Target Audience:
W123 280CE owners, enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Advantage:
Actual Genuine Factory Manuals, not 3rd party; comprehensive coverage; cost savings on labor
Authenticity:
Official Full Factory Service Repair Manual
Completeness:
Complete official information for repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, or restoration
Format Benefit:
No shipping costs or wait times, immediate download access
Cost Saving:
Potential to save $50-$60 per hour on shop labor costs
Applicable Years:
1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but implies comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Comprehensive Engine Service and Repair
Transmission:
Comprehensive Transmission Service and Repair
Brakes:
Brake System Service and Repair
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System and Wiring Diagrams
Suspension:
Suspension System Service and Repair
Steering:
Steering System Service and Repair
Cooling System:
Cooling System Service and Repair
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection / Fuel System Service and Repair
Emission Control:
Emission System Service and Repair
Climate Control:
Heater and Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Engine Management:
Engine Control System Diagnostics and Repair
Chassis Body:
Chassis and Bodywork Repair and Maintenance
Restraint System:
Restraint System Information (e.g., Seatbelts)
Interior:
Interior Trim and Component Repair
Drivetrain:
Differential and Drive Axle Service and Repair
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Advanced Troubleshooting Guide
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems
Rebuilding:
Rebuild procedures for major components (engine, transmission, etc.)
Restoration:
Detailed guidance for restoration projects
Depth:
Complete Official Factory Information (equivalent to professional technician knowledge)
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and correcting problems
Illustrations:
Includes all necessary illustrations, diagrams, and photos
Detail Level:
Highly detailed, including substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac
Printability:
Printable without any restriction (individual pages or entire manual)
Resolution:
High Resolution
Type:
Digital Download (printable)
Medium:
Digital (printable, can be burned to CD-ROM)
Navigation:
Easy to use, numbered table of contents, searchable function
Engine Type:
Inline-six, naturally aspirated gasoline
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2746 cc)
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Approx:
Approx. 185 PS (138 kW; 182 hp) (Euro spec, may vary slightly by year/market)
Torque Approx:
Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) (Euro spec, may vary slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Continuous Fuel Injection (CIS)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Crash Test Performance:
While specific official ratings from modern bodies are scarce for this era, the W123 series was known for its robust build quality and passive safety features for its time.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, Rear disc brakes (on most 280CE models), power assisted
Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Interior:
Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard
Restraint:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts (front), 2-point seatbelts (rear, depending on market/options)
Audio System:
Typically an AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with optional upgraded sound systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on some models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily mechanical and electrical systems with no modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB).
Oil Change Km:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, consult manual for exact figures.
Transmission Fluid Change Km:
Every 40,000 - 80,000 km (25,000 - 50,000 miles) for automatic transmissions, manual clutch fluid inspection.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (consult manual for precise viscosity and specification based on climate).
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 spec or equivalent, ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (e.g., MB 236.1 spec or successor).
Common Problems:
Can include fuel distributor seal leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum line deterioration, aging wiring harnesses, differential seal leaks, and potential rust in common areas.
Preventive Measures:
Regular inspection and replacement of rubber hoses, vacuum lines, and seals is critical. Maintenance of the K-Jetronic system is key to smooth operation.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its engineering excellence, build quality, and innovation in automotive safety and luxury.
W123 Development:
The W123 series was designed as a successor to the W114/W115, emphasizing durability, comfort, and sophisticated engineering.
280Ce Positioning:
The 280CE represented the sporty, luxurious coupe variant of the W123 line, offering a balance of performance and style.
Production Period:
1976-1985 (for the W123 range, specific 280CE variants may have slightly different start/end dates within this window)
Key Markets:
Europe, North America, and other global markets.
