Vehicle Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and style
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series (E24), Jaguar XJ-S, Cadillac Eldorado, Rolls-Royce Corniche
Body Style:
Pillarless Hardtop Coupe
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, robust engineering, high-quality materials, exceptional comfort and performance
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair the vehicle correctly, preserving its value and performance.
Engine:
Complete teardown, rebuild, diagnostics, fuel injection (Bosch K-Jetronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4G-Tronic/3-speed and 4-speed) repair, overhaul, adjustments, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, rear axle, differential overhaul and service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, McPherson struts, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, servicing
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering gearbox, linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, ignition system, dashboard instruments, fuses, relays, troubleshooting
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, convertible top mechanism (if applicable, though SLC is a coupe), chassis lubrication, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating and air conditioning system service, refrigerant, blower motor, controls
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, bodywork repair
Troubleshooting:
System-by-system diagnosis, common faults and their solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Diagnostics:
Engine performance testing, electrical system testing, fuel system diagnostics
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific Mercedes-Benz special tools required for certain procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (Factory Level)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, adjustments, schematics
Visual Aids:
Includes numerous pictures, diagrams, and exploded views
Searchability:
Likely searchable text-based PDF
Printable:
Yes, all pages are printable
Image Quality:
High (typical for factory documentation scanned and digitized)
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Operating Systems:
Windows and macOS compatible
Software Requirements:
Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer
Type:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., 3HP22) initially, later 4-speed Automatic (e.g., 4G-Tronic)
Features:
Hydraulic torque converter, planetary gear sets
Type:
4-speed Manual (rarely offered in many markets)
Features:
Dry single-plate clutch, synchromesh
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Automatic Capacity:
Approx. 8-10 liters (including torque converter, consult manual for exact fill procedure)
Crash Test Results:
No standardized crash test data from modern agencies for this era.
Design Safety:
Built to rigorous Mercedes-Benz safety standards of the era, including crumple zones and safety cage construction.
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes, power-assisted
Steering:
Recirculating ball power steering
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts
Interior:
padded dashboard, safety glass
Radio:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player often optional, various aftermarket units installed over time.
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speaker setup, depending on trim.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on market and trim; mechanical vacuum-operated system.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available on later models, a significant technological advancement for its time.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No factory connectivity features as understood today)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months (consult manual for specific interval based on usage)
Major Service Interval:
Variable, often around 50,000-80,000 km for significant checks and replacements (e.g., spark plugs, fuel filter, transmission service)
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG rated, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 recommended depending on climate (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (Mercedes-specific coolant often recommended)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (hygroscopic, requires periodic replacement)
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent, check manual)
Engine:
Valve stem seal wear leading to oil consumption, timing chain stretch (on higher mileage engines), vacuum leak issues affecting idle and fuel mixture.
Fuel System:
K-Jetronic system can be sensitive to dirt and wear; distributor head issues, cold start valve problems.
Electrical System:
Wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), corrosion on connectors, vacuum operated headlight leveling system issues.
Body:
Rust susceptibility in common areas like wheel arches, door sills, and around the windshield. Chrome trim can pit.
HVAC:
Vacuum actuators for climate control can fail, compressor issues, evaporator leaks.
Brand Focus:
Pioneering automotive safety, engineering excellence, and luxury vehicles.
Predecessor:
No direct predecessor in the coupe segment, but built upon the engineering prowess of previous Mercedes-Benz models.
Development:
Developed from the R107 SL roadster, sharing its platform and many mechanical components.
Production Period:
1971-1981 (for the C107 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
