Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning automotive enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain and repair their classic Mercedes-Benz.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series Coupe (e.g., E23 based coupes), Porsche 928, Jaguar XJ-S
Vehicle Attributes:
V8 Engine,pillarless coupe design,luxurious interior,advanced (for its time) engineering
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Automatic), Driveshaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Electrical, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Systems (OBD I)
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Lubrication, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Component Reassembly
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Fault Code Interpretation
Technical Data:
Specifications, Tolerances, Torque Values, Wiring Diagrams, Vacuum Diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Printability:
High-resolution, printable pages (single or full manual)
Binding Description:
Digital download, no physical binding
Paper Description:
Digital, no physical paper
Engine Type:
V8, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
Displacement:
5.6 Liters (5549 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
94.5 mm x 98.5 mm
Horsepower Net:
238 hp @ 4750 rpm (approx.)
Torque Net:
335 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with Lambda control
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Oil Capacity:
8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Capacity:
12.0 Liters (12.7 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (only automatic offered for 560 SEC)
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, multiple shift modes (Economy/Sport)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.1, MB 236.2, or MB 236.4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (for complete refill)
Crash Test Results:
Detailed crashworthiness data available within factory documentation. Designed to meet safety standards of the era.
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) on some late models or specific markets.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became optional and later standard towards the end of the W126 production. Check specific vehicle.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Audio System:
Factory fitted Becker or Blaupunkt premium sound systems, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with digital temperature display and recirculation function.
Cruise Control:
Standard (Tempomat)
Seat Adjustment:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
Connectivity Features:
N/A (designed pre-modern connectivity era). Aftermarket solutions may be available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 50,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/CD or ACEA A2-96 (e.g., MB 229.1 recommended for modern equivalents). Viscosity: 15W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 235.10 or MB 343.0 (Dexron III equivalent for models with pump assist)
Common Problems:
Fuel distributor diaphragm leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum hose deterioration, blower motor resistor failure, differential seal leaks, timing chain tensioner wear (M117, though less prone than early M116/M117).
Common Maintenance Tasks:
Regular replacement of fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs (Bosch W8AC or equivalent), and ignition wires.
Heritage Summary:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, particularly with its S-Class and coupe variants.
Model Lineage:
The 560 SEC is the flagship coupe of the W126 S-Class generation, succeeding the 380 SEC and 500 SEC. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the coupe segment for its time.
Production Years:
W126 Coupe produced from 1981 to 1991. The 560 SEC specifically introduced in 1985.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
