🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

380 SE

Chassis Code:

W126

Engine Code Group:

M116

Engine Variant Code:

116.96x (specific variant varies)

Transmission Code Group:

722.3 (automatic)

Generation Name:

First Generation W126

Generation Years:

1979-1991

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz 380 SE was positioned as a luxurious and technologically advanced executive sedan in the mid-1980s.

Competitors:

Competed with other premium luxury sedans of its era such as the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, and Cadillac Eldorado.

Features:

Renowned for its robust build quality, comfortable ride, advanced (for its time) engineering, and sophisticated styling.

Value:

This manual is crucial for owners and independent mechanics seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 380 SE, offering significant cost savings over dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1984, 1985

Specific Models Covered:

Mercedes-Benz 380 SE

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific manual within the collection, typically 500+ pages per year.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF / WINRAR

Operating Systems:

Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8/Linux/MAC, iOS, Android

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, assembly, valve clearance adjustment, injection timing adjustment, engine mounts.

Fuel System:

Fuel filter replacement, prefilter replacement, K-Jetronic (or similar) system checks and adjustments, fuel pump checks.

Cooling System:

Coolant level and antifreeze checks, cooling and heating system inspection, coolant replacement.

Lubrication System:

Engine oil and filter change.

Ignition System:

Spark plug checks and replacement, ignition system component inspection (implied).

Exhaust System:

Oxygen sensor replacement, exhaust manifold and system connection retightening.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission oil change, fluid level check and correction.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, fluid level check and correction.

Transfer Case:

Transfer case fluid change, fluid level check and correction (if applicable to specific drivetrain configuration).

Clutch System:

Clutch disk wear inspection, clutch fluid level check and correction, clutch system inspection.

Suspension Front:

Front axle oil level check, ball joint inspection (with special tool), suspension and body structure inspection.

Suspension Rear:

Rear axle oil change, rear axle oil level check and correction, rear axle mount limiting stop adjustment, self-leveling suspension inspection.

Steering System:

Power steering fluid level check, steering play checks, steering bolt retightening.

Brakes:

Brake fluid level check, brake line inspection, brake pad and disk thickness inspection, brake disk cleaning, parking brake cable adjustment, brake fluid replacement, parking brake test.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening.

Electrical System:

Battery fluid level check, warning and indicator lamp checks.

Body And Chassis:

Suspension and body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, engine compartment lower panel removal/installation, door hinge/lock lubrication, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, soft top locking tab check, hood lubrication, paint damage inspection.

Climate Control:

AC refrigerant charge check, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement.

Wiper And Washer:

Windshield wiper blade replacement, windshield washer fluid level check.

Lighting:

Headlamp and exterior lamp inspection.

Safety Features:

Safety belt inspection, backrest lock operation check.

Advanced Systems:

Level control, ADS (Automatic Damping System), ASD (Automatic Slip Differential), 4MATIC (All-Wheel Drive) fluid level checks (where applicable).

Maintenance:

Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt checks, spark plug replacement, lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for identifying vehicle problems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for various components and systems.

Disassembly Assembly:

Instructions for taking apart and reassembling components.

Inspection:

Visual and functional inspection procedures for various vehicle parts.

Adjustment:

Adjustment procedures for engine timing, idle speed, parking brake, etc.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to major component overhauls and rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF files for easy viewing and printing; WINRAR for compressed delivery.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital source documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital files do not have physical binding).

Digital Paper Equivalent:

N/A (Digital files are not printed on paper).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3835 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 80.25 mm

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.3:1 or 8.8:1 (depending on variant and market)

Horsepower:

Approximately 155-160 hp @ 4750 rpm (US Spec)

Torque:

Approximately 195-205 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS - Continuous Injection System) Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified in manual)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition System

Oxygen Sensor:

Equipped with an oxygen sensor for emissions control.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3 series)

Type:

No manual transmission option available for the 380 SE model.

Torque Converter:

Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.

Transmission Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.14 (or equivalent like Dexron III/Mercon for older specs, refer to manual for precise OEM spec)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 8-10 liters for a complete drain and fill, refer to manual for exact capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

115.9 inches (2946 mm)

Length:

197.1 inches (5006 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

56.0 inches (1422 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3700-3900 lbs (1678-1769 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard or manual

Towing Capacity:

Not typically specified or recommended for this luxury sedan.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Specific crash test data from the period may be limited; however, Mercedes-Benz was known for engineering robust safety structures.

Traction Control:

Optional ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) available on some models, which aids in traction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option, becoming standard on later W126 models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag was optional in the early years of the W126, becoming more common by the mid-80s.

Seatbelts:

Occupant restraint systems, including front seatbelt pretensioners on some models.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player. Speaker systems varied by trim. Cassette deck tone head cleaning is mentioned in the manual.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (Thermotronic) available as an option on higher trims, offering advanced temperature regulation.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Antennas were manual or power-operated. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

Level Control:

Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension was a key feature, maintaining ride height regardless of load. Manual includes inspection procedures.

Damping System:

ADS (Automatic Damping System) was an option, allowing for electronically controlled suspension damping.

AWD:

4MATIC all-wheel drive system was introduced later in the W126 generation, but not typically found on the 1984-1985 380 SE models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years, particularly for automatic transmissions. Refer to manual for precise interval.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions and inspection.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Typically every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH service category, viscosity grade typically 10W-30 or 15W-40, check manual for exact specification.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based coolant with appropriate antifreeze protection level, Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (or compatible). Color typically green.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, refer to manual for precise specification.

Power Steering Fluid:

Power steering fluid, consult manual for specific Mercedes-Benz specification.

Common Problems:

Potential issues include aging rubber hoses and seals (leading to vacuum leaks or fluid leaks), K-Jetronic fuel system complexities, differential leaks, wear on suspension components, and electrical gremlins common in older vehicles. Climate control systems can also require attention.

Maintenance Focus:

Regular fluid changes, belt inspections, and attention to the fuel injection system are critical for maintaining the reliability of the 380 SE.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability, dating back to the early 20th century.

W126 Development:

The W126 S-Class replaced the W116 and introduced significant advancements in aerodynamics, safety, and comfort, setting new industry standards.

380 Se Placement:

The 380 SE was a popular model in the W126 lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury.

Production Period:

The W126 S-Class was produced from 1979 to 1991. The 380 SE specifically was produced during the earlier part of this generation, with its successor being the 420 SE.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The W126 S-Class generation consistently received praise from automotive journalists and was considered a benchmark for luxury and engineering in its time.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though specific components may require attention due to age.

Engineering Standards:

Adhered to rigorous Mercedes-Benz engineering and quality standards of the era.