Segment:
Luxury Sedan / Saloon
Era:
Mid-20th Century (Post-War Luxury)
Competitors:
Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Cadillac, Jaguar, larger American sedans
Design Philosophy:
Robust construction, elegant styling, sophisticated engineering, driver comfort
Build Quality:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality and durability
Continents:
Global (Europe, North America, Asia, etc.)
Languages:
Primarily German and English (as translated)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Download Format:
Digital Download (typically PDF)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, adjustment, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, rear axle, differential service and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes/pads, drums/discs, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, starter, instrumentation
Body:
Bodywork repair, doors, windows, trim, weatherstripping, seat adjustments
Chassis:
Frame, subframe, mounting points, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems, fault finding procedures
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures
Adjustment:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes detailed diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying issues
Precision Specs:
Provides torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances for critical components
Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, overhead camshaft
Displacement 220A:
2.2 Liters (2195 cc)
Displacement 220S:
2.2 Liters (2195 cc)
Displacement 220Se:
2.2 Liters (2195 cc), later with 2.3 Liters (2306 cc) in some variants
Horsepower 220A:
Approx. 80-85 hp
Horsepower 220S:
Approx. 100-105 hp (higher compression, dual carburetors)
Horsepower 220Se:
Approx. 115-120 hp (Bosch mechanical fuel injection)
Torque:
Torque figures vary by engine variant, generally in the 150-180 Nm range.
Fuel Delivery 220A:
Single downdraft Solex carburetor
Fuel Delivery 220S:
Dual downdraft Solex carburetors
Fuel Delivery 220Se:
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection (MFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (historically leaded, later unleaded compatible)
Era Standards:
Built to 1950s/early 1960s safety standards (limited crash testing data available by modern standards)
Brakes:
Drum brakes on all four wheels, hydraulic system, dual circuit for improved safety
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering, power steering optional on some models
Body Construction:
Unitized body construction with integrated safety cage principles
Seatbelts:
Seatbelts were optional or not standard on early models
Radio:
Optional period-correct AM/FM radio
Speakers:
Typically 1-2 speakers
Power Steering:
Optional, significantly improved drivability
Brakes:
Dual-circuit hydraulic brakes for enhanced safety
Connectivity:
N/A (No modern connectivity features)
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on usage and oil quality)
Tune Up:
Annually or every 10,000 miles (includes ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, spark plugs)
Valve Adjustment:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (API SF or SG rating recommended for modern oils)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II/III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Differential Fluid:
Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90 (GL-5 rating is acceptable)
Carburetor Issues:
Diaphragm failure, clogging, tuning difficulties
Fuel Injection System:
Leaking seals, plunger wear, difficult diagnostics on early MFI systems
Rear Axle:
Whining noise, seal leaks
Electrical System:
Degraded wiring insulation, switch failures, generator/regulator issues
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings
Foundation:
Mercedes-Benz, founded by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, a pioneer in automotive history.
W180 Launch:
The W180 series, including the 220a and 220S, debuted in 1954, marking a return to larger sedan production after WWII.
W128 Introduction:
The W128 series, an evolution of the W180, was introduced in 1956, featuring minor styling updates and mechanical improvements, most notably the 220SE with fuel injection.
Production Years:
W180: 1954-1956; W128: 1956-1959
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany
Reputation:
Widely regarded as a symbol of post-war German engineering and luxury, enduring classic status.
Consumer Reports:
Period reviews often praised comfort, build quality, and smooth ride, with critiques focused on performance for the price.
Manufacturing Standards:
Adherence to strict Mercedes-Benz quality control and engineering standards of the era.
