Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz W123 280E owners, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts seeking to maintain or restore their vehicle.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, professional-grade repair and maintenance information, enabling significant cost savings on servicing and repairs.
Accuracy And Completeness:
Guaranteed to be complete and intact, identical to manuals used by local service/repair shops.
Ease Of Use:
Features numbered instructions, detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets for clarity.
Digital Advantage:
Electronic format offers advantages like easy navigation, selective printing, and cleanliness compared to paper manuals.
Engine Service And Repair:
Comprehensive coverage of engine disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair for the 2.8L M110 engine.
Transmission Service And Repair:
Detailed procedures for both manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul.
Brake System:
Service and repair of all braking components, including discs, pads, calipers, lines, and master cylinder.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage including troubleshooting, component testing, and repair with detailed wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering:
Maintenance and repair of all suspension components (shocks, springs, control arms) and steering systems.
Cooling System:
Service and repair of radiators, water pumps, thermostat, hoses, and cooling fan assemblies.
Fuel Injection And Fuel System:
Detailed coverage of the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, including fuel pump, injectors, air flow meter, and troubleshooting.
Emission Control System:
Information on emission control components and troubleshooting for compliance with regulations of the era.
Heater And Air Conditioning:
Service and repair procedures for the climate control system.
Chassis And Body:
Repair and maintenance information related to the W123 chassis and bodywork.
Interior And Restraint System:
Details on interior components and the vehicle's restraint systems (seat belts).
Differential And Drive Axles:
Service and repair of the drivetrain, including the differential and drive axles.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, periodic lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, and tune-up procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams and test equipment.
Specifications:
Critical technical specifications, torque values, clearances, and tolerances.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, as used by professional technicians.
Print Quality:
Full Printable (high resolution for clear reproduction)
Zoom Functionality:
YES (allows for detailed examination of diagrams and text)
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent unzipping utility)
Operating Systems:
Compatible with All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, M110 engine
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2799 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 185 PS (138 kW; 182 hp) at 5800 rpm (varies slightly by market and emissions standards)
Torque:
Approx. 240-245 Nm (177-181 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (varies slightly by market and emissions standards)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS - Continuous Injection System)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (potentially transistorized ignition)
Engine Identification:
M110.984 (example variant, specific code depends on exact model year and market)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4725-4787 mm (186.0-188.5 inches) depending on body style (Sedan/Coupe)
Width:
Approx. 1780-1790 mm (70.1-70.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1430-1440 mm (56.3-56.7 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1550 kg (3086-3417 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific model, typically around 1900-2000 kg
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x112 mm
Wheel Size:
Typically 14-inch or 15-inch steel or alloy wheels
Crash Test Performance:
While formal crash test ratings (like NHTSA) were less standardized in this era, the W123 chassis was known for its robust construction and safety features for its time.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear discs (standard on 280E).
Steering:
Power steering (standard on 280E).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts (front), lap belts (rear).
Body Construction:
Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones.
Radio System:
Original units were typically AM/FM radio, often with cassette player on later models. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Heating And Ventilation:
Robust manual or optional automatic climate control systems were available.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control was available on many models.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights were standard or optional, improving nighttime visibility compared to older sealed beams.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km (refer to manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions).
Filter Replacement Interval:
Air filter, fuel filter, oil filter typically replaced at oil change intervals or as needed.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically 15W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for exact MB-approval.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (typically 50/50 ratio), meeting MB-Approval 325.0 or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Rubber hoses and seals (due to age), suspension bushings, exhaust system components, fuel distributor in K-Jetronic.
Electrical Problems:
Corrosion in connectors, failing vacuum lines, headlamp switch issues.
Engine Specific Notes:
Timing chain wear is possible over high mileage; proper oil changes are crucial for K-Jetronic longevity.
Maintenance Schedule Guidance
General Schedule:
Annual inspection of belts, hoses, and general fluid levels, with more in-depth servicing at prescribed mileage intervals.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and luxury.
W123 Development:
The W123 replaced the W114/W115 'Stroke 8' and was produced from 1976 to 1985. It was praised for its build quality and reliability, becoming one of Mercedes-Benz's most successful models.
280E Variant:
The 280E represented the higher-end of the W123 range, featuring the powerful 2.8-liter M110 six-cylinder engine and often coming with more luxurious appointments.
Production Period:
1976-1985
Key Markets:
Global, with strong sales in Europe, North America, and other developed markets.