Mercedes 300 CD 1981 Service Repair Manual

Regular price: $16.99
Sale price: $16.99
Regular price
Unit price: per

🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 300 CD Year: 1981 Codes Chassis Code: W123 Engine Code: OM617 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Luxury Mid-Size Diesel Sedan/Coupe Competitive Analysis...

15 people are viewing this right now

Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 378166

Tags: 1981 300 300 CD Car Cars Mercedes

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

300 CD

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

Engine Code:

OM617

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Market Segment:

Luxury Mid-Size Diesel Sedan/Coupe

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

BMW 5 Series Diesel, Audi 5000 Diesel (though less prevalent in North America), Volvo Diesel variants.

Key Features

Brand Perception:

Reputation for build quality, durability, and sophisticated engineering.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Renowned for its robust and fuel-efficient OM617 turbocharged diesel engine.

Manual Value Proposition

Value To Owner:

Enables owners to perform dealer-level maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Adjustments, Inspections

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by exact manual, but factory manuals are typically extensive, often exceeding 1000 pages for a full set.

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

OM617 Diesel Engine (including fuel injection, cooling, lubrication, exhaust)

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions (fluid changes, level checks, adjustments)

Suspension:

Front and Rear Axles, Suspension Components, Level Control (ADS), Self-Leveling Suspension

Brakes:

Hydraulic Brake System (fluid, lines, pads, discs, parking brake), ABS (if equipped)

Steering:

Power Steering System (fluid, play, adjustments)

Electrical:

Starting and Charging System, Lighting, Warning Lamps, Sensors, Fuses, Relays

Bodywork:

Body Structure Inspection, Water Leakage, Corrosion, Door Hinges, Hood, Sunroof, Soft Top, Wiper/Washer System, Doors, Locks, Windshield

HVAC:

Heating and Ventilation System, Coolant, AC Refrigerant Charge, Filters (Dust, Charcoal, Recirculating Air)

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Regular Scheduled Maintenance, Oil and Filter Changes, Fluid Replenishments, Belt Tensioning, Filter Replacements, Lubrication

Engine Repair:

Valve Clearance Adjustment, Injection Timing Adjustment, Fuel Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement (if applicable to diesel variant), Manifold Seating Checks

Transmission Repair:

Fluid and Filter Changes, Oil Level Checks and Corrections for Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Clutch System Checks

Suspension Steering Repair:

Ball Joint Inspection, Axle Oil Level Checks, Steering Play Adjustment, Wheel Bolt Tightening, Drive Shaft Coupling Inspection

Brake Repair:

Brake Fluid Replacement, Parking Brake Adjustment, Brake Pad and Disc Inspection, Brake Line Inspection

Electrical Diagnostics:

Warning Lamp Checks, Battery Fluid Level Checks, Headlamp and Exterior Lamp Inspection

Body And Trim:

Lower Panel Removal/Installation, Lubrication of Hinges and Locks, Sunroof Rail Cleaning, Soft Top Inspection

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to component overhaul and diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes guidance for troubleshooting common issues and diagnostic checks for various systems.

Specifications:

Provides detailed technical specifications, tolerances, and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Print Quality

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Authenticity

Source:

Factory Original (stated as 'real files not scans')

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline 5-cylinder Diesel

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2999 cc)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated (for the 300 CD designation, though a turbocharged version, OM617.95x, was common in the US market for similar models like the 300D and 300TD)

Performance

Horsepower:

Approximately 77-83 hp (for naturally aspirated variants, turbocharged versions produced more)

Torque:

Approximately 134-145 lb-ft (for naturally aspirated variants, turbocharged versions produced more)

Fuel System

Injection System:

Bosch Inline Fuel Injection Pump with Mechanical Governor

Fuel Type:

Diesel Fuel

Cooling System

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (Mercedes-Benz recommends specific types, consult manual for part numbers like MB 325.0 or equivalent)

Lubrication System

Oil Type:

API CD or CE rated diesel engine oil. Viscosity typically SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for specific MB specifications.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 liters (8 US quarts) with filter change.

Air Intake

Air Filter Type:

Paper element filter, potentially a metal-reinforced cleaning type.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

4-Speed Manual Transmission (common)

Optional

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (common)

Features

Manual Fluid Type:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), typically GL-4 rated. Consult manual for specific MB specification (e.g., MB 235.0).

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF. Consult manual for specific MB specification (e.g., MB 236.6).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch for manual transmission.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Body Styles:

Coupe (C123)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Testing:

NHTSA ratings for this era are generally not comparable to modern standards. Emphasis was on structural integrity and passive safety features.

Active Features

Brake Assist:

Not present in the modern sense; emphasis on robust hydraulic braking.

Passive Features

Airbags:

Not standard on this model year.

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts, with options for rear seatbelts. Three-point inertial reel belts were becoming more common.

Structure:

Reinforced body structure, crumple zones designed for the era.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Typically an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Some may have upgraded aftermarket systems.

Driver Assistance

Optional on some W123 models, but not universally standard. If equipped, the manual will cover its operation and servicing.

Connectivity

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for precise recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-25,000 miles), or as needed based on operating conditions.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-25,000 miles).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as specified by coolant type.

Fluid Specifications

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Consult manual for specific Mercedes-Benz specification (e.g., MB 331.0).

Power Steering Fluid:

Hydraulic fluid, often MB specific. Consult manual for specification (e.g., MB 236.3).

Known Issues

Diesel Engine:

Glow plug issues, injector pump wear, vacuum leaks, potential for head gasket issues if overheated. OM617 is generally very robust.

Body:

Rust can be an issue, particularly in wheel arches, rocker panels, and around windows.

Suspension:

Wear in ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends is common with age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Heritage Focus:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing durable and engineering-forward vehicles, particularly in the diesel segment.

Model Evolution

W123 Lineage:

The W123 chassis was a highly successful series for Mercedes-Benz, known for its exceptional build quality and longevity. The 300 CD was the coupe variant powered by the diesel engine.

Production

Production Period:

W123 chassis produced from 1976 to 1985. The 300 CD model specifically was produced from 1977 to 1985.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Design Awards:

While specific design awards for the 300 CD coupe might not be prominently advertised, the W123 series was widely praised for its elegant and timeless design.

Ratings

Reliability Rankings:

The W123 chassis, particularly with the OM617 engine, is consistently ranked as one of the most reliable and durable vehicles ever produced by automotive publications and enthusiast groups.