🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

380SEC

Chassis Code:

W126

Model Years Covered:

1982, 1983

Vin Code Start Year:

1982

Vin Code End Year:

1983

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Owners and independent repair shops specializing in classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles

Competitors 1980S:

BMW 6 Series, Jaguar XJ-SC, Porsche 928

Manual Benefit:

Enables significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance

Manual Accessibility:

Instant email delivery, usable on multiple devices

Manual Guarantee:

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Coverage Scope:

All models, engines, trim, and transmission types

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Manual (PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (exact count not specified, but described as comprehensive A-Z)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel injection, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust

Transmission:

Automatic transmission service and repair

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axles

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS components

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, electrical components, lighting, instruments, charging system, starting system

Body:

Bodywork, doors, windows, interior trim, climate control system

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system service and repair

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Repair:

Component repair, assembly/disassembly procedures

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault finding guides

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive (every service & repair procedure A-Z)

Guidance Style:

Step-by-step instructions with pictures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader (free download)

Printable:

Yes (individual pages or entire manual)

Physical Binding:

Not applicable (digital download)

Physical Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M116

Engine Type:

V8 SOHC

Displacement Liters:

3.8

Displacement Cubic Inches:

383

Bore X Stroke Mm:

92.0 x 71.5

Horsepower Net Hp:

155-160 @ 5000 RPM (US Spec)

Torque Net Lb Ft:

197-200 @ 2500 RPM (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (CDI)

Emission Control:

California / Federal Emission Standards (may vary)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (4G-Tronic)

Optional Transmission:

None offered for W126 SEC Coupe in these years

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific gear ratios

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB Specification 236.3 Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Texaco ETL-7045E)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4995

Width Mm:

1825

Height Mm:

1432

Wheelbase Mm:

2850

Curb Weight Kg:

1760-1800 (approx.)

Gross Weight Kg:

2210

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not typically rated under modern NHTSA standards

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Not standard on early W126 models

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag not standard in 1982-1983 models; Passenger airbag introduced later.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Crumple Zones:

Engineered crumple zones for occupant protection

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound system

Cruise Control:

Standard

Automatic Climate Control:

Optional/Standard depending on trim

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle systems

Seat Adjustment:

Power adjustable front seats with memory

Windows Locks:

Power windows, power door locks, central locking system

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)

Major Service Interval Miles:

Refer to manual for detailed service schedules (e.g., 30,000, 60,000 miles)

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/CD or SG/CD, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 (check manual for temperature dependent viscosity)

Engine Oil Capacity Liters:

7.5 (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48, typically ethylene glycol based)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, fuel lines, vacuum lines, climate control O-rings, window regulators

K Jetronic Issues:

Air flow meter problems, fuel distributor leaks, cold start valve issues

Electrical Issues:

Wire loom degradation (especially in the engine bay), faulty relays, window switch failures

Corrosion:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

Engineering excellence, durability, and luxury

W126 Introduction:

Introduced in 1979 as the successor to the W116 S-Class.

W126 Sec Introduction:

The SEC (Sonderklasse Coupe) variant was introduced in 1981.

380Sec Market Positioning:

Represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz coupe design and engineering for its era.

Production Period W126:

1979-1991

Production Period W126 Sec:

1981-1989

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Period Awards:

Consistently ranked among the best luxury cars of its era for build quality and comfort. Specific awards might be rare for individual models, but the W126 platform received acclaim.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally high, but complex systems can be costly to repair when issues arise.