Vehicle Segment:
Executive Mid-size Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Brand Perception Era:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality, durability, and understated luxury during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E28), Audi 100/200, Volvo 240 Series, Jaguar XJ6.
Owner Benefits Manual:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving costs, increasing understanding of vehicle mechanics, and ensuring quality of work.
Vehicle Strengths:
Exceptional build quality, robust engineering, comfortable ride, excellent safety for its time, long-term durability, elegant styling.
Covered Years:
1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Specific Models Covered:
280E Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, and potentially Chassis variants for the specified years.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific manufacturer publication, but typically 800-1500+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals.
Manual Classification:
All Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (M110), Fuel Injection (Bosch K-Jetronic), Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Exhaust, Transmission (4-speed Automatic, 4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual).
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front Independent, Rear Independent Swing Axle), Steering (Power Assisted Recirculating Ball), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum, typically with ABS on later models), Wheels, Tires.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Charging System, Starting System, Power Accessories, Fuses, Relays.
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes), lubrication schedules, brake system servicing, suspension component checks.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, steering linkage repair, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, often by symptom.
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including testing of sensors, actuators, and control modules (where applicable), often referencing specific test equipment.
Rebuild Instructions:
Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and component measurements.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS.
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software).
Printability:
Printable pages for offline use.
Binding For Physical Copy:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality For Physical Copy:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2778 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 80.25 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.7:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on market and year)
Horsepower Gross:
Approx. 182-185 hp (DIN) at 5800 rpm
Torque Gross:
Approx. 170-177 lb-ft (230-240 Nm) at 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch CIS (Continuous Injection System) - K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.1)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Hydraulic torque converter, planetary gearsets, typically with a torque converter lock-up clutch on later models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.1 (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2795 mm (110 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4700-4750 mm (185-187 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1780 mm (70 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1420-1440 mm (56-57 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3195-3417 lbs)
Safety Reputation:
Renowned for exceptional structural integrity and passive safety features, pioneering many safety advancements.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional ABS (Antiblockiersystem) available on later models.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, impact-absorbing steering column, safety door locks.
Interior Safety:
Padded dashboard and interior surfaces, laminated windshield, side-impact protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or annually.
Major Service Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km) for comprehensive checks and component replacements (e.g., spark plugs, fuel filter).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (Glycol-based, typically blue or green).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Vacuum hoses (leading to various control issues), fuel distributor seals, idle control valve, climate control vacuum actuators, suspension bushings, ball joints, timing chain (on M110).
Body Corrosion:
Prone to rust in common areas such as wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, and battery tray area.
K-Jetronic Quirks:
Sensitivity to fuel quality, potential for clogged injectors or fuel distributor issues, requires precise tuning for optimal performance.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with automotive engineering excellence, luxury, and durability.
W123 Introduction:
The W123 chassis replaced the W114/W115 and was produced from 1976 to 1985, becoming one of Mercedes-Benz's most successful models.
Model Updates:
Received minor styling updates (e.g., larger bumpers, revised grille, interior enhancements) throughout its production run.
Production Period:
1976 - 1985
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Sindelfingen, Germany, with some assembly in other international locations.
