Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (E23), Audi 100, Jaguar XJ
Engineering Philosophy:
Robust construction, advanced engineering for the era, emphasis on safety, comfort, and durability.
Diesel Technology:
Pioneering use of turbocharged diesel engines in luxury sedans, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system (diesel indirect injection), starting system, charging system
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic), differential, driveshafts, axles
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, disc/drum), wheel bearings
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, power windows, power seats, climate control system, radio, battery, starter, alternator
Body And Interior:
Body shell, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, trim, HVAC controls, soundproofing
Fuel System Diesel:
Detailed procedures for maintenance, testing, and repair of the diesel injection pump, injectors, fuel lines, and pre-heating system.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, belt inspections and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and assembly of major systems, component rebuilding and repair
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Fault finding, symptom analysis, diagnostic flowcharts, electrical troubleshooting, mechanical diagnostics
Adjustment Calibration:
Valve adjustments, idle speed settings, brake adjustments, steering alignment, clutch adjustments (if applicable to auxiliary systems)
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized Mercedes-Benz service tools required for various repair and adjustment operations.
Safety Precautions:
Emphasis on safety procedures, warnings (DANGER, CAUTION, NOTE), and the importance of using correct tools and personal protective equipment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Extensive use of detailed exploded diagrams, pictorial illustrations, drawings, and photographs to clarify repair procedures and component identification.
Factory Specifications:
Inclusion of crucial factory specifications, torque values, wear limits, and allowable tolerances for all adjustable and replaceable components.
Engine Type:
Inline 5-cylinder, turbocharged, indirect injection diesel
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2998 cc)
Horsepower Est:
125 hp @ 4350 rpm (approx.)
Torque Est:
228 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch inline injection pump with glow plug pre-heating system
Coolant Capacity Est:
Approx. 12.5 Liters (including heater core)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 7.5 Liters
Glow Plug System:
Crucial for cold starts, requires proper functioning and periodic checking.
Body Construction:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell construction, designed for occupant protection.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts (front), lap belts (rear, depending on market and year).
Headrests:
Front headrests, rear headrests on some models.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front), disc or drum brakes (rear), power-assisted.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering with power assist.
Original Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with power antenna and multiple speakers.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models for highway cruising.
System Type:
Automatic climate control (Thermatic or Thermotronic depending on year/option) utilizing vacuum-operated actuators for flaps.
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power antenna, power adjustable mirrors, and optional power seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or as needed based on environmental conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or as recommended. Critical for diesel engines.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 diesel engine oil (specific API classification may vary, refer to manual).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid, often a specific Mercedes-Benz type or compatible fluid.
Diesel Engine Reliability:
Generally robust OM617 engine, but issues can arise with injector pump seals, glow plug reliability, and turbocharger wear over time.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links are common due to age and mileage, impacting ride and handling.
Air Conditioning System:
Components like the compressor, drier, and vacuum actuators for the climate control can fail due to age and leaks.
Electrical Corrosion:
Wire harness degradation and corrosion in connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Rust Susceptibility:
Common areas for rust include wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, and battery tray area.
Transmission Kickdown Switch:
The kickdown switch in the accelerator pedal assembly can become faulty, affecting transmission shift points.
Foundation:
Founded in 1926 through the merger of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, setting high standards in automotive engineering and luxury.
W116 Introduction:
Introduced in 1972 as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, replacing the W108/W109 series. It was the first Mercedes to be officially designated as the S-Class (Sonderklasse - Special Class).
W116 300 Sd Introduction:
The 300 SD was introduced for the 1978 model year in the US market, featuring the turbocharged OM617 diesel engine, originally developed for the W115 'Stroke Eight' chassis. It was a significant move to offer a diesel in the flagship luxury segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, West Germany
Production Period:
1972-1980 (W116 series), 1978-1980 (W116 300 SD variant)
