🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W114 / W115

Year:

1972

Chassis Code W114:

W114

Chassis Code W115:

W115

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking authentic, detailed repair information for classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Advantage:

Offers vehicle-specific, factory-level detail, unlike generic repair guides, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in maintenance and repair.

Key Features List:

Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications, comprehensive A-Z coverage, digital format for ease of use and portability.

Ease Of Use:

Combines all necessary information into a single, easily navigable PDF, eliminating the need to consult multiple physical volumes.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Model Coverage:

All W114 and W115 models for 1972

Estimated Page Count:

Not specified, but described as comprehensive 'everything you will ever need'

Type:

Factory-level Service and Repair Manual

Additional Manual Types Covered:

Implied coverage for diagnostic, maintenance, and repair procedures. Could also be considered a workshop manual.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Digital Benefit:

Easy to search, bookmark, and print specific sections; avoids wear and tear of physical manuals.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage including maintenance, repair, diagnosis, and specifications.

Fuel System:

Service and repair of fuel injection (Bosch) and carbureted systems (where applicable), fuel pump, lines, and tank.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, and leak detection.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, filter, oil specifications, capacity, and lubrication points.

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, spark plugs, timing, and troubleshooting.

Charging System:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery, and charging circuit diagnostics.

Transmission Automatic:

Service, repair, adjustments, and fluid specifications for the automatic transmission.

Transmission Manual:

Service, repair, and adjustments for the manual transmission.

Drivetrain:

Propeller shaft, universal joints, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, control arms, ball joints, springs, shock absorbers, and alignment.

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arm rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, and bush replacement.

Steering:

Steering box, linkages, power steering system (if equipped), column, and wheel.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Master cylinder, brake lines, calipers/wheel cylinders, pads/shoes, fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Brakes Parking:

Parking brake mechanism, cables, and adjustments.

Wheels Tires:

Tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel specifications, and hub maintenance.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of wiring, lights, switches, gauges, and auxiliary components.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, and bulb specifications.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, and instrument cluster removal/repair.

Body Exterior:

Door mechanisms, window regulators, hood and trunk latches, exterior trim, and glass replacement.

Body Interior:

Seat adjustment and removal, upholstery, door panels, and dashboard components.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (if equipped) service, refrigerant, and blower motor.

Wiper Washer:

Wiper motor, linkage, blades, and washer system operation.

Cruise Control:

Service and diagnosis of the cruise control system.

Emission Control:

Details on emission control systems relevant to 1972 models.

Control System:

Engine control systems (ignition timing, fuel delivery), transmission control, and chassis systems.

Mechanical:

Comprehensive mechanical system coverage across engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and brakes.

Intake Exhaust Cooling:

Detailed procedures for intake manifold, exhaust system, and cooling system components.

Supplemental Restraint System:

N/A (No SRS systems in this era)

Seat Belt:

Installation, adjustment, and maintenance of seat belts.

Engine Immobilizer:

N/A (No engine immobilizer systems in this era)

Meter Audio Visual:

Instrument cluster, gauges, and any factory-installed audio systems.

Horn:

Horn circuit diagnosis and repair.

Windshield Glass Mirror:

Windshield, side glass, rear glass, and mirror replacement and adjustment.

Engine Hood Door:

Hood and door latch mechanisms, hinges, and alignment.

Multiplex Can Communication:

N/A (These communication protocols were not in use during this era).

Maintenance Procedures:

Regular maintenance tasks, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacements.

Diagnosis Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common problems and diagnostic procedures.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reassembly.

Installation:

Instructions for installing new or reconditioned parts.

Adjustments:

Specific procedures for adjusting various systems, e.g., carburetor, ignition timing, brakes.

Wiring Schematics:

Complete and detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosis and repair.

Depth:

Factory-level, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac OS.

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).

Printability:

All pages are printable, with the ability to enlarge images.

Binding Description:

Digital format (PDF) eliminates physical binding issues; print-on-demand for specific pages.

Paper Type Description:

N/A (Digital format); printed pages can be on any desired paper type.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family W115:

M115 (Inline 4-cylinder petrol) and OM615 (Inline 4-cylinder diesel)

Engine Family W114:

M114 (Inline 6-cylinder petrol) and OM617 (Inline 5-cylinder diesel, often found in later W115 models but may apply to some W114 variants)

Engine Displacement 2.3L:

2306 cc

Horsepower 230:

Approx. 118-120 hp (DIN)

Engine Displacement 2.0L:

1988 cc

Horsepower 200:

Approx. 95 hp (DIN)

Engine Displacement 2.2L Diesel:

2197 cc

Horsepower 220D:

Approx. 60 hp (DIN)

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection (230.6, 250, 250C, 250CE) or Solex/Zenith carburetors (200, 220)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Bosch inline injection pump

Oil Viscosity Recommended:

Varies by climate, typically SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 for diesel, 20W-50 or 10W-40 for petrol (consult manual for precise specs).

Oil Capacity 4 Cyl:

Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (with filter)

Oil Capacity 6 Cyl:

Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 liters (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (optional)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Hydraulic torque converter, selector positions (P, R, N, D, 2, 1).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 (check manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length W114 Sedan:

Approx. 4740 mm (186.6 in)

Length W115 Sedan:

Approx. 4710 mm (185.4 in)

Width All Models:

Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase All Models:

Approx. 2710 mm (106.7 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1350 - 1500 kg (2976 - 3307 lbs), depending on engine and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Designed to contemporary safety standards of the early 1970s. Comprehensive crash test data from this era is limited by modern standards.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on W114, optional/standard on some W115 models), independent suspension, effective steering system.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced passenger cell, safety steering column, padded dashboard, laminated windshield.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic car radio (AM/FM, optional with cassette), manual antenna operation.

Driver Assistance Features:

Primarily limited to effective braking and steering systems. Cruise control was an optional addition.

Connectivity Features:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions (consult manual).

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change; air filter and fuel filter every 15,000 - 30,000 km (9,000 - 18,000 miles) or as specified.

Tune Up Frequency:

Spark plugs, ignition timing, and carburetor/fuel injection adjustments typically every 15,000 - 30,000 km (9,000 - 18,000 miles).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended), compatible with Mercedes-Benz specifications of the era.

Brake Fluid Type:

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

Common Issues List:

Carburetor wear and tuning issues, fuel distributor problems (D-Jetronic), vacuum leak diagnosis, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), rust in common areas, potential for Mercedes-Benz specific electrical gremlins. The manual is crucial for diagnosing and addressing these.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Heritage:

Reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and build quality, established through decades of automotive innovation.

W114 W115 Lineage:

Introduced in 1968, succeeding the W108/W109 and W110/W111 'Fintail' models. Represented a significant step in Mercedes-Benz's mid-size and executive car offerings, known for their robustness and refinement. The W114 designation was for the six-cylinder models, while W115 was for the four-cylinder models. The 1972 models represent a mid-cycle update with minor styling and feature enhancements.

Production Period:

1968-1976

Manufacturing Sites:

Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), with assembly plants in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

The W114/W115 series was widely praised for its build quality, comfort, and durability, contributing significantly to Mercedes-Benz's reputation as a manufacturer of reliable, long-lasting vehicles.