🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

380 SEC

Model Code:

C107

Production Years Covered By Manual:

1982-1983

Chassis Code:

C107

Engine Code Primary:

M116 (3.8L V8)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe (Personal Luxury)

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series, Jaguar XJ-S, Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Continental Mark VI/VII

Distinguishing Aspects:

Elegant styling, comfortable ride, powerful V8 engine, advanced features for its era (e.g., optional self-leveling suspension, ABS)

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform complex repairs and maintenance, leading to cost savings and preservation of vehicle value.

Detail Emphasis:

Comprehensive step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and schematics ensure accuracy for both novice and experienced mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Restoration

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by digital format (comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Service Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF/WINRAR

Operating Systems:

Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8/Linux/MAC, iOS, Android

Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (K-Jetronic), ignition timing, idle speed control, engine mounts

Fuel System:

Fuel filter, prefilter, air filter, oxygen sensor, fuel system condition checks

Cooling System:

Coolant level, antifreeze protection, cooling system checks, coolant replacement

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission oil change, automatic transmission fluid/filter change, transfer case fluid, clutch system checks/fluid

Suspension:

Level control, ADS (Automatic Damping System), ASD (Automatic Slip Differential), 4MATIC (if applicable), front/rear axle oil, ball joint checks, self-leveling suspension inspection

Brakes:

Brake fluid level/replacement, brake lines, pads/discs inspection, parking brake adjustment, brake test

Steering:

Power steering fluid, steering play, steering bolt retightening

Electrical System:

Wiring schematics, warning/indicator lamps, battery fluid check

Body And Chassis:

Component condition, lines/hoses inspection, suspension/body structure, water leakage/corrosion, wheel/tire inspection, drive shaft flexible coupling, exhaust flange/connections, body paint damage check, door hinges/locks lubrication, sunroof rails, soft top mechanisms, hydraulic top fluid

Climate Control:

AC refrigerant charge, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter, recirculating air filter

Lighting:

Headlamp and exterior lamp inspection, windshield wiper and washer inspection/replacement

Maintenance:

Engine oil/filter change, valve clearance adjustment/checking, idle speed adjustment, fuel filter replacement, air filter replacement, V-belt tensioning, coolant checks/replacement, transmission fluid changes, brake fluid replacement, lubrication points

Troubleshooting:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all covered systems

Repair And Rebuild:

Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for component repair and rebuild

Inspection And Adjustment:

Detailed inspection procedures for all components, lines, hoses, and structural elements; adjustment procedures for engine, brakes, and other systems

Level:

Professional Technician Level (covers all diagnostic and repair procedures)

Detail Level:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF/WINRAR

Resolution:

High-resolution, printable

Digital:

N/A (Downloadable)

Digital:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3839 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1

Horsepower Approximate:

155-160 hp @ 4750-5000 rpm (depending on market/configuration)

Torque Approximate:

205-210 lb-ft @ 2750-3000 rpm (depending on market/configuration)

Injection System:

Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection

Required Octane:

Premium Unleaded (91+ RON / 87+ AKI)

Valve Adjustment Interval:

As specified in manual (typically significant intervals or upon symptoms)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.3)

Type:

5-speed Manual (rare, but possible for specific markets/orders)

Automatic Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter change procedures included

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4965 mm (195.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 in)

Wheelbase Length:

Approx. 2800 mm (110.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1700-1800 kg (3750-3970 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Era Specific Safety:

Advanced for its time, including crumple zones and safety cage structure.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Not standard; driver's airbag became more common in later models or as an option.

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts, with rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional upgraded sound systems, often with cassette player.

Level Control Suspension:

Optional self-leveling suspension for maintaining ride height regardless of load.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (optional), manual AC. Cabin air filters (dust, charcoal) included in manual.

Hydraulic Top:

Power-operated soft top with hydraulic system maintenance covered.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually (refer to manual for exact specification based on driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as per manual recommendations

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40, depending on climate, potentially synthetic blend or full synthetic)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (Mercedes-Benz specification 236.1, 236.3, or 236.4 for earlier models)

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 or 326.0 for 50/50 mix)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific Mercedes-Benz hydraulic fluid (check manual)

Common Wear Items:

Fuel distributor seals, injector seals, idle control valve, vacuum hoses, window regulators, climate control blend doors, suspension bushings, exhaust system rust.

K Jetronic Sensitivities:

Sensitivity to fuel quality, vacuum leaks, and properly functioning air flow sensor plate.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Renowned for engineering excellence, durability, and luxury from its inception.

C107 Generation:

The C107 is the coupe variant of the R107 SL roadster, launched in 1971. The 380 SEC was introduced for the 1981 model year, featuring the larger 3.8L V8.

Production Period:

The C107 chassis was produced from 1971 to 1989. The 380 SEC model specifically ran from 1981 to 1985.

Manufacturing Plant:

Germany (likely Sindelfingen)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 380 SEC model itself are not as widely publicized as later models, the R107 chassis was recognized for its enduring design, comfort, and build quality by automotive journalists and enthusiasts throughout its production run.