brake System, Front/Rear Brakes (Disc/Disc), Parking Brake
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Starting System, Charging System, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Diagnosis, Electrical System Diagnostics
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Rebuilding Procedures, Component Overhaul
Restoration:
Detailed procedures suitable for refurbishment and restoration projects
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics, mirroring professional technician information.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2746 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 180-185 hp (depending on specific market and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 230-235 Nm (170-173 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Coolant Type:
Proprietary Mercedes-Benz coolant or equivalent (typically a silicate-free ethylene glycol mix).
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual (initially), 5-Speed Manual (later models)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (722.1), 3-Speed Automatic (722.0)
Automatic Features:
Torque converter, hydrostatic control.
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Manual Fluid Type:
Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4.
Safety Standard:
Designed to contemporary safety standards of the late 1970s and early 1980s, including crumple zones and safety cell.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (solid or ventilated front discs depending on year/spec), dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Automatic: 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles); Manual: Check and top-up as needed, change every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-62,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 Liters
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Rocker arm wear (M110 engine), fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum hose deterioration, rust (especially in common areas like wheel arches, sills, and window frames).
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation, switch failures, fuse box corrosion.
Manufacturer:
Daimler-Benz AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
Generation:
W123 generation, successor to the W114/W115 series, known for its robust build quality and durability.
Production Years:
1976-1985 (for the W123 platform including 280E variants)
