Era Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 series represented Mercedes-Benz's entry into a more compact executive sedan market, balancing luxury, engineering quality, and a more accessible price point compared to larger S-Class models.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like BMW 3.0 CS, Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Jaguar XJ6 (though larger), and high-end offerings from American manufacturers depending on market.
Engineering Focus:
Robust engineering, advanced (for the time) suspension, comfortable ride, build quality.
Target Audience:
Professionals, families seeking a reliable and prestigious European sedan.
Main Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair Procedures
Scope:
All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types within the specified W114/W115 series years.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 600-900 pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes-Benz workshop manuals of this era, exact count not specified in product info but implied by 'complete').
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (based on product description language)
Digital Format:
Downloadable PDF
Powertrain:
Engine (maintenance, overhaul, tuning), Fuel System (carburetor/injection), Cooling System, Exhaust System.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differentials, Axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear Suspension (independent/semi-independent), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Steering System (power steering components).
Brakes:
Brake System (hydraulic, disc/drum configurations), Parking Brake, Fluid Maintenance.
Electrical:
Electrical System, Battery, Charging System (alternator), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Starter Motor, Wiring Diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Bodywork Repair, Doors, Windows, Upholstery, Chassis Lubrication, Structural Components.
Maintenance:
Routine Maintenance Checks, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Schedules, Tune-ups.
Repair Overhaul:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides for common problems, Diagnostic procedures for various systems.
Adjustments:
Carburetor Adjustment, Ignition Timing, Valve Clearance, Brake Adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed specifications and diagnostic steps.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a good quality scan/OCR was performed on the original document.
Printability:
High quality, allowing printing of individual pages, chapters, or the entire manual.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
W114 280 Engine:
M130 - 2.8L (2778 cc) SOHC Inline-6
W114 280 Horsepower:
Approximately 156 hp (SAE Gross) at 5500 rpm (for early models, slightly different for later fuel injection variants).
W114 280 Torque:
Approximately 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) at 3500 rpm (for early models).
W114 280 Fuel System:
Dual Solex Zenith 35/40 INAT carburetors (early) or Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection (later models, e.g., 280E).
W115 Engine Options:
While '280' typically refers to the W114, the W115 chassis could also accommodate engines like the M114 (2.3L Inline-6) or various diesel engines. This manual explicitly covers the '280' model, implying the M130 engine in W114/W115 configurations.
W114 280 Transmission:
4-speed Manual Transmission
W114 280 Optional Transmission:
Optional 4-speed or 3-speed Automatic Transmission (often the 'Hydrak' system or later torque converter automatics like the 722.1).
Automatic Transmission Features:
Smooth shifting, robust design typical of Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific MB fluid specification (likely Dexron II or equivalent for period automatics).
W114 Wheelbase:
Approximately 2710 mm (106.7 inches)
W114 Length:
Approximately 4680 mm (184.3 inches)
W115 Wheelbase:
Approximately 2710 mm (106.7 inches) - identical to W114
W115 Length:
Approximately 4680 mm (184.3 inches) - identical to W114
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Refer to specific model plate in manual.
Standard Tire Size:
Typically 185 HR 14 or 195/70 R14. Exact specification in manual.
Crash Safety Era:
Designed to meet safety standards of the 1970s. Emphasized passive safety with a strong chassis and safety cell structure. Modern crash test ratings are not applicable.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes. Power assisted.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment, collapsible steering column, safety glass.
Seatbelts:
Standard seatbelts, likely lap belts in the rear, 3-point belts in the front.
Radio:
Typically analog radio receivers, often with AM/FM bands. Optional cassette players might have been available on later models.
Speakers:
Limited speaker count, often two in the front doors or dashboard.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some models, a fairly advanced feature for the mid-1970s.
Air Conditioning:
Factory or dealer-installed air conditioning was an optional feature.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; limited to radio reception.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide exact recommendation.
Major Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition points (if applicable), fuel filter, air filter typically every 15,000-25,000 km (9,000-15,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change usually every 30,000-50,000 km (20,000-30,000 miles).
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for specific API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 10W-40, 20W-50 depending on climate). Likely an oil meeting MB 227.1 or equivalent.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio. Refer to manual for specific MB specification (likely a phosphate-free, silicate-free coolant meeting DIN 71700).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Manual will specify the exact requirement.
Common Wear Items:
Rubber bushings in suspension and steering, fuel lines, vacuum hoses (prone to perishing), distributor points and condenser (if applicable), radiator hoses.
Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be a concern, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around window seals.
Carburetor Issues:
Zenith carburetors can require periodic adjustment or rebuild due to wear or gumming from fuel degradation.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, dating back to the late 19th century.
W114 W115 Introduction:
Introduced in 1968 (W114) and 1969 (W115) as a replacement for the W110 ('Fintail'). The 'Stroke 8' models were a significant step forward in design and engineering for Mercedes-Benz compact sedans.
Design Philosophy:
Characterized by clean lines, a monocoque construction, and a focus on mechanical refinement, moving away from older body-on-frame designs for this class.
Production Years:
W114/W115 series: 1968-1976.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Germany.
Design Awards:
While specific design awards for the W114/W115 are not widely publicized, the series was lauded for its clean, modern design language that influenced automotive styling.
Reliability Reputation:
The W114/W115 series are generally considered very reliable and durable vehicles, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering of the period.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Contemporary automotive press highly praised the build quality, driving dynamics, and comfort of these models.
