🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W126 SE

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

W126

Model Designation:

SE (Special Executive)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Mercedes-Benz W126 SE owners and independent repair technicians.

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level repair and maintenance information, enabling DIY repairs and saving on labor costs.

Competitors:

Generic repair guides, online forums, limited specialized publications.

Differentiation:

Vehicle-specific, factory-sourced, comprehensive A-Z coverage, digital format advantages.

Authenticity:

Exact same manual used by dealership technicians.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all models and all repairs from A to Z.

Usability:

One easy-to-use PDF, printable pages, zoomable images.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z for the 1987 Mercedes-Benz W126 SE.

Specific Models:

Includes coverage for all variants of the W126 SE sedan.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (specific number not provided, but described as 'complete').

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Drivetrain:

Engine, Control System, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition/Starting/Charging, Auto Transmission, Manual Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension.

Chassis And Body:

Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Exterior & Interior, Engine Hood/Door, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat.

Electrical And Electronics:

Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Suppl. Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures and schedules.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic procedures for identifying and troubleshooting issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for all repairs.

Troubleshooting:

Detailed troubleshooting guides.

Depth:

Vehicle-specific, technician-level detail, not generic.

Content Type:

Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows (Vista32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).

Printability:

All pages are printable, allows for blowing up images.

Binding:

Digital (PDF), no physical binding.

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format).

Searchability:

Implied by PDF format, allowing for easy searching of terms.

Portability:

Can be kept on PC, print only needed pages for workshop.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Likely M103 inline-six (2.6L or 3.0L) or M116 V8 (3.8L or 4.2L) for the 1987 SE model, depending on specific market and sub-model. Manual will detail specific engine variants.

Horsepower Range:

Typical for the era, likely in the 150-230 HP range depending on engine.

Torque Range:

Corresponding torque figures for the respective engines.

Injection System:

Likely Bosch K-Jetronic or KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium required).

Cooling System Type:

Liquid-cooled.

Oil Type:

Manual will specify Mercedes-Benz approved oil viscosity grades and specifications (e.g., MB 229.1 or similar for the period).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Typically a 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 or 722.4).

Transmission Type:

A 5-speed manual transmission may have been available in certain markets, but less common for the SE designation.

Fluid Type:

Manual will specify the correct automatic transmission fluid (ATF) type and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 197.4 inches (4988 mm) for the W126 sedan.

Width:

Approximately 70.5 inches (1791 mm).

Height:

Approximately 56.3 inches (1430 mm).

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and options, but typically in the 3700-4000 lbs (1680-1815 kg) range.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specified by the manual for laden weight limits.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

Designed to meet rigorous safety standards of the era, with significant passive safety features. Specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this vintage are unlikely but structural integrity was a Mercedes hallmark.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, likely with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard or optional on 1987 models.

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Skid Control) may have been available on some variants or introduced later in the W126 lifecycle, but less common for '87 SE.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag was an option and becoming more common on premium vehicles by 1987. Manual will detail its function and service.

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts, potentially with pre-tensioners. Manual covers their operation and replacement.

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Likely Blaupunkt or Becker brand premium audio systems, with options for cassette players and amplifiers. Manual covers installation, removal, and troubleshooting.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (often Thermatic or optional Thermotronic) with extensive vacuum-actuated systems. Manual details operation and repair of the HVAC system, including vacuum actuators and control modules.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system, which can be serviced according to manual instructions.

Multiplex Communication:

While full CAN bus as we know it today was nascent, the W126 utilized multiplexed electrical systems and control units. The manual will detail these communication pathways.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, with manual specifying oil quality and filter part numbers.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Often 'lifetime' or every 30,000-60,000 miles, with specific Mercedes-Benz fluid requirements. Manual is crucial for this.

Spark Plug Interval:

Varies by plug type, but typically 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual will list correct part numbers and gap settings.

Engine Coolant:

Manual will specify Mercedes-Benz approved coolant type and mixture ratio (e.g., ethylene glycol-based).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as specified by Mercedes-Benz. Manual provides exact type and bleeding procedures.

Power Steering Fluid:

Manual will specify the correct hydraulic fluid type for the power steering system.

Common W126 Issues:

Referencing the manual is key, but common W126 issues can include: vacuum leaks affecting climate control and central locking, aging wiring harnesses, fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), headliner sagging, potential window regulator problems, and transmission control module (TCM) issues on later models. The manual will provide diagnostic and repair steps for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering excellence, and durability, a legacy deeply embedded in the W126 platform.

W126 Generation:

The W126 S-Class was produced from 1979 to 1992, representing the second generation of the S-Class. The 1987 model falls into the latter half of its production run, benefiting from mid-cycle updates.

Se Designation:

The 'SE' (Special Elite) designation typically referred to the standard-wheelbase S-Class sedan, distinguishing it from the long-wheelbase 'SEL' (Special Long Elite).

Production Period:

1979-1991 for W126 chassis; 1987 model year specifically.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The W126 generation was widely praised for its luxury, safety, and build quality, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation in the executive sedan segment. It often appeared on 'Car of the Year' lists and similar accolades.