Target Audience:
Owners of Mercedes-Benz W126 300SDL vehicles seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, and professional automotive technicians.
Dealer Equivalence:
Identical to the manuals used by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer technicians.
Diy Suitability:
Perfectly suited for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) individual with a passion for maintaining their vehicle.
Comprehensiveness:
The manual's key feature is its unparalleled comprehensiveness, mirroring dealer-level service information.
Coverage Summary:
Covers all service and repair imaginable, including engine, brakes, suspension, seats, exterior trim, and much more.
Manual Type:
Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair for all imaginable tasks, from basic maintenance to complete component rebuilds.
File Format:
HTML/Flash Menu with PDF
Compatibility:
Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/Win7), Linux, macOS
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive, likely hundreds of pages, as it covers 'every service and repair imaginable'.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body & Interior, Safety Systems, Diagnostic Procedures.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, detailed repair procedures, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, component replacement, adjustments, specifications, and torque values.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level diagnostics, in-depth repair, and complete overhaul procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Rebuild Scope:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including piston ring replacement, bearing checks, valve guide service, etc.
Transmission Rebuild Scope:
Comprehensive coverage for automatic transmission overhaul, including torque converter service, clutch pack replacement, valve body diagnostics, and hydraulic system checks.
Brake System Details:
Procedures for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake fluid flush, ABS system diagnostics, and parking brake adjustments.
Suspension And Steering Repairs:
Detailed instructions for replacing control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks/struts, and steering gearbox servicing.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, and component testing procedures for the entire electrical system, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and comfort systems.
Body And Interior Repair:
Procedures for removing and installing exterior trim, interior panels, seats, door mechanisms, and body panel repair.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information is presented in a way that allows for diagnosis using standard automotive tools and methods, often referencing specialized Mercedes-Benz tools.
Primary Engine:
OM603.960
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder Diesel
Engine Displacement Liters:
3.0
Engine Displacement Cc:
2999
Horsepower Ps:
147 (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Direct Injection, Indirect Injection (depending on specific market/variant, OM603 typically direct) with turbocharging.
Turbocharger System:
Yes, Garrett AiResearch turbocharger with intercooler.
Turbocharger Model Example:
Garrett T3
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or approved equivalent (e.g., 15W-40 or 20W-50 diesel engine oil)
Oil Change Interval Km:
7,500-10,000 km (or as per manual)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter MH 6
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
722.3 (e.g., 722.365)
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control (early stages), sport/economy modes.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.1 (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
8.0 (approx., dry fill)
Transmission Service Interval Km:
50,000-60,000 km (or as per manual)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard for this period.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
Crumple Zones:
Advanced body structure with crumple zones.
Headrests:
Adjustable headrests front and rear.
Audio System:
Factory premium sound system, often with cassette player and analog tuning radio.
Climate Control System:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with dual-zone temperature control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Seat Adjustment:
Power adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat.
Windows:
Power windows, power sunroof.
General Service Interval Km:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or annually.
Diesel Filter Replacement Km:
Recommend replacement every 20,000-30,000 km.
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Propylene Glycol based coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 236.3 (Dexron II or equivalent)
Differential Fluid Specification:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (Viscosity typically SAE 80W-90)
Common Issues Engine:
Glow plug failure, injector wear, vacuum line degradation, potential head gasket issues on high-mileage units.
Common Issues Suspension:
Hydropneumatic suspension self-leveling issues, ball joint wear, control arm bushings.
Common Issues Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), instrument cluster failure, vacuum door lock system issues.
Common Issues Body:
Rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around sunroof; door seal deterioration.
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering excellence, safety, and durability in passenger vehicles.
W126 Generation:
Second generation of the S-Class (W126) introduced in late 1979, with facelifts and updates throughout its production run.
300Sdl Introduction:
The 300SDL model, featuring the 3.0L turbodiesel engine, was introduced to markets like North America for the 1986 model year.
Production Years W126:
1979-1991
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
