Model Series:
107, 123, 124, 126, 129, 140, 201
Model Years Covered:
1981-1993
Chassis Codes:
W107, W123, W124, W126, R107, C107, C123, S123, W116 (partial overlap in early 81), W124, S124, A124, C124, W126, C126, R129, W140, C140, W201
Market Position:
Essential documentation for owners and independent workshops specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the 1980s and early 1990s. Positions itself as the definitive resource, mirroring dealership-level technical information.
Competitive Analysis:
Outperforms generic Haynes or Chilton manuals in terms of detail and accuracy. Directly comparable to official Mercedes-Benz factory service manuals (like the ASRA system data), providing a more accessible and affordable alternative for DIY or independent repair.
Key Features:
Instant download, comprehensive coverage across multiple iconic Mercedes-Benz series, detailed step-by-step instructions, high-quality diagrams and illustrations, wiring schematics, printable pages, ease of use for all skill levels, cost-saving for owners.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive maintenance, repair, diagnostics, and troubleshooting for all listed Mercedes-Benz series.
Page Count:
Undisclosed (stated as 'complete' and 'every single detail', implying extensive content, typical for factory service manuals which can range from hundreds to thousands of pages depending on the scope of series covered).
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (mechanical and electrical), fuel system (injection, carburetion on earlier models if applicable within range), cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain (driveshaft, axles, differentials), suspension (front and rear, including level control, ADS, ASD, 4MATIC), steering, brakes (hydraulic, parking, ABS if applicable), electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, accessories, power windows, central locking, sunroof, hydraulic top), HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), bodywork (chassis, exterior, interior trim, corrosion inspection), safety features (seat belts, etc.).
Procedures Included:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections), component inspection (lines, hoses, suspension, body structure, brakes, steering), engine adjustments (valve clearance, idle speed, injection timing), filter replacement (fuel, air, oil), component replacement (spark plugs, sensors, hoses, belts, filters), fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transfer case fluid, differential fluid, clutch fluid, hydraulic top fluid), troubleshooting diagnostics, electrical system repair, HVAC system servicing, body panel removal and installation, lubrication of hinges and locks, soft top and hydraulic top operation and maintenance, wheel and tire service, brake system bleeding and adjustment, power steering system checks, fuel system checks, battery servicing, lighting system checks, wiper system maintenance, AC refrigerant charging, filter replacements for HVAC.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail, including step-by-step repair procedures, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics, detailed illustrations, and diagrams. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, as well as advanced system diagnostics for features like ADS, ASD, and 4MATIC.
Primary Engine Coverage:
Covers a wide range of Mercedes-Benz engines from the period, including M102 (2.0L, 2.3L I4), M103 (2.6L, 3.0L I6), M104 (2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L I6, DOHC), M110 (2.8L, 3.0L I6), M116/M117 (3.8L, 4.2L, 5.0L V8), M119 (4.2L, 5.0L V8, DOHC), OM601 (2.0L, 2.2L Diesel I4), OM602 (2.5L, 2.9L Diesel I5), OM603 (3.0L, 3.5L Diesel I6), OM615/OM616 (2.2L, 2.4L Diesel I4), OM617 (3.0L Diesel I5). Specific engine variants and their detailed service procedures are covered within the respective model series sections.
Performance Details:
The manual provides specifications for engine power output (horsepower and torque), engine speed (RPM), and performance tuning parameters for all covered engine variants. This allows for accurate diagnosis and restoration of original performance.
Fuel System Coverage:
Covers Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS), KE-Jetronic (CIS-E), and later Motronic fuel injection systems, as well as mechanical fuel injection for diesel engines. Includes procedures for fuel filter replacement, fuel pump testing, injector diagnosis, fuel pressure regulation, and idle speed adjustments.
Standard Transmission Coverage:
Details service and repair for Mercedes-Benz 4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions, including clutch operation, fluid changes, and adjustment procedures.
Optional Transmission Coverage:
Extensive coverage of Mercedes-Benz automatic transmissions (e.g., 722.3, 722.4, 722.5, 722.6 variants common in this era). Includes fluid and filter changes, torque converter service, linkage adjustments, and troubleshooting of common automatic transmission issues.
Transmission Features:
Information on specific transmission control systems and electronic aids where applicable within the model years, such as vacuum modulator adjustments and diagnostic procedures for electronic transmission control modules.
Exterior Dimensions:
The manual provides detailed dimensions for all covered series (e.g., W124 sedan, coupe, wagon; W126 sedan, coupe; R107 roadster; R129 roadster; W201 compact sedan; W140 flagship sedan). This includes overall length, width, height, wheelbase, and track width, which can be critical for bodywork repairs and alignment.
