This comprehensive Mercedes 280 E 1981 Service Repair Manual is your essential guide to maintaining, repairing, and restoring your vehicle. It encompasses everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, providing detailed instructions and illustrations for each procedure. This manual contains the same information used by professional mechanics, ensuring you have the confidence to tackle any project. You'll find step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications covering a vast range of topics, including: * **Engine:** Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, injection timing calibration, fuel filter and prefilter replacement, air filter element replacement, V-belt inspection and tensioning, oxygen sensor replacement, spark plug inspection and replacement, coolant level and antifreeze protection checks, and coolant replacement. * **Transmission:** Clutch disk wear inspection, manual transmission oil change, manual transmission fluid level correction, automatic transmission fluid and filter change, automatic transmission fluid level correction, transfer case fluid change, transfer case fluid level correction, clutch system fluid level check and correction, and clutch system inspection. * **Drivetrain:** Throttle linkage inspection and lubrication, idle speed adjuster calibration, level control system (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC) fluid level check, self-leveling suspension inspection, front axle oil level check and correction, front axle ball joint inspection, rear axle oil change, rear axle fluid level correction, rear axle mount adjustment, wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection and pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection. * **Brakes:** Brake fluid level check, brake line inspection, brake pad and disk thickness inspection, brake disk cleaning, parking brake cable inspection, parking brake adjustment, brake fluid replacement, brake test, and parking brake check. * **Steering and Suspension:** Power steering fluid level check, steering play check, steering bolt tightening, suspension inspection and lubrication. * **Electrical:** Fuel system condition check, exhaust flange tightening, exhaust system connection tightening, battery fluid level check, warning and indicator lamp check, water drain cleaning, engine compartment lower panel removal and installation. * **Body and Interior:** Door hinge and lock lubrication, hydraulic top fluid level check and correction, sunroof rail cleaning and greasing, soft top locking tab check, windshield washer fluid level check and correction, cassette deck tone head cleaning, antenna mast cleaning, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection, windshield and headlamp wiper and washer inspection, windshield wiper blade replacement. * **Climate Control:** AC refrigerant charge check, dust filter replacement for heating and ventilation, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement, folding side mirror lubrication, hood lubrication. * **Safety:** Safety belt inspection, backrest lock operation check, lower noise encapsulation panel removal and installation, body paint damage inspection. This comprehensive manual equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain and repair your Mercedes 280 E for years to come.

The Mercedes-Benz 280E, produced from 1977 to 1985, was a mid-size luxury sedan that embodied the brand's renowned engineering and craftsmanship. This particular model, the 1981 280E, represented the second generation of the W123 series, introduced in 1976. It featured a sleek, angular design with a distinctive flared rear end, a hallmark of the W123 lineage. Powering this elegant machine was a 2.8-liter inline-six engine, codenamed M110, renowned for its smooth and refined operation. The 280E provided a balanced blend of performance and fuel efficiency, thanks to its fuel-injected engine and a well-engineered chassis. The suspension system, utilizing strut front and swing axle rear, provided a comfortable ride while maintaining responsive handling. Inside the 280E, a spacious and luxurious interior awaited its occupants. Rich leather upholstery, elegant wood trim, and a driver-focused cockpit exemplified the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of comfort and precision. Features like an optional sunroof, air conditioning, and a powerful stereo system ensured a pleasurable driving experience. The 280E, like its W123 predecessors, was praised for its robust construction, reliability, and longevity, becoming a sought-after classic and a testament to Mercedes-Benz's dedication to quality and engineering excellence. The 1981 model year brought minor refinements, such as updated taillight designs and interior materials, solidifying the 280E's position as a desirable and enduring automotive icon.