🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W123 280E, 280S, 280SE

Model Designation:

W123 (Internal chassis code)

Engine Variants:

280E, 280S, 280SE

Years Covered:

1976-1985

Chassis Code:

W123

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics, Mercedes-Benz W123 owners

Advantage Over Competitors:

Comprehensiveness, detail level, manufacturer-level information, digital convenience

Benefit Of Digital Format:

Printable sections, no oil contamination, instant access

Cost Savings Potential:

Significant savings on repair bills by performing DIY maintenance and repairs

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Source:

Original Manufacturer (implied, as it's the same used by local service/repair shops)

Language:

English

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

General Maintenance:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Engine Service Repair:

Yes

Transmission Service Repair:

Yes

Brake System:

Yes

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Periodic Lubrication:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Yes

Emission System:

Yes

Heater Air Conditioning:

Yes

Engine Control System:

Yes

Chassis Body:

Yes

Restraint System:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Differential Drive:

Yes

Axle:

Yes

Detailed Substeps:

Yes

Notes Cautions Warnings:

Yes

Numbered Instructions:

Yes

Illustrations Drawings Photos:

Yes

Enlarged Insets:

Yes

Numbered Table Of Contents:

Yes

Diagnose Repair Electrical System:

Yes

Troubleshooting Electrical Service:

Yes

Step By Step Repair Procedures:

Yes

Critical Specifications:

Yes

Disassembly Assembly Cleaning Reinstalling:

Yes

Depth:

Comprehensive (as used by professional technicians)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

Yes

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 280E:

M110.984/M110.985 (Inline-6, Fuel-Injected)

Engine Type 280S:

M110.981 (Inline-6, Carbureted)

Engine Type 280Se:

M110.984/M110.985 (Inline-6, Fuel-Injected)

Displacement Liters:

2.8 L

Horsepower Approx 280E Se:

182-185 hp (SAE net, depending on year and market)

Horsepower Approx 280S:

160 hp (SAE net, estimated for carbureted version)

Torque Approx 280E Se:

240-245 Nm (177-181 lb-ft) (SAE net, depending on year and market)

Fuel System 280E Se:

Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Fuel System 280S:

Carburetor(s) (specific type would be detailed in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual (early models), 5-speed manual (later models)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (e.g., 3HP22), 4-speed automatic (e.g., 4HP22)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific Mercedes-Benz specifications (e.g., MB 236.1 or MB 236.3)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan, Coupe, Wagon (T-model), Long Wheelbase Sedan

Wheelbase Mm Sedan:

2790 mm

Length Mm Sedan:

4725 mm

Width Mm:

1790 mm

Height Mm:

1420 mm

Curb Weight Kg Approx:

1400-1550 kg (depending on body style and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet contemporary safety standards of its era

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear drums (standard); optional ABS on some later models

Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player (optional); analog controls

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era; cruise control (optional on some models), power steering

Connectivity Features:

N/A (Pre-digital era)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km Approx:

7,500 - 10,000 km (or 6 months)

Major Service Interval Km Approx:

30,000 - 40,000 km

Engine Oil Grade:

Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-40) and API service classification, often specific MB approvals.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, compliant with Mercedes-Benz specifications (e.g., MB-Approval 325.0 or similar)

Common W123 Issues:

Rust (particularly around wheel arches, door bottoms, sunroof), vacuum system leaks (affecting central locking, climate control), idle control issues (for fuel-injected models), climate control blower motor failure, worn kingpins/ball joints.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Renowned for engineering, durability, and luxury

W123 Era:

Successor to the W114/W115, known for exceptional build quality and longevity

Model Significance:

One of Mercedes-Benz's most successful and beloved models, often called the 'last of the over-engineered' Mercedes.

Production Period:

1976-1985