🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

114/115 Series (Stroke-8)

Model Designation:

"Stroke-8"

Production Years Covered:

1968-1976

Chassis Codes:

W114, W115

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mercedes-Benz 114/115 Series represented Mercedes-Benz's mid-size luxury car offering, positioned as a more accessible yet still premium alternative to the larger S-Class models. It was a significant volume seller for the brand, known for its robust engineering and build quality.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other European premium sedans of its era, such as BMW's Neue Klasse (1500-2000 series) and later the E9 series, and executive cars from brands like Volvo and Audi. Its strengths lay in its comfortable ride, build quality, and advanced features for its time.

Key Features:

Introduced monocoque construction, independent front suspension with ball joints, and advanced four-wheel disc brakes (on many models). Offered a range of reliable four-cylinder (Diesel and gasoline) and six-cylinder gasoline engines. Known for its distinctive "Stroke-8" nickname derived from its introduction year (1968).

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on comfort, durability, safety, and a refined driving experience, setting a high standard for mid-size European sedans.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Page Count:

Extensive (specific page count not provided in product info, typical for full workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service / Repair Manual

Manual Origin:

Workshop Service Manual (often based on factory or authorized service information)

Language:

English (presumed, as it's a sales listing for a common market)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drive shaft, rear axle, suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (including hydraulic and pneumatic systems for some variants), electrical system (including wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, starting and charging systems), body (interior & exterior, doors, windows, upholstery, climate control), chassis components, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics.

Procedures Included:

Detailed repair procedures, removal and installation of components, adjustments, overhaul instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, troubleshooting guides, lubrication and maintenance procedures, specifications for torque values, clearances, and fluid levels.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, fuel system issues, and mechanical problems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes diagnostic information for common faults and detailed exploded views for component identification and assembly.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes troubleshooting trees and diagnostic tables for identifying root causes of common malfunctions based on symptoms.

Engine Coverage Details:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, piston ring and bearing replacement, cylinder head service, valve train adjustments, timing chain/belt replacement, lubrication system overhaul, and cooling system components.

Transmission Coverage Details:

Includes manual transmission clutch operation, removal/installation, synchro ring inspection, and automatic transmission hydraulic circuit diagnosis, valve body service, clutch pack replacement, and torque converter overhaul.

Electrical Coverage Details:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing procedures for starter, alternator, ignition coil, fuel pump, lighting system troubleshooting, fuse box layout and function, instrumentation cluster diagnosis.

Bodywork Coverage Details:

Procedures for door panel removal, window regulator service, seat removal and repair, dashboard disassembly, trim component replacement, minor body panel alignment, and adjustment of hinges and latches.

Suspension Steering Coverage Details:

Ball joint replacement, control arm bushing inspection and replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering gearbox adjustment and repair, power steering pump service, tie rod end replacement.

Brake Coverage Details:

Front and rear brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder rebuilding, brake line inspection and replacement, master cylinder service, brake fluid flushing and bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment.

Chassis Coverage Details:

Detailed information on subframe mounting, body mounts, chassis lubrication points, and alignment specifications.

Air Conditioning Coverage Details:

Includes information on refrigerant types (e.g., R12), system operation, compressor service, and leak detection procedures for factory-equipped A/C systems.

Ignition System Coverage Details:

Covers distributor, ignition points, condenser, coil, spark plug specifications, timing adjustment procedures, and troubleshooting ignition misfires.

Fuel System Coverage Details:

Carburetor rebuild kits and adjustments, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel line inspection for leaks and blockages. For diesel, injection pump timing and troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF document for quick access to specific topics.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. (Assumed based on "similar to factory shop manual")

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Operating Systems:

Windows, Mac (stated in product description)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Options:

Inline 4-cylinder gasoline (M115), Inline 6-cylinder gasoline (M114), Inline 4-cylinder Diesel (OM615), Inline 5-cylinder Diesel (OM617 - later models).

Engine Omenclature Notes:

M-prefix for gasoline engines (Motor), OM-prefix for Diesel engines (Oelmotor).

Engine Displacement Range:

1.8L to 2.8L (Gasoline); 2.0L to 3.0L (Diesel)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 70 HP (Diesel) to 180 HP (2.8L Gasoline)

Fuel System Types:

Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Zenith) for gasoline engines, Bosch inline injection pumps for diesel engines.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission (floor-mounted shifter)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., "Flexomatic", "Hydrak")

Transmission Features:

Robust and durable designs, with automatic transmissions offering smooth shifts typical of Mercedes-Benz engineering.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan (W114/W115), 4-door Long Wheelbase Sedan (V115), 2-door Coupe (C114).

Wheelbase Options:

Standard (approx. 2710 mm), Long (V115 - approx. 3040 mm)

Length Range:

Approximately 4600 mm to 4900 mm (depending on body style and bumper variations).

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1300 kg to 1600 kg, depending on engine and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Modern safety standards of the era, including crumple zones, padded dashboard, safety glass, and collapsible steering column. Specific NCAP ratings not applicable to this vintage.

Active Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on many models), power steering (optional/standard depending on variant), anti-roll bars.

Passive Features:

Seat belts (often optional in early production years, but standard later), reinforced passenger cell, padded interior surfaces, impact-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional stereo systems. Primarily analog controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Power steering (optional/standard), automatic climate control (optional on higher trims).

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards; basic features like 12V accessory outlet.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for exact intervals.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustments, and carburetor/fuel system checks typically recommended every 20,000 - 40,000 km (12,000 - 24,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SF/CD or SG/CD rated oils, viscosity dependent on climate (e.g., SAE 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-50). Refer to manual for precise grade.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Approved brands and types specified in manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific part numbers/approvals).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).

Gearbox Oil Specification Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, viscosity SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for exact specification and MB approval).

Rear Axle Fluid Specification:

Hypoid gear oil API GL-5, viscosity SAE 80W-90 (check manual for exact specification and MB approval).

Common Issues Addressable By Manual:

Carburetor adjustments, ignition system faults (points, condenser, coil), fuel delivery issues, cooling system leaks (hose degradation, radiator issues), wear in suspension bushings and ball joints, worn clutch components, automatic transmission shifting problems, vacuum hose deterioration, rust and corrosion (especially in common areas like wheel arches, door bottoms).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury. The 114/115 series built upon this legacy, showcasing innovative automotive design and robust build quality.

Model Evolution:

The 114 chassis was initially introduced with 6-cylinder engines, while the 115 chassis featured 4-cylinder engines. Over time, the distinction blurred, and both chassis codes were used across engine variants. Major facelifts occurred, improving aesthetics and minor mechanical updates.

Body Style Introduction:

Sedan introduced in 1968, Coupe followed later.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany, with some production also occurring in other international facilities.

Production Volume:

Over 1.9 million units produced across all variants, making it a highly successful model for Mercedes-Benz.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Widely recognized for its reliability, comfort, and enduring build quality. Often cited as a benchmark in the mid-size luxury segment of its time.