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Introduction
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Market Position
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Positioning:
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The Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL (W126) represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering in its era. This service manual targets owners and independent workshops focused on maintaining or restoring these prestigious vehicles.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Competed with other high-end luxury sedans of the early 1980s such as BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, and Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, setting benchmarks for comfort, build quality, and advanced technology.
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Key Features Of Vehicle
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Luxury Appointments:
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Long wheelbase (SEL designation), plush interior, advanced climate control, power amenities, and a smooth, powerful ride characterized the 380 SEL.
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Key Features Of Manual
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Diagnostic And Repair Depth:
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Offers the same comprehensive, step-by-step diagnostic and repair procedures used by authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians, empowering users to perform extensive work themselves.
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Visual Aids:
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Includes vital diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics that are essential for understanding complex systems and accurately completing repairs.
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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General Coverage:
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Comprehensive repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and restoration of the Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL (W126) for model years 1981-1983.
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Specific Systems Covered:
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Engine, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveshaft, front axle, rear axle, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires, body structure, electrical system, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), interior components, exterior components.
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Page Count
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Estimated Page Count:
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Likely exceeding 1000 pages given the depth of coverage described. Specific page count not provided, but typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals of this era.
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Manual Type
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Type:
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Service Repair Manual
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Language
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Language:
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English
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Format
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Digital Format:
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PDF / WINRAR (Downloadable)
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Compatibility
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Operating Systems:
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Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7/8), Linux, MAC OS, iOS, Android.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Management:
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Fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic), ignition timing, idle speed control, emission controls (oxygen sensor).
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Drivetrain:
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Manual and automatic transmission maintenance, fluid changes, level checks. Clutch system inspection and fluid levels. Transfer case maintenance (if applicable to specific drivetrain configurations). Drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.
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Suspension Steering:
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Front and rear axle maintenance, ball joint inspection, oil level checks. Level control systems (ADS), self-leveling suspension inspection. Steering system play checks, bolt retightening. Wheel bolt tightening.
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Braking System:
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Brake fluid level checks, line inspection, pad and disc thickness inspection. Parking brake adjustment. Brake fluid replacement. Parking brake performance testing.
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Electrical System:
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Wiring schematics, warning and indicator lamp checks, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection.
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HVAC System:
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Cooling and heating system checks, coolant replacement. Dust filter replacement. Recirculating air filter replacement. Active charcoal filter replacement. AC refrigerant charge checks.
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Procedures Included
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Routine Maintenance:
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Engine oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter and prefilter replacement, V-belt and Poly V-belt tension checks, spark plug inspection and replacement, coolant level and antifreeze protection checks, manual and automatic transmission fluid changes and level checks, transfer case fluid changes and level checks, clutch system fluid checks.
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Engine Diagnostics Repair:
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Valve clearance adjustment and checking, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment and checking, intake and exhaust manifold seating checks, engine mount bolt retorquing, engine stop adjustments.
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Chassis And Body:
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Suspension and body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, wheel and tire inspections, tire pressure correction, lubricating door hinges and locks, sunroof rail cleaning and greasing, soft top locking tab checks, windshield wiper blade replacement, hood lubrication, safety belt inspection, backrest lock operation check, noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, body paint damage checks.
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Troubleshooting:
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Detailed diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides for common issues, wiring schematics to aid in electrical fault finding.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complex overhauls and rebuilds. Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and specifications mirroring professional technician resources.
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Transmission
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Standard
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Transmission Type:
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4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3 series)
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Optional
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Manual Transmission:
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While theoretically possible, the vast majority of 380 SEL models were equipped with the automatic transmission. A manual transmission option would be extremely rare and likely a specific market or custom order. The manual specifies procedures for both if equipped.
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Features
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Automatic Features:
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Hydromechanical control, torque converter, designed for smooth power delivery and comfort.
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Maintenance
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
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Typically Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or an equivalent Dexron II/III spec fluid. Specific MB part numbers and specifications will be in the manual.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
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Approximately 7-9 liters for a complete fluid and filter change. Exact capacity specified in manual.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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Crash Safety:
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While formal crash test ratings from modern organizations like NHTSA or IIHS were not prevalent in the same way in the early 1980s, the W126 chassis was engineered with significant safety considerations for its time, including a reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones.
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on these models, and highly recommended. Manual will cover its operation and service.
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Driver's airbag was a pioneering optional safety feature introduced on the W126, becoming more common in later years of this generation. Manual will detail its inspection and function.
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Seatbelts:
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Standard three-point seatbelts for front occupants, with lap belts for rear passengers. Manual includes inspection and maintenance of seatbelt systems.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Specific recommendation in manual based on driving conditions.
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Transmission Fluid Interval:
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Manufacturer recommendation for automatic transmission fluid and filter changes can vary, but often around 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Manual will provide precise intervals.
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Coolant Replacement Interval:
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Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations, typically using a long-life antifreeze.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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API SG or higher. Viscosity typically 15W-40 or 10W-40, but specific recommendation depends on climate and engine condition. Manual will list exact MB-approval specifications.
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Coolant Specification:
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Typically a 50/50 mix of Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate (e.g., G48 or equivalent) and distilled water. Manual will specify the correct type.
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Power Steering Fluid Type:
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Typically a hydraulic fluid specified by Mercedes-Benz, often a specific ATF or hydraulic oil. Manual will provide exact specification.
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Known Issues
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Common Wear Items:
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Fuel distributor seals, vacuum lines prone to cracking, wear on throttle linkage bushings, timing chain guides (early M116 engines), blower motor resistor, and door lock actuators are common areas for attention in W126 models.
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K Jetronic Challenges:
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The K-Jetronic fuel system can be sensitive to fuel quality and age. Issues like difficult cold starts, rough idling, or power loss often stem from worn fuel distributor seals, faulty frequency valves, or clogged injectors.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Mercedes Benz Legacy:
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Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, durability, and engineering excellence, with the W126 S-Class continuing this tradition from its predecessors.
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Model Evolution
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W126 Introduction:
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The W126 S-Class debuted in late 1979 for the 1980 model year, replacing the W116. The 380 SEL was a key model in the early W126 lineup, offering a powerful V8 engine in a long-wheelbase body for maximum rear passenger comfort.
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W126 Facelift:
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The W126 received a significant facelift in 1986, introducing aerodynamic body enhancements, updated engines, and revised interiors. This manual specifically covers the pre-facelift models from 1981-1983.
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Production
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Production Years:
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The W126 series was produced from 1979 to 1991. The 380 SEL variant was prominent in the earlier years of this production run.
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Manufacturing Location:
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Primarily manufactured in Germany.
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