🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

280 CE

Year:

1981

Chassis Code:

W123 Coupe

Generation:

First Generation (W123)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mercedes-Benz 280 CE of 1981 represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering in the mid-size coupe segment, targeting discerning buyers who valued performance, comfort, and build quality. It competed with other premium European coupes.

Competitive Analysis:

The W123 coupe, particularly the 280 CE, was a strong competitor against models like the BMW 6 Series (E24) and the Audi Coupe. Its strengths lay in its robust construction, refined ride, and the sophisticated K-Jetronic fuel injection system.

Key Features:

Elegant coupe styling derived from the W123 sedan, comfortable and luxurious interior, powerful inline-six engine, sophisticated fuel injection, and the renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality and durability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive service and repair for Mercedes-Benz 280 CE (W123) 1981 model year.

Page Count:

Not specified, but described as a complete factory service and repair manual.

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (assumed, based on product description and typical market)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (M110), Fuel System (Bosch K-Jetronic), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Intake and Exhaust Systems, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Drive Shaft, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Suspension (including Level Control), Steering System, Brake System (including parking brake), Electrical System, Body and Chassis, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Convertible Top/Sunroof Operation (if applicable to specific trims), Lighting, Wiper and Washer Systems.

Procedures Included:

Inspection of components, lines, hoses, suspension, body structure, water leakage, corrosion. Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment, idle speed check/adjustment, injection timing adjustment, fuel filter replacement, air filter service, V-belt tensioning, manifold seating inspection, oxygen sensor replacement, spark plug service, coolant level/protection checks, cooling system maintenance, engine mount adjustment. Transmission oil changes and level checks (manual and automatic), clutch system inspection/correction, throttle linkage lubrication, steering system checks, axle oil level checks, ball joint inspection, wheel/tire inspection, drive shaft coupling inspection, brake fluid checks/replacement, brake pad/disc inspection, parking brake adjustment, power steering fluid check, steering play check, battery fluid check, warning lamp checks, drain cleaning, hinge/lock lubrication, hydraulic top fluid check, sunroof rail maintenance, soft top tab checks, windshield washer fluid check, antenna mast cleaning, lamp inspection, wiper/washer inspection, AC refrigerant charge check, HVAC filter replacement, mirror/hood lubrication, seatbelt inspection, noise encapsulation removal/installation, body paint damage inspection.

Technical Depth:

Complete factory-level service and repair. Covers detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, adjustments, specifications, torque values, and troubleshooting guidance, equivalent to what a Mercedes-Benz dealer technician would utilize.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High quality, 'real files not scans', implying clarity and legibility.

Binding Type:

Digital Download (Printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format allows user selection of print paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC

Engine Code:

M110.984 (for 1981 280 CE US-spec likely)

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2746 cc)

Horsepower Net:

Approximately 145 PS (143 hp) at 5000 RPM (US-spec may vary slightly due to emissions controls).

Torque Net:

Approximately 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) at 4000 RPM (US-spec may vary).

Fuel System:

Bosch CIS (Continuous Injection System) K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Fuel Pump Type:

Mechanical plunger pump driven by the engine.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

Optional 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4G-Tronic)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch (for manual transmission).

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.3 (for manual), MB 236.8 or equivalent Dexron II/III (for automatic, consult specific model year spec for absolute certainty).

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

2-door Coupe

Wheelbase:

2710 mm (106.7 inches)

Length:

4725 mm (186.0 inches)

Width:

1720 mm (67.7 inches)

Height:

1380 mm (54.3 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1500-1600 kg (3300-3527 lbs), depending on options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Era:

Reflective of 1980s safety standards. Features would typically include reinforced body structure, padded interior surfaces, and safety belts.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes, power-assisted steering, independent front and rear suspension for stable handling.

Passive Safety:

Energy-absorbing steering column, laminated windshield, reinforced A and B pillars, deep-dish dashboard, front and rear crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic for its era. Likely featured an analog radio (AM/FM), possibly with a cassette player. Speakers would be integrated into door panels and rear parcel shelf.

Driver Assistance:

Limited by modern standards. Features included power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Some models may have had optional cruise control.

Connectivity:

None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for exact specifications for the 1981 model.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Manual transmission: Check periodically, change every 40,000-60,000 miles. Automatic transmission: Check fluid level frequently, change fluid and filter every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Coolant Change Interval:

Typically every 2 years or 40,000 miles, depending on the coolant type used.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 15W-40 or SAE 20W-50 is commonly recommended for this era and engine. Check manual for specific MB approval (e.g., MB 227.1).

Coolant Specifications:

Glysantin G05 (or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant), mixed 50/50 with distilled water for optimal protection.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (high-quality synthetic). Ensure it meets MB specifications.

Known Issues:

Common issues can include fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum hose deterioration, rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, under battery tray), cooling system component wear (radiator, hoses), and potential wear on suspension bushings and ball joints. Electrical connectors can also degrade over time.

Common Maintenance Items:

Regularly checking and replacing vacuum hoses, fuel lines, and inspecting the fuel distributor for leaks are crucial for the K-Jetronic system's longevity. Maintaining the cooling system and proactively addressing rust are also vital.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building robust, durable, and technologically advanced vehicles, particularly in the luxury segment. This heritage is evident in the engineering and build quality of the W123 chassis.

Model Evolution:

The W123 Coupe (C123) was introduced in 1977 as a more stylish and luxurious variant of the highly successful W123 sedan and wagon. The 280 CE, with its larger inline-six engine, was the performance-oriented flagship of the coupe line.

Production Years:

1977-1985 (for W123 Coupe range)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primary)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1981 280 CE may not be widely documented, the W123 platform as a whole was highly regarded for its durability and reliability, often earning praise in automotive publications of its time and consistently ranking high in dependability studies by organizations like J.D. Power in later years.