Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself owners and experienced mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep the vehicle working properly, saving on professional labor costs
Advantage:
Official factory information, detailed procedures, extensive illustrations
Accessibility:
Instant download, no shipping costs or waiting time
Organization:
Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval
Visual Guidance:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and repair of engine components
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (likely Bosch K-Jetronic), ignition system, emission controls
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul and repair
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake discs, pads, calipers, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starting system, charging system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components and service (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly guidance for entire vehicle systems
Adjustments:
Precise adjustments for engine timing, carburetor/fuel injection, clutch, etc.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full rebuilds
Illustration Detail:
Hundreds of photos, illustrations, and drawings
Instruction Format:
Numbered step-by-step instructions with detailed substeps
Diagnostic Aid:
Troubleshooting guides and electrical system diagnosis with wiring diagrams
Safety Warnings:
Notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2799 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 80.25 mm (typical for M110)
Horsepower Net:
Approx. 155 hp @ 5000 rpm (verify with specific model data)
Torque Net:
Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (verify with specific model data)
Fuel Delivery:
Mechanical Fuel Injection (Bosch K-Jetronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition system with distributor
Body Styles:
Saloon (4-door), Estate (S123), Coupe (C123), Convertible (A123 - rare)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2810 mm (110.6 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4725 mm (186.0 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (depending on body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1900-2000 kg
Crash Testing Era:
Early era of automotive safety testing; official ratings may be limited
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated), ABS (optional, introduced later in W123 production)
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory-installed radio cassette player (optional or dealer fitted, various brands)
ABS:
Optional, introduced during the W123 production run, not standard on all 1984 models
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or annually (consult specific manual)
Major Service Interval:
Varies by component, but comprehensive checks recommended every 30,000-50,000 km
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate, consult manual for exact specs)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II or III (verify MB approval)
Common Problems:
Check for rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, sunroof), vacuum system leaks (affecting central locking, climate control, idle), timing chain wear (M110 engine), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), and potential electrical connector corrosion.
Marque:
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for engineering, durability, and luxury
W123 Generation:
Second generation of the 'mid-size' Mercedes-Benz, produced from 1976 to 1986
W123 Reputation:
Known for exceptional build quality, longevity, and reliability, often called the 'tank'
Production Period:
1976-1986
Production Volume:
Over 2.7 million units produced across all body styles
Awards:
While specific awards for the 1984 280E may not be widely documented, the W123 series as a whole consistently received accolades for its build quality, reliability, and engineering excellence, often cited in automotive publications as a benchmark for its era.
Reliability Reputation:
Extremely high, contributing to its enduring classic status
