Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size Coupe.
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Audi Coupe, Jaguar XJ-S.
Vehicle Highlights:
Robust build quality, sophisticated engineering, comfortable ride, refined performance, elegant styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain and repair the classic Mercedes-Benz 280 CE, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, component testing, adjustments, lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission fluid changes, level checks, clutch system inspection and fluid checks.
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear axle oil changes and level checks, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Suspension and body structure inspection, ball joint checks, steering play check, brake fluid level and line inspection, brake pad and disc checks, parking brake adjustment, power steering fluid check.
Electrical System:
Battery fluid level check, warning and indicator lamp checks, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection, wiper and washer system inspection.
Body Chassis:
Water leakage and corrosion inspection, door hinge and lock lubrication, sunroof cleaning and greasing, soft top checking, windshield wiper blade replacement, hood lubrication, body paint damage check.
Climate Control:
AC refrigerant charge check, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel filter and prefilter replacement, fuel system condition check.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance tasks like oil and filter changes, fluid level checks, belt tensioning, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Procedures for determining the cause of vehicle-related problems, including component condition inspection.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection of parts for reuse, rebuilding of components, and assembly.
Adjustments:
Valve clearance, idle speed, injection timing, engine stop, parking brake, steering bolts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to detailed component overhaul and troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2746 cc (2.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 76.0 mm
Horsepower:
185 PS (182 hp) at 5800 rpm
Torque:
240 Nm (177 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Continuous Fuel Injection (CIS)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
9.0 Liters (approx. 9.5 Quarts)
Mount Retorque Spec:
Specified in manual, typically around 45-55 Nm for critical bolts.
Type:
4-Speed Manual (Optional 4-Speed Automatic)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation.
Manual Transmission Oil:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Specific Mercedes-Benz part number should be consulted.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.2 or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron II).
Crash Test Data:
Pre-dates modern standardized crash testing; known for robust safety cell and build quality.
Braking System:
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, front vented discs. Potential for ABS on later models, though likely not standard on 1981 280 CE.
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front seatbelts, rear lap belts. Manual includes inspection and operation check.
Construction:
Reinforced safety passenger compartment, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory-provided AM/FM radio with cassette player. Manual covers cleaning of the cassette deck tone head.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some models, but not a primary focus of the listed manual topics.
Level Control:
Manual mentions 'Level control, ADS, ASD, 4MATIC, fluid level', suggesting advanced suspension options or early 4WD systems might be present on some variants.
Convertible Top:
Manual covers 'Hydraulic top, checking & correcting fluid level' and 'Soft top, checking locking tabs', indicating convertible variants are within scope.
Oil Filter Change:
Typically every 8,000 - 10,000 km (5,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Recommended at 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles) intervals, or if engine noise is apparent.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 - 80,000 km (37,000 - 50,000 miles). Automatic: Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles) with filter replacement.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage, to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG rated. Viscosity: SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Specific MB approval recommended.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). MB-Approval 325.0 or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Rubber hoses and bushings (aging, cracking), fuel distributor seals (K-Jetronic), vacuum lines, ignition components, exhaust system corrosion, early generation ABS components (if equipped).
Specific W123 Concerns:
Subframe mounts, climate control flaps, sunroof drains, door seal leaks leading to interior moisture.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, durability, and luxury since its inception.
W123 Platform:
The W123 platform (1975-1986) is celebrated for its build quality and reliability, often cited as one of Mercedes-Benz's most robust designs.
280 Ce Positioning:
The 280 CE represented the higher-performance, more luxurious coupe variant of the W123 line.
Production Period:
The W123 Coupe (C123) was produced from 1977 to 1985.
Manufacturing Location:
West Germany
