Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and experienced professional mechanics
Value Proposition:
Comprehensive, cost-effective alternative to overpriced physical manuals and dealership service.
Advantage:
Official factory data provides accuracy and completeness unmatched by generic aftermarket guides.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos
Navigation:
Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval
Visual Aids:
Enlarged insets for detailed part examination
Mechanical Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Cooling, Fuel, Exhaust
Electrical Systems:
Ignition, Starting, Charging, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams
Bodywork:
Body and Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Components, Glass, Seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuilding, Component Replacement, System Repairs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Finding, Common Issues and Solutions
Depth:
Complete Factory Level Detail, From Basic Maintenance to Full Rebuilds
Documentation Style:
Step-by-step instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings
Printability:
Fully Printable (individual pages or entire manual)
Physical Binding Equivalent:
Digital Download (printable for user-created binding)
Physical Paper Equivalent:
User-printable on standard paper
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2799 cc)
Horsepower Approx:
185 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate for European spec, US spec may vary)
Torque Approx:
240 Nm @ 3500 rpm (approximate for European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission (likely standard in many markets for 280E)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (optional, often referred to as '722.1' or '722.3' series)
Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III (for automatic) / Gear Oil GL-4 (for manual, specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual)
Crash Safety Era:
Designed to late 1970s/early 1980s safety standards, with significant improvements over predecessors.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes (typically ventilated front discs), Vacuum Servo Assist
Chassis Construction:
Monocoque construction with integrated crumple zones
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, often with inertia reels; rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory original radio/cassette player (e.g., Becker models), optional features like power antenna.
Climate Control:
Optional Air Conditioning (often belt-driven compressor), manual ventilation systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional Cruise Control System (likely vacuum or electronically controlled).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on core vehicle functions.
Oil Change Interval Approx:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Major Service Interval Approx:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 km (includes inspections of critical components, spark plugs, belts, etc.).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (specific Mercedes-Benz approval to be confirmed in manual, e.g., MB 227.1, 228.1)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate (e.g., G05 or similar ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Vacuum system leaks (affecting central locking, climate control, engine idle), differential seals, transmission mounts, flex discs, ball joints, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, jacking points).
Engine Specifics:
M110 engine: Potential for valve guide wear, timing chain stretch over high mileage. K-Jetronic system can be sensitive to fuel quality and requires meticulous maintenance.
Manufacturer Reputation:
Mercedes-Benz: Known for engineering excellence, durability, luxury, and safety innovations.
W123 Generation:
Second generation of the mid-size Mercedes-Benz model range (1976-1985). Known for its exceptional build quality and longevity.
280E Positioning:
Positioned as a powerful, refined, and comfortable engine option within the W123 lineup, bridging the gap between the four-cylinder models and the V8 variants.
Production Period W123:
1976 – 1985
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen, Untertürkheim), with global assembly plants.
