Market Segment:
Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking comfort, safety, and engineering excellence
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Eldorado/Seville, Lincoln Continental
Vehicle Highlights:
Robust construction, advanced safety features for its era (crumple zones), powerful inline-6 engine, sophisticated ride quality
Diy Advantage:
Empowers DIY enthusiasts to perform a wide range of maintenance and repairs, saving on dealer labor costs
Dealer Equivalence:
Provides the same technical information used by factory-trained technicians
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tune-up, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission overhaul, maintenance, troubleshooting (e.g., 4-speed automatic)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, master cylinder, power assist, parking brake, troubleshooting
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, bushings, steering linkage
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, gauges, ignition switch, accessories, troubleshooting
Bodywork:
Exterior trim, interior trim, seats, door mechanisms, windows, glass, body panel repair, rust prevention
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (if equipped), heating system, ventilation
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, pipes, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, ignition timing adjustments, idle speed adjustments, carburetor adjustments (if applicable, though W116 typically had FI)
Installation:
Component installation, accessory installation
Torquing:
Specifications for critical fastener torques
Depth:
Factory-level detail for all mechanical, electrical, and body systems
Diagnostic Tools:
May reference specialized Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools and procedures of the era
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds (engine, transmission)
Engine Type:
Inline-6, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Engine Code:
M110.985 (typical for 280SE W116)
Displacement:
2746 cc (2.75 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approx. 182-185 hp (DIN) at 5800 rpm (depending on market and emissions standards)
Torque:
Approx. 170-177 lb-ft (230-240 Nm) at 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Continuous Injection System (CIS) K-Jetronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (RON 91 or higher)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixture (e.g., MB 325.0 or equivalent)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor with Hall sensor and ignition coil)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 4G-Tronic)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Manual (less common)
Automatic Features:
Torque converter, hydraulic control, possibly lock-up torque converter in later models
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon (or equivalent MB specification like MB 236.1)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts) for a full refill (check specific model year)
Length:
Approx. 4950 mm (194.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2850 mm (112.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1550-1650 kg (3417-3638 lbs) depending on equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2100 kg (4630 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 500 Liters (17.7 cu ft)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific recommendation)
Transmission Service Interval:
Fluid and filter change every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles) or as specified by the manual
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific MB specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific MB specification)
Common Wear Items:
Bushings (suspension, subframe), fuel lines, vacuum hoses, window regulators, climate control vacuum actuators, distributor O-ring
Engine Specific Issues:
K-Jetronic system component wear (e.g., air flow meter, fuel distributor), timing chain stretch over high mileage
Electrical Issues:
Aging wiring insulation, faulty relays, instrument cluster illumination, door lock actuators
Body Issues:
Rust in wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, trunk floor, and around windows
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz established a reputation for luxury, engineering, and durability throughout the 20th century.
W116 Introduction:
The W116 chassis, introduced in 1972, was Mercedes-Benz's first dedicated S-Class model, representing a significant evolution in luxury car design and engineering.
280Se Positioning:
The 280SE was typically positioned as the entry-level model within the W116 range, offering a balance of performance and refinement.
Production Years:
1972-1980 (W116 chassis), 280SE model covered 1977-1980 within this range.
Manufacturing Location:
Various Mercedes-Benz plants, primarily in Germany.
