Class:
Executive/Luxury Sedan
Era:
Mid-1950s Post-War Automotive Luxury
Competitors:
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Bentley S-Series, Cadillac Fleetwood, Jaguar Mark IX
Design Philosophy:
Robust engineering, luxurious appointments, advanced (for the era) technology
Prestige:
Symbol of post-war German economic recovery and engineering prowess
Model Years Covered:
Primarily 1954-1959 (exact range may vary by specific manual variant)
Chassis Variants Covered:
W180 (220a, 220S), W128 (220SE)
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (exact count not specified but typical for factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (assumed, typical for widely distributed service manuals; original may be German)
Engine:
M180 (2.2L inline-6) and M127 (2.2L inline-6, fuel-injected)
Transmission:
Manual (4-speed, synchromesh), Automatic (optional, Hydro-Stick/Hydrak)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Independent front suspension (double wishbone), swing axle rear suspension
Brakes:
Drum brakes (front and rear), potential for early front disc brakes on some SE models
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system
Fuel System:
Carburetor (220a, 220S), Bosch mechanical fuel injection (220SE)
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, battery, generator/alternator, starter
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, pipes, mufflers
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, glass, interior trim
Heating And Ventilation:
HVAC system components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication
Engine Overhaul:
Engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures
Transmission Repair:
Manual and automatic transmission service and repair
Brake System Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, drum machining, hydraulic system bleeding
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting wiring diagrams, component testing
Fuel Injection System Service:
Bosch injection pump calibration and repair (for 220SE)
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement, alignment procedures
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel alignment, trim installation, glass replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic fault finding and resolution steps
Torque Specifications:
Tightening torques for critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics for all major systems
Completeness:
Official Factory Service Repair Manual, intended to be exhaustive
Engine Family:
M180 / M127 Inline-6
Displacement:
2195 cc (2.2 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
82 mm x 85 mm
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 7.5:1 to 8.0:1 (varies by model)
Horsepower 220A 220S:
Approx. 100-105 hp (SAE gross) at 4800 rpm
Horsepower 220Se:
Approx. 115-120 hp (SAE gross) at 4800 rpm
Torque 220A 220S:
Approx. 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) at 2500 rpm (carbureted)
Torque 220Se:
Approx. 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm (fuel injected)
Fuel System 220A 220S:
Dual Solex 34 PCI Carburetors
Fuel System 220Se:
Bosch MW Injection Pump, single injector per cylinder
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 91 octane recommended for modern fuel)
Layout:
Inline 6-cylinder, Front-mounted, Longitudinal
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult original manual for specific vintage grades or modern equivalents)
Length:
Approx. 4780 mm (188.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1500-1540 mm (59.1-60.6 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2875 mm (113.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific model and configuration
Wheel Size:
15-inch wheels common
Tire Size Typical:
6.40-15 or 6.70-15 (bias ply); radial equivalents may differ
Crash Test Data:
Not available for this era by modern standards
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated drum brakes, dual circuit system
Steering System:
Recirculating ball, though power steering was not standard initially
Seat Belts:
Optional, not standard equipment during initial production
Construction:
Unitized body construction (Ponton design), offering improved safety over body-on-frame
Radio:
Optional period-correct AM/FM radio, often with push-button tuning
Speakers:
Typically one or two speakers
Power Steering:
Optional on some models, not standard
Brakes:
Hydraulic drum brakes with dual circuit system for safety redundancy
Connectivity Features:
N/A by modern standards; focus is on mechanical and electrical systems
Headlights:
Single round headlights (sealed beam or replaceable bulb type depending on exact spec)
Taillights:
Integrated taillight clusters with brake, turn signal, and running lights
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (consult manual for exact period)
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of suspension and steering components is crucial
Tune Up Frequency:
Annual or every 12,000 miles (includes ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, valve lash adjustment)
Engine Oil Spec:
See engine_specs section for viscosity; API classification suitable for the era or modern equivalent
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant with rust inhibitors
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation; use fluid compatible with older seals)
Carburetor Issues:
Clogged jets, worn diaphragms, difficult starting/idling
Fuel Injection Issues:
Fuel pump wear, injector sealing, calibration drift (220SE)
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends
Electrical System Reliability:
Aging wiring harnesses, generator output, starter motor issues
Rust Corrosion:
Common on older unibody cars, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks
Oil Filter Part Number:
Specific part numbers available within the manual; e.g., Mann-Filter W105/1, Bosch 0 451 103 001 (verify)
Air Filter Part Number:
Specific part numbers available within the manual; e.g., Mann-Filter C22110/1 (verify)
Fuel Filter Part Number:
Specific part numbers available within the manual; e.g., Bosch 0 450 170 007 (verify for carb models)
Brand Origin:
Germany, founded by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler
Reputation:
Engineering excellence, luxury, innovation, and durability
Predecessor:
Ponton Mercedes-Benz 170 series (W136, W191)
Design Era:
Ponton design (unibody construction, smooth styling)
Development:
Successor to the W187 220, introducing more modern styling and powertrain options
Production Period:
1954-1959 (approximate for all variants combined)
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany
Production Numbers:
Significant production figures across the 220a, 220S, and 220SE models, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's post-war resurgence