Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz W116 450 SEL owners, enthusiasts, mechanics, and restoration specialists.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform their own servicing and repairs, saving significant labor costs ($50-$60 per hour) and providing factory-level knowledge.
Differentiation:
Distinguished as a COMPLETE, ACTUAL GENUINE FACTORY SERVICE REPAIR MANUAL, not a third-party reproduction or simplified guide.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all aspects of repair and maintenance with unparalleled detail and factory accuracy.
Usability:
Searchable PDF format allows for quick information retrieval and printing of specific pages, enhancing user experience.
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair for Mercedes-Benz W116 450 SEL
Secondary Coverage:
General maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component repair, system overviews
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Authenticity:
Genuine Factory Manuals (NOT 3rd party)
Content Type:
Repair, Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Diagrams
Digital Format:
PDF Download
Printability:
Fully printable (entire manual or selected pages)
Method:
Instant download link provided on checkout page after payment
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive engine service, repair, rebuild, and tuning procedures
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed service and repair for the transmission system
Brake System:
Complete coverage of brake system maintenance, repair, and diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system wiring diagrams
Electrical System:
In-depth coverage of the electrical system, including troubleshooting and repair
Suspension:
Service and repair of the suspension system
Steering:
Repair and maintenance of the steering system
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the cooling system
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Coverage of fuel injection and fuel system components and servicing
Emission System:
Details on emission control system maintenance and repair
Heater Air Conditioning:
Service and repair for the HVAC system
Engine Control System:
Information on engine management and control systems
Chassis Body:
Coverage of chassis and bodywork related repairs and maintenance
Restraint System:
Information pertaining to the vehicle's restraint systems
Interior:
Procedures for interior component service and repair
Differential Drive:
Service and repair of the differential and drive components
Axle:
Coverage of axle servicing and repair
All Styles Covered:
The manual covers all available styles and configurations for the W116 450 SEL within the specified model years.
General Maintenance:
Detailed general maintenance procedures and schedules
Troubleshooting:
Advanced troubleshooting guide for diagnosing and correcting problems
Periodic Lubrication:
Guidance on periodic lubrication points and fluid types
Depth:
Complete, in-depth coverage for all diagnostic and repair procedures, enabling DIY repairs and professional-level understanding.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings, and numbered instructions.
Visual Aids:
Includes all necessary illustrations, diagrams, photos, and enlarged inset views for detailed part examination.
Compatibility:
Works on all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.
Storage:
Can be saved to hard drive or burned to CD-ROM.
Resolution:
High resolution for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (Digital download, user prints as needed)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital download, user chooses paper type for printing)
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader required for viewing.
Engine Type:
V8 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
4.5 Liters (4520 cc / 275.9 cubic inches)
Horsepower Approximate:
Approximately 220-230 hp (SAE Gross) depending on year and market specifications.
Torque Approximate:
Approximately 270-280 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on year and market specifications.
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection (Continuous Injection System - CIS)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 octane recommended for optimal performance and longevity, though leaded fuel was common at the time of manufacture).
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 3HP20 or successor)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Not typically offered or extremely rare for the 450 SEL model.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent specified fluid, check manual for exact MB specification, e.g., MB 236.1).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2965 mm (116.7 inches)
Length:
Approximately 5050 mm (198.8 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1800 mm (70.9 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1420 mm (55.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1750-1850 kg (3858-4079 lbs), varies with equipment.
Crash Test Information:
Era-specific safety features; detailed modern crash test ratings are not applicable to this generation.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front discs), hydraulic power-assisted, dual-circuit system. Later models may have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as an option.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball with hydraulic power assist.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones (designed for the era).
Seat Belts:
Standard front seat belts, optional rear seat belts.
Radio System:
Original factory fitted radio, often AM/FM with cassette player. Upgrades common in later years.
Speakers:
Typically door-mounted and rear parcel shelf speakers.
ABS:
Optional on later models (e.g., post-1978), typically rear-wheel ABS initially.
Early Systems:
No integrated digital connectivity; features focused on mechanical and basic electrical systems of the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult the manual for specific intervals.
Major Service Intervals:
Significant checks and component replacements typically advised every 25,000-50,000 miles (e.g., spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter).
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for exact viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 20W-50 synthetic/mineral blend) and API service classification (e.g., SF or SG).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives. Mixture of 50/50 coolant and distilled water. Consult manual for Mercedes-specific coolant type.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III compatible fluid or MB specific power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition system components (distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires), fuel distributor diaphragm, vacuum hoses, cooling system hoses, subframe mounts, exhaust hangers, window regulators.
Typical Problem Areas:
Rust ingress (wheel wells, rocker panels, sunroof drains), electrical connector corrosion, climate control system issues, fuel system leaks (especially O-rings and seals).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and pioneering automotive safety and technology.
W116 Introduction:
The W116 chassis, introduced in 1972, was Mercedes-Benz's first 'S-Class' model, defining the pinnacle of luxury and engineering for its time.
450 Sel Positioning:
The 450 SEL featured the long-wheelbase ('L') version, offering increased rear legroom and emphasizing executive luxury.
Production Period:
1972-1980 for the W116 chassis; 450 SEL production within this span.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Historical Acclaim:
The W116 S-Class was highly acclaimed upon release for its engineering, build quality, safety, and comfort, setting a benchmark for luxury sedans.
Build Quality Perception:
Consistently rated highly for its robust construction and durable materials, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this period.
