Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, Mercedes-Benz specialists
Competitors:
BMW 8 Series, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928
Design:
Elegant styling, high-quality interior, advanced engineering for its era
Performance:
Powerful V8 engine, refined ride, excellent handling
Technology:
Introduction of advanced safety and comfort features, including standard airbags and optional traction control
Engine Mechanical:
Complete coverage
Engine Management System:
Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic), ignition, diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
5-speed automatic (722.5)
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering, brakes
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior components, convertible top system
HVAC:
Climate control system operation and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbags, ABS, seatbelt systems
Type:
Comprehensive Service & Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Management:
KE-Jetronic fuel injection system components, air flow meter, fuel distributor, injectors, ignition timing, diagnostic codes
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.5) overhaul, adjustments, hydraulic system, electronic controls
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, rear axle assembly
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (double wishbone), rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gearbox, linkages, adjustments
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications
Electrical Chassis:
Lighting systems, wipers, horn, power windows, power seats, central locking
Electrical Engine:
Starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, fuel pump, engine sensors
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, rust repair, structural integrity
Convertible Top:
Hydraulic system, actuators, sensors, mechanical linkages for the electro-hydraulic soft top
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system components, refrigerant types, heating system, automatic climate control operation
Safety Features:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement procedures, seatbelt pretensioners
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, rebuilding, and installation
Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential overhauls
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, timing belt tension, brake adjustments, steering alignment specs
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Professional level, covering complex diagnostics and component overhauls
Engine Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
4973 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
96.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
354 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Oil Capacity:
8.0 Liters (approx. 8.5 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 spec)
Coolant Capacity:
12.5 Liters (approx. 13.2 US Quarts)
Recommended Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
N/A for this model/year range
Gear Ratios Approx:
1st: 3.60, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.49, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.20
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (dry fill)
Fluid Type:
MB 236.8 or 236.7 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), e.g., Mobil ATF 134 or equivalent
NHTSA Rating:
No formal NHTSA ratings available for this era, but designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards.
ABS:
Standard Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) available on later models within this range.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard)
Rollover Protection:
Automatic, hydraulically deployed rollover bar activated by sensors
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Body Construction:
High-strength steel chassis and body panels, integrated safety cell
Audio System:
Premium sound systems (e.g., Becker) were available, often with cassette players.
Navigation:
Optional early navigation systems may have been available on some models, but less common.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Seat Memory:
Power adjustable seats with memory function
Climate Control Type:
Automatic climate control with air conditioning
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on in-car comfort and safety systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for 'Service A' and 'Service B' type intervals, typically around 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) for more comprehensive checks and fluid changes.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 3 (check owner's manual for specific MB approval)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent, typically a silicate-free formula with long life)
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of insulation on early wiring harnesses (often referred to as 'spaghetti') can lead to electrical faults.
Head Gaskets:
Potential for head gasket leaks on the M119 engine, especially if overheated.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Leaking hydraulic lines, pump issues, or sensor failures in the electro-hydraulic soft top system.
Mas Sensor Failure:
Failure of the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) in the KE-Jetronic system can cause poor running.
Catalytic Converter:
Early models may have less durable catalytic converters; replacement is common.