Vehicle Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Target Audience:
Discerning automotive enthusiasts, classic car collectors, and owners seeking to maintain their vehicle to factory standards.
Contemporaries:
Porsche 911 (964/993), Ferrari 348/F355, Jaguar XJS, Chevrolet Corvette (C4/C5).
Design Philosophy:
Robust engineering, advanced safety features for its time, refined luxury, and powerful performance.
Manual Utility:
Empowers owners and independent technicians with the same detailed information used by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, repair, timing, sealing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (mechanical and electronic), ignition, emissions control.
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensor testing and replacement, actuator control, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Automatic:
Hydraulic systems, valve body repair, clutch pack replacement, torque converter, electronic control unit (ECU) and solenoid diagnosis.
Transmission Manual:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, shift linkage adjustments.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), spring replacement, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack replacement, power steering pump, steering column.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS diagnosis and repair, brake pad/rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay identification, battery, charging system, starter.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate control unit.
Body And Interior:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment, convertible top system diagnosis and repair, trim piece replacement.
Convertible Top System:
Hydraulic pump, cylinders, actuators, sensors, control module, fabric/hardtop operation, troubleshooting.
Comfort Systems:
Power seats, memory seats, heated seats, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspection/replacement, battery service.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, component testing methodologies.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhaul).
Diagnostics:
Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting sensor data, and pinpointing the root cause of malfunctions.
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, idle speed adjustment, throttle body calibration, convertible top limit switch adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Specificity:
Vehicle Specific: Tailored to the R129 chassis and its specific engine and electronic configurations, not generic information.
Transmission Type All Models:
4-speed Automatic (722.4/722.5)
Transmission Type Availability:
No manual transmission option was officially offered for the R129 chassis in North America.
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled transmission with multiple shift modes (e.g., Economy, Sport).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.1, 236.3, or 236.8 (refer to manual for exact specification based on year/model)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8-9 liters (check manual for exact capacity during service).
Audio System:
Factory premium sound systems with AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional CD changer.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges, minimal digital displays for climate control and trip computer.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Seat Features:
Optional heated seats and power-adjustable seats with memory function.
Telematics:
No integrated telematics or smartphone connectivity in the modern sense.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional automatic climate control with a sophisticated HVAC system for its era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions and oil type used).
Major Service Intervals:
Scheduled maintenance checks every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, including spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, transmission fluid and filter replacement.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SH, or SJ rated synthetic or semi-synthetic oil, viscosity grade 0W-40, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact grade based on climate).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 325.5) or equivalent with appropriate corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Wiring Harness Degradation:
Age-related degradation of insulation on engine wiring harnesses, especially around heat sources.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Leaking hydraulic lines, pump failures, or malfunctioning cylinders affecting soft-top operation.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Potential for MAF sensor fouling leading to rough idle or performance issues.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators and motors.
Evaporative Emissions System:
Canister purge valve or charcoal canister issues can cause fuel system faults.
Door Lock Actuators:
Failure of central locking actuators.
