Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan.
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking comfort, prestige, and engineering excellence.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Fleetwood, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Robust construction, superior ride comfort, powerful V8 engine, advanced safety features for its era, elegant styling.
Utility For Owners:
Empowers DIY owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving costs and maintaining vehicle integrity.
Utility For Professionals:
Provides dealership-level accuracy and depth for independent workshops and enthusiasts.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for all aspects of the vehicle.
Specific Systems Covered:
Engine, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Bodywork, Interior Trim, Climate Control, Safety Systems.
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (precise count not specified, but described as covering 'every service and repair imaginable').
Type:
Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and common practice for North American market manuals).
Format:
HTML/Flash menu with PDF content
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), timing, lubrication, cooling.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, carburetor (if applicable to specific variants not detailed).
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic ignition components.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 3-speed or 4-speed automatic), torque converter, gear shifts, transmission fluid, seals, clutches, bands.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake discs, brake pads, calipers, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent, possibly with torsion bars or coil springs), rear suspension (independent, possibly with semi-trailing arms), shock absorbers, bushings, ball joints, control arms.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering box, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, dashboard instruments, power windows, central locking (if equipped).
Climate Control:
Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning system (if equipped), refrigerant types, system operation.
Body And Trim:
Exterior trim, bumpers, grilles, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior upholstery, seats, dashboard layout, soundproofing.
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), fluid level checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Tasks:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical diagnostics and repair, fuel injection system adjustments, body panel repair, interior component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based problem solving, fault finding for all major systems.
Technical Data:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine timing specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable), electrical schematics, component tolerances.
Depth Of Coverage:
In-depth, covering complete vehicle overhaul and diagnostics, mirroring dealership technician resources.
Engine Code:
M117 (Common for this period, though specific variants might exist).
Configuration:
4.5-liter V8 (450SE designation).
Displacement:
4520 cc (276 cubic inches)
Horsepower Approx:
Approximately 225-230 bhp (SAE gross) at 5000 rpm (subject to market variations and tuning).
Torque Approx:
Approximately 270-275 lb-ft (SAE gross) at 3000-3200 rpm.
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic continuous fuel injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium Octane recommended).
Oil Capacity Approx:
Approximately 8 U.S. quarts (7.5 liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture (e.g., 50/50).
Crash Test Data:
No formal modern crash test ratings exist for this era, but W116 was engineered with significant safety considerations for its time.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with dual-circuit hydraulic system and brake booster.
Steering System:
Power-assisted recirculating ball steering.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, safety glass.
Interior Safety:
Collapsible steering column, padded dashboard, deep-dish steering wheel, door safety locks.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights (likely sealed beam or dual-headlight system), comprehensive tail and signal lighting.
Oil Change Interval Approx:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Filter Replacement Interval Approx:
Oil filter with every oil change; air and fuel filters every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.
Tune Up Interval Approx:
Spark plugs, ignition system checks: every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 depending on climate (refer to manual for precise OEM spec).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact requirement).
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Automatic transmission fluid (Dexron type) or specific Mercedes-Benz power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Fuel lines (especially rubber components), vacuum hoses, idle control valve, distributor O-ring, power steering leaks, suspension bushings, exhaust manifold gaskets.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation, faulty relays, and component wear are common.
Engine Management:
K-Jetronic system can require careful tuning and periodic rebuilding of components like the warm-up regulator.
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability dating back to the early 20th century.
W116 Development:
The W116 was the first Mercedes-Benz model to officially be designated as an 'S-Class' (Sonderklasse - Special Class), setting a new benchmark for executive sedans.
W116 Innovation:
Introduced advanced features like the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, optional ABS (Antilock Braking System), and improved safety structures.
Production Years:
1972-1979 (450SE models within 1973-1976 as specified by manual).
Manufacturing Location:
Various Mercedes-Benz plants, primarily in Germany.
