Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Competitors:
BMW 8 Series (E31), Porsche 928
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, advanced engineering for its era.
Demographic:
Affluent individuals seeking a stylish, comfortable, and high-performance personal luxury coupe.
Model Years Covered:
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (M117, M119), Transmission (Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Hydropneumatic/Self-Leveling Front, Independent Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Lighting, Power Accessories, Ignition System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control (HVAC)
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, pressure regulators.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Fluid Replacements, Filter Replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Bodywork Repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation
Body And Trim:
Interior and exterior trim removal and installation, panel alignment.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC, MAC, Tablets, and Mobile Phones with Adobe Reader.
Quality:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages, chapters, or the entire manual.
Binding:
Digital (Downloadable PDF)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Displacement:
5.6 Liters (5549 cc)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 4750 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
330 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition
Engine Code Later Years:
M119 (32-valve DOHC V8 in later models, though this manual primarily covers M117 for 560 SEC)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (722.3)
Availability:
No manual transmission option available for 560 SEC.
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for gear shifting logic
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz MB 236.1 or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron III)
Crash Test Performance:
Designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards of the era; specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this exact model year range may be limited but generally performed well for its time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) available on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard from 1987 model year onwards. Passenger airbag optional.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner front seat belts
Audio System:
Premium sound systems, often with Becker or Blaupunkt head units, optional CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (air conditioning and heating)
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power mirrors, heated rear window, optional power antenna.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, often with headlamp washers and wipers.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for specific interval-based checks (e.g., spark plugs, transmission service).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) - Check manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Glycol-based antifreeze mixture (e.g., MB 325.0) with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Head gasket leaks, aging rubber hoses and mounts, SRS system issues, window regulator failures, fuel distributor issues on KE-Jetronic.
Corrosion:
Prone to rust in typical areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter W108/1 or equivalent Bosch, Mahle.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.
C126 Development:
The C126 SEC coupe was based on the W126 S-Class sedan, offering a sportier and more personal luxury interpretation.
Production Years Global:
1981 - 1991
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, West Germany
Total Production C126:
Approx. 74,060 units
