Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking refined styling, comfortable cruising, and Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series (E24), Jaguar XJ-S, Cadillac Eldorado, Rolls-Royce Corniche.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, pillarless coupe design emphasizing aerodynamic lines and premium comfort.
Engineering Focus:
Robust mechanicals, advanced (for its time) fuel injection, and sophisticated chassis dynamics.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed knowledge to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, preserving its value and performance.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (including injection).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection control unit (ECU), sensors, warning lamps.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission overhaul, fluid changes, diagnostics, clutches.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, flexible couplings, rear axle, front axle (if applicable for specific sub-models, though SEC is typically RWD).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, steering system, power steering, level control systems (e.g., ADS).
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, brake pads, brake discs, brake lines, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Body Chassis:
Body structure inspection, water leakage, corrosion, door hinges, locks, hood, sunroof, convertible top mechanisms (for SEC, it's a pillarless hardtop), exterior panels, noise encapsulation.
HVAC:
Heating and ventilation system, air conditioning system, refrigerant charge, filters (dust, charcoal, recirculating air).
Electrical Body:
Lighting (headlamps, exterior lamps), windshield wipers and washers, antennas, battery, warning and indicator lamps.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and corrections, filter replacements, belt inspections and adjustments, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, valve clearance adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of vehicle problems, inspection of components, lines, and hoses, identifying causes of issues.
Repair Rebuild:
Disassembly, inspection of parts for reuse, rebuilding of components (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension), assembly procedures.
Adjustment:
Idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment, valve clearance adjustment, parking brake adjustment, steering bolt tightening, rear axle mount limiting stop adjustment.
Lubrication:
Throttle linkage lubrication, door hinge lubrication, door lock lubrication, sunroof rail lubrication, folding side mirror lubrication.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, component overhaul, and troubleshooting.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Approximately every 5,000 - 7,500 miles, or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles, or as per manual guidance.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Typically around 30,000 miles, depending on type.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
e.g., 15W-40 or 20W-50, depending on climate. Refer to manual for specific MB approval numbers.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Fuel System Aging:
Degradation of rubber fuel lines, injector seals, and fuel distributor components due to age and fuel composition.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to steering looseness and ride quality degradation.
Electrical Corrosion:
Corrosion in connectors and wiring harnesses, especially in areas exposed to moisture.
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade, leading to increased vibration.
