🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

380 SEL

Model Generation:

W126 (Second Generation S-Class)

Model Code:

W126.034

Generation Years:

1979-1991 (W126)

Specific Model Years Covered:

1981, 1982, 1983

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience For Manual:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.

Key Competitors Era:

BMW 7 Series (E23), Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Cadillac Sedan de Ville.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides detailed, authoritative information for accurate troubleshooting and repair, crucial for maintaining the complexity and luxury of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Vehicle Key Features Era:

Advanced engineering for its time, focus on comfort, safety, and performance, sophisticated suspension and powertrain.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL models from 1981-1983.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages, typical for a full factory service manual set.

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital (PDF / WINRAR), Instant Download

Operating Systems Compatibility:

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

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment/checking, idle speed adjustment, injection timing check/adjustment, fuel filter replacement, air filter maintenance, V-belt inspection, intake/exhaust manifold seating, oxygen sensor replacement, spark plug service, cooling system, engine mounts.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission oil change and level check, automatic transmission fluid and filter change, automatic transmission fluid level check, transfer case fluid change and level check (if applicable to specific configurations), clutch system fluid level check and inspection.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Suspension and body structure inspection, self-leveling suspension inspection, level control (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC) fluid level, front axle oil level, ball joint inspection, rear axle oil change and level check, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection, brake fluid level check, brake line inspection, brake pad and disk thickness inspection, brake disk cleaning, parking brake cable adjustment, brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid level, steering play check, steering bolt retightening.

Electrical Lighting Body:

Battery fluid level check, warning/indicator lamp check, water drain cleaning, engine compartment lower panel removal/installation, door hinge/lock lubrication, hydraulic top fluid level check, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, soft top locking tab check, windshield washer fluid level check, antenna mast cleaning, headlamp/exterior lamp inspection, wiper/washer system inspection, windshield wiper blade replacement, AC refrigerant charge check, heating/ventilation dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement, folding side mirror lubrication, hood lubrication, safety belt inspection, backrest lock operation check, noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, body paint damage inspection.

Maintenance Procedures:

Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, washer), filter replacements (oil, fuel, air, dust, charcoal), belt inspections, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and assembly. Troubleshooting guides for diagnosing vehicle problems.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon vehicle faults.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Intermediate to advanced. Covers troubleshooting and diagnosis for mechanical, electrical, fuel injection, and chassis systems.

Repair Complexity:

Suitable for DIY mechanics with moderate to advanced mechanical skills and access to specialized tools. Also targets professional technicians.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Expected to include detailed technical drawings, exploded views, and schematics for complex systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Format:

PDF, WINRAR (for potential archive or additional files).

Digital Quality:

Assumed high quality for clear diagrams, text, and images, typical of factory manuals.

Digital Binding:

N/A (digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)

Engine Code Typical:

M116 (3.8L)

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3839 cc)

Horsepower Estimated:

Approx. 155-160 hp @ 4750 rpm (US Spec)

Torque Estimated:

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

Fuel Injection System:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS - Continuous Injection System)

Fuel Type Recommended:

Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating 91 or higher recommended.

Air Filtration:

Metal-reinforced air filter element (cleaning and replacement covered).

Valve Adjustment Type:

Mechanical tappets, requiring periodic adjustment.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (typically)

Optional Transmission:

Rarely, a 5-speed manual was available on some export models, but the 380 SEL was predominantly automatic in major markets.

Automatic Transmission Model:

Mercedes-Benz 4G-Tronic (722.3 series)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III / Mercon (or MB spec equivalent, e.g., MB 236.1)

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

4-door Sedan (Long Wheelbase)

Wheelbase Mm:

3080 mm (121.3 in)

Curb Weight Kg Approx:

1750-1850 kg (3858-4078 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Seat Belts:

Standard front and rear seat belts, potentially with pre-tensioners for front occupants.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag became optional or standard on later W126 models, but may not have been standard in 1981-1983 on all trims.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with energy-absorbing crumple zones front and rear.

Crash Test Data Era:

While formal NHTSA/IIHS crash test data from this era is less comprehensive than today, the W126 was renowned for its robust safety cage and structural integrity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory installed cassette player, often with premium sound options. Antenna mast maintenance is noted in the manual.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (Klima-Automatik) with HVAC flap control and filter replacement routines.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to integrated systems; no external connectivity in the modern sense.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Typical:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km). The manual will specify the exact interval.

Engine Oil Specification Typical:

SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40, API SG or higher. Check manual for exact MB specification (e.g., MB 229.1 for later specs, but consult for the era).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mercedes-Benz specifies specific coolant formulations.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific Mercedes-Benz approval).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Hydraulic fluid specific to Mercedes-Benz power steering systems (often ATF Dexron II/III compatible, but manual verification is key).

Common Issues General:

Vacuum system leaks (affecting central locking, HVAC controls), OVP relay failures (on later models, but related systems present), wiring harness degradation (due to age and material), climate control flap actuator failures, idle control valve issues, potential rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels), suspension self-leveling leaks.

Specific To 380Sel Era:

The K-Jetronic fuel system requires careful maintenance. Valve adjustment is critical for smooth operation. Early W126 models can be more sensitive to maintenance neglect.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building high-quality, durable, and technologically advanced luxury vehicles.

W126 Introduction:

The W126 S-Class was introduced in 1979 as the successor to the acclaimed W116. It represented a significant leap forward in aerodynamic design, safety, and comfort.

Production Location:

Sindelfingen, West Germany.

Production Years W126:

1979-1991

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The W126 S-Class was widely acclaimed for its technological advancements, safety features, and build quality, setting benchmarks for luxury sedans of its era.