Market Position:
Essential diagnostic, maintenance, and repair resource for owners and independent workshops of 1968 Mercedes-Benz W114 and W115 models.
Key Features:
Vehicle-specific, technician-level detail, comprehensive A-Z coverage, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications, printable format for workshop use.
Competitive Set:
Competed against other premium mid-size European sedans of the era, such as BMW Neue Klasse models, Audi 100, and Jaguar XJ6, emphasizing Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality and engineering.
Coverage Areas:
All models and all repairs A-Z for 1968 Mercedes-Benz W114 and W115
Model Variants Covered:
W114 (internally designated as V114 for saloon, F114 for estate, C114 for coupe) and W115 (internally designated as V115 for saloon, F115 for estate).
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Page Count:
Not explicitly stated, but implied to be comprehensive ('A-Z' coverage suggests a substantial number of pages).
Systems Covered:
Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Condition, Suppl Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/ Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/ Can Communication, and more
Brake System Coverage:
Detailed information on hydraulic brake systems, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers (for disc brakes), brake lines, and adjustments for the parking brake.
Suspension Steering Coverage:
Coverage of front and rear suspension components (e.g., independent front suspension with wishbones, coil springs; semi-trailing arm rear suspension), steering box, steering linkage, and alignment specifications.
Procedures Included:
Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, Repair, Step-by-step instructions, Troubleshooting, Component replacement, Adjustments, Specifications
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Technical Depth:
Factory high-detail, vehicle-specific, technician-level
Rebuild Procedures:
Includes instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds, along with component overhaul.
Print Quality:
Printable, enlargeable images and diagrams
File Organization:
Searchable PDF content, allowing for quick access to specific information.
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free online)
Engine Options:
Covers various inline-four and inline-six gasoline and diesel engines specific to the 1968 W114/W115 lineup (e.g., M115, M116 - although M116 is typically V8, likely referring to the 'small' V8 variants if applicable to early W114, and diesel OM615, OM616). Specific engine displacements and codes will be detailed within the manual.
Performance Details:
Manual will contain detailed specifications for horsepower, torque, engine speeds, and tuning for all covered engine variants.
Torque Figures:
Detailed torque specifications for engine fasteners, as well as engine torque output figures.
Fuel System Coverage:
Carburetor systems (e.g., Solex, Zenith) and fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar for gasoline, mechanical injection pumps for diesel) with detailed servicing and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Codes Covered:
Includes specifications for engines such as M115 (various displacements), OM615 (2.0L diesel), OM616 (2.2L diesel), and potentially early M116 V8 engines in W114 variants if applicable to 1968 model year.
Transmission Options:
Manuals cover both manual and automatic transmissions offered by Mercedes-Benz for the W114/W115 chassis in 1968.
Transmission Features:
Includes details on clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications, torque converter servicing, and shift linkage adjustments.
Automatic Transmission Types:
Likely covers the 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 720 series).
Manual Transmission Types
Manual Transmission Types:
Likely covers 4-speed and possibly 5-speed manual gearboxes.
Wheelbase:
Specific wheelbase dimensions for both W114 (long wheelbase) and W115 (standard wheelbase) variants are detailed in the manual.
Length:
Specific lengths for W114 and W115 sedans, coupes, and estates will be detailed.
Width:
Specific widths for W114 and W115 variants will be detailed.
Height:
Specific heights for W114 and W115 variants will be detailed.
Curb Weight:
The manual will contain curb weight specifications for various configurations of the W114 and W115 models.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
GVW specifications will be provided for payload calculations.
Seating Capacity:
Information on seating arrangement and capacity, typically 5 passengers for sedans.
Passive Safety Features:
Information on seat belt systems, interior trim materials, and structural integrity as relevant to 1968 safety standards.
Safety Ratings Context:
While formal crash test ratings as we know them today were less prevalent, the manual details safety-conscious design elements and emergency procedures.
Active Safety Features:
Information on steering geometry, suspension tuning for stability, and effective braking systems.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio or optional AM/FM stereo, manual will cover installation, removal, and troubleshooting of these systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
Features such as power steering (where equipped) and advanced braking systems (e.g., front disc brakes) will be detailed.
Electrical System Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of the entire 12-volt electrical system, including lighting, starting, charging, instrumentation, accessories, and auxiliary systems.
Wiring Schematics:
Includes comprehensive, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical systems, crucial for diagnostics and repairs.
Routine Maintenance Intervals:
Detailed schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, ignition system checks, and fluid level checks based on mileage or time.
Tune Up Specifications:
Guidance on performing complete tune-ups, including points, condenser, timing, and carburetor adjustments.
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely specifies API SE or earlier oil grades, with viscosity grades such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50 depending on ambient temperature. Specific Mercedes-Benz specifications will be listed.
Coolant Specification:
Manual will detail appropriate antifreeze mixtures and corrosion inhibitors for the cooling system.
Brake Fluid Specification:
Typically DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid for this era, specific type will be confirmed in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Specification Auto:
Likely specifies Dexron II or equivalent ATF for automatic transmissions.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Specifications for gear oil for manual transmissions will be provided.
Differential Fluid:
Correct differential oil type and capacity will be listed.
Power Steering Fluid:
Type of fluid for power steering systems will be specified.
Common Wear Items:
The manual would implicitly cover wear items such as rubber hoses, belts, suspension bushings, brake components, and exhaust systems, guiding on inspection and replacement.
Typical Repairs:
The manual covers common repair areas like fuel system cleaning, ignition system overhaul, suspension bushing replacement, and body sealing.
Ignition Timing:
Precise ignition timing specifications (in degrees Before Top Dead Center) for various engine types and fuel octanes.
Valve Lash Specifications:
Adjustments for valve clearance (lash) at cold or hot engine temperatures for OHV or OHC engines.
Spark Plug Specifications:
Recommended spark plug types (e.g., Bosch W 7 A or equivalent), gap settings.
Carburetor Adjustments:
Detailed procedures for adjusting idle speed, idle mixture, and float levels for various carburetor models.
Model Introduction Context:
The W114/W115 series, also known as the '/8' or 'Stroke 8', marked a significant evolution in Mercedes-Benz's mid-size passenger car offerings, succeeding the earlier W110 Fintail models and introducing a more modern, monocoque construction. Introduced in 1967 for the 1968 model year.
Chassis Designation Origin:
W designation refers to 'Wagen' (car), indicating its passenger car status. The 114 and 115 chassis were a unified development program with different body styles and engine options to target different market segments.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily produced in Germany, with potential assembly in other international locations.
Brand Heritage Context:
Part of Mercedes-Benz's legacy of building durable, technologically advanced, and comfortable mid-size sedans and coupes, continuing the reputation for quality and engineering.