Interior Dimensions:
While specific interior dimension charts are less common in repair manuals, the manual contains detailed illustrations and procedures for interior trim removal and installation, indirectly referencing interior space and component placement.
Cargo Dimensions:
Information on trunk capacity and any specific cargo-related components or adjustments (e.g., rear seat folding mechanisms) may be included within bodywork sections.
Weight Specifications:
Includes curb weight, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), front and rear axle weight ratings, and towing capacities where applicable for each model series. This data is crucial for suspension and brake servicing.
Safety Ratings:
The manual references safety system designs and components. While specific crash test ratings from external bodies like NHTSA or IIHS are not typically within a repair manual, it details the operation and repair of safety features like seat belts, airbags (for later models in the range), and ABS.
Active Safety Features:
Coverage of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Automatic Locking Differential (ASD), and Level Control systems. Detailed troubleshooting and repair procedures for these complex electronic and hydraulic systems are provided.
Passive Safety Features:
Detailed information on the inspection, adjustment, and replacement of seat belts, seat belt pretensioners (if equipped), and the structural integrity of the vehicle's body and chassis, including corrosion inspection points.
Infotainment Systems:
Covers the maintenance and repair of period-specific infotainment systems, including car radios, cassette players, antenna systems, and speaker replacements. Diagnostic procedures for basic electrical faults within these systems would be included.
Driver Assistance Technologies:
Detailed coverage of advanced driver assistance systems for the era, such as ABS, ASR, ASD, and the sophisticated Level Control systems (including ADS - Adaptive Damping System). The manual provides the technical framework for understanding, diagnosing, and repairing these electronic and hydraulic control units and their related sensors and actuators.
Connectivity Features:
Focuses on vehicle-internal electronic communication and control systems. While external connectivity like Bluetooth was not standard, the manual covers internal network diagnostics for ECUs (Engine Control Units) and ABS/ASD control units where applicable, as well as power window, central locking, and cruise control system operation and repair.
Service Intervals:
The manual provides detailed recommended service intervals for all maintenance tasks, typically based on mileage (e.g., 7,500 miles / 12,500 km) or time elapsed. This includes oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, brake checks, and fluid level inspections. Specific intervals for transmission fluid, coolant, and other critical fluids are also detailed.
Fluid Specifications:
Crucial fluid specifications are provided for engine oil (viscosity grades like 10W-40, 15W-40, depending on climate and engine type, and API service classifications), transmission fluid (e.g., MB 236.1 for older automatics, manual transmission oil GL-4/GL-5), brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4), power steering fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or MB spec), coolant (ethylene glycol based with appropriate corrosion inhibitors, often blue or green), differential fluid (e.g., GL-5), and transfer case fluid (if applicable). Specific Mercedes-Benz part numbers for fluids may be referenced.
Common Issues And Solutions:
While not a dedicated 'common problems' guide, the manual's troubleshooting sections implicitly address recurring issues. For this era of Mercedes-Benz, common concerns that the manual would help address include: oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), cooling system issues (hoses, thermostat, water pump), vacuum leaks affecting idle and performance, biodegradable wiring harness issues (though this is more prevalent in slightly later models, early signs can be addressed), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), SRS system faults (for models equipped), and hydraulic system leaks (suspension, brakes). The manual provides the procedures to diagnose and rectify these.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury. The models covered in this manual represent significant eras of automotive design and technology for the brand, from the robust W123 to the groundbreaking W140.
Model Evolution:
This manual spans a period of significant evolution for Mercedes-Benz. It covers the latter years of the R107 SL, the highly regarded W123 (sedan, wagon, coupe), the introduction of the modular W124 (E-Class), the ultra-luxury W126 (S-Class), the debut of the sleek R129 SL, the technological marvel W140 (S-Class), and the compact, sporty W201 (190E).
Production Details:
This manual covers models produced from 1981 to 1993. During this time, Mercedes-Benz continued to refine its engineering, introduce new technologies (like the electronically controlled fuel injection and early driver aids), and solidify its position as a global automotive leader. Specific production locations include Germany, with some assembly occurring in other global facilities.
Recognitions And Accolades:
While the manual itself does not receive awards, it pertains to vehicles that were consistently recognized for their engineering, safety, comfort, and build quality. The W123 was renowned for durability, the W124 for its balance of luxury and performance, the W126 for setting benchmarks in luxury sedans, and the R129 for its advanced sports car technology and safety.
