Market Position:
The Mercedes-Benz 560SEL (W126) represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering in the late 1980s and early 1990s, targeting affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, sophisticated, and reliable grand tourer. This manual directly supports the maintenance and repair of these prestigious vehicles.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other flagship luxury sedans of the era, such as the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, and Cadillac Fleetwood. The 560SEL was renowned for its build quality, technological advancements, and smooth V8 power delivery.
Key Features:
Exceptional build quality, refined ride comfort, powerful V8 engine, advanced safety features for its time, and luxurious interior appointments.
Interior Appointments:
High-quality leather upholstery, wood trim accents, power-adjustable seats with memory, automatic climate control, power sunroof, power windows, and ample rear legroom contributing to its 'S-Class' designation (Sonderklasse - Special Class).
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Bodywork, Interior Trim, Climate Control, Seats, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting
Page Count:
Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive as per dealer technician usage)
Manual Type:
Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
HTML/Flash menu with PDF embedded files
Systems Covered:
All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems of the Mercedes-Benz 560SEL W126
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component repair, component replacement, assembly, disassembly, system adjustments, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), torque specifications
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete drivetrain and engine rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Specific Electrical Systems:
Engine control, ignition, lighting, power windows, central locking, SRS airbag system, instrument cluster, climate control, radio, antenna systems.
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod removal/installation, crankshaft installation, timing chain and sprocket replacement, valve adjustment (if applicable to M117 variant).
Transmission Repair Procedures:
Overhaul procedures for the 4G-TRONIC transmission, including torque converter replacement, clutch pack replacement, valve body service, and seal replacement.
Diagnostic Tools Required:
While primarily mechanical, the manual details procedures for accessing and interpreting diagnostic data from the engine control unit (ECU) using specialized Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools of the era (e.g., Star Diagnosis system if applicable to later W126 models, or basic multimeter testing for earlier systems).
File Format:
HTML with Flash Menu and embedded PDF documents, compatible with Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/Win7), Linux, and MAC operating systems.
Searchability:
PDF format within the digital package allows for text searching of specific terms, greatly enhancing diagnostic efficiency.
Print Quality:
High quality, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Displacement:
5.6 Liters (5549 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
94.5 mm x 98.5 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 238 hp @ 4750 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
Approx. 317 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E with Lambda control)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch DME (Digital Motor Electronics) for ignition timing, integrated with CIS-E for fuel management.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change (Refer to manual for exact capacity).
Valve Train:
Overhead Camshaft (OHC) per bank, two valves per cylinder.
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control for shift points and line pressure.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.8 or Dexron III/Mercon (Refer to manual for exact specification for the period)
Transmission Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios vary by model year and final drive, but typically designed for smooth acceleration and highway cruising. (Detailed ratios available in manual)
Length:
Approx. 199.9 inches (5078 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 117.9 inches (3000 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specification, but generally around 4800-5000 lbs (2177-2268 kg) (Refer to manual for exact GVWR).
Interior Volume:
Spacious cabin, particularly for rear passengers due to the long wheelbase.
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power-assisted steering, advanced suspension for stability.
Crash Test Ratings:
While formal crash test ratings like NHTSA's star system were not as prevalent or standardized in the 1980s as they are today, the W126 was engineered with advanced safety structures for its time, exceeding many contemporary standards.
Infotainment System:
Premium analog sound system, often with cassette player. Optional CD changer. Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control (Thermotronic).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Automatic Climate Control (Thermotronic), ABS.
Connectivity:
Limited by era standards; primarily focused on vehicle systems and audio.
Lighting Features:
Halogen headlights, front and rear fog lights, interior courtesy lighting.
Chassis Control Systems:
Hydropneumatic self-leveling rear suspension (optional on some models, standard on SEL), hydraulic power steering.
Airbag System:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including dual front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners, a significant safety advancement for the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (Refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Major Service Intervals:
Major services involving coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid changes, and spark plug replacements occur at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000, 60,000 miles), as detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate), specifically MB 229.1 or equivalent (Consult manual for precise specification and viscosity for the specific model year).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 236.3 (Dexron II or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 Liters) (Refer to manual for exact capacity).
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks, valve stem seals, vacuum hose deterioration, SRS system faults, climate control panel issues, ABS sensor failures, fuel distributor leaks (CIS-E system), window regulator failures, door lock actuator problems, sagging headliner.
Cooling System Concerns:
Radiator leaks, heater control valve failures, thermostat issues, water pump leaks, and degradation of coolant hoses over time due to heat and age.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter W110/1 or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact part number)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C33109/2 or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact part number)
Spark Plug Type Example:
Bosch W8AC or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification and gap)
Troubleshooting Methodology:
The manual provides systematic troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for electronic systems, and detailed diagnostic procedures for mechanical components.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, safety, and luxury since its inception.
Model Evolution:
The W126 S-Class chassis, introduced in 1979, was a significant advancement for Mercedes-Benz. The 560SEL, with its larger V8 engine, represented the top-tier long-wheelbase luxury sedan within this generation, emphasizing performance and interior space.
Key Updates During Production:
Minor updates included refinements to the engine management, interior appointments, and safety features throughout its production run. The 560SEL emerged as the flagship performance model.
Production Years:
W126 series produced from 1979 to 1992. The 560SEL variant was primarily produced from 1985/1986 to 1991.
