This comprehensive Mercedes 380 SLC 1981 Service Repair Manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams to guide you through every step of repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishment, or restoration of your vehicle. This manual covers the same information used by professional technicians and mechanics, empowering you to confidently tackle any repair or maintenance task. Gain access to in-depth procedures covering all major components, including: * **Engine:** Inspecting component condition, changing oil and filter, adjusting valve clearance, checking idle speed, adjusting injection timing, replacing fuel filters, cleaning air filter elements, checking V-belts, replacing oxygen sensors, checking and replacing spark plugs, checking coolant level and antifreeze protection, replacing coolant, adjusting engine stop, retorquing engine mount bolts. * **Transmission:** Checking clutch disk wear, changing manual transmission oil, checking and correcting manual transmission oil level, changing automatic transmission fluid and filter, checking and correcting automatic transmission fluid level, changing transfer case fluid, checking and correcting transfer case fluid level, checking and correcting clutch system fluid level, inspecting clutch system. * **Drivetrain:** Inspecting and lubricating throttle linkage, checking and adjusting idle speed adjuster, checking and correcting fluid levels for Level Control, ADS, ASD, and 4MATIC systems, inspecting self-leveling suspension, checking and correcting front axle oil level, checking front axle ball joints, changing rear axle oil, checking and correcting rear axle oil level, adjusting rear axle mount limiting stop, inspecting and rotating wheels, inspecting tires, correcting tire pressure, tightening wheel bolts, inspecting drive shaft flexible coupling. * **Brakes:** Checking brake fluid level, inspecting brake lines, checking brake pads and disk thickness, inspecting and cleaning brake disks, inspecting parking brake cable, adjusting parking brake, replacing brake fluid, conducting brake tests and parking brake checks. * **Steering & Suspension:** Checking power steering fluid level, checking steering play, retightening steering bolts. * **Fuel & Exhaust:** Checking fuel system condition, retightening exhaust flange, retightening exhaust system connections. * **Electrical:** Checking and correcting battery fluid level, checking warning and indicator lamps, cleaning water drains, removing and installing engine compartment lower panel. * **Body:** Lubricating door hinges, lubricating door locks, checking and correcting hydraulic top fluid level, cleaning and greasing sunroof rails, checking soft top locking tabs, checking and correcting windshield washer fluid level, cleaning cassette deck tone head, cleaning antenna mast, inspecting headlamps and exterior lamps, inspecting windshield and headlamp wipers and washers, replacing windshield wiper blades. * **Climate Control:** Checking and correcting AC refrigerant charge, replacing dust filter for heating and ventilation, replacing active charcoal filter, replacing recirculating air filter. * **Interior:** Lubricating folding side mirrors, lubricating hood, inspecting safety belts, checking backrest lock operation, removing and installing lower noise encapsulation panels, checking body for paint damage. This comprehensive manual provides the information you need to perform routine maintenance and address complex repairs, ensuring your Mercedes 380 SLC remains in top condition.

The Mercedes-Benz 380 SLC, produced from 1978 to 1981, was a luxurious and sporty coupe that solidified the brand's reputation for engineering excellence and sophisticated design. Built on the same chassis as the W116 S-Class sedans, the 380 SLC offered a compelling blend of comfort and performance. Powered by a 3.8-liter V8 engine, it produced 156 hp and propelled the sleek coupe to a top speed of 124 mph. The 380 SLC was a substantial car, weighing in at over 3,500 lbs, but its power and handling were still impressive. Its suspension featured a combination of independent front and rear axles, with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The interior reflected the luxury expected of a Mercedes, boasting comfortable leather seats, a spacious cabin, and a range of creature comforts. The 380 SLC's unique design, with its sloping roofline and long, elegant hood, was a testament to the aerodynamic advancements of the time. Its distinctive silhouette and distinctive grille differentiated it from its contemporaries, while its powerful engine and comfortable interior made it a desirable choice for discerning drivers. However, the 380 SLC was not without its drawbacks. The car's relatively high price point and its fuel consumption, due to its thirsty V8 engine, contributed to its limited production run. Despite its short lifespan, the 380 SLC remains a coveted classic, its timeless design and engineering prowess captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike. The 1981 380 SLC Service Repair Manual is an essential tool for owners and mechanics who seek to maintain and restore these remarkable machines. It provides detailed technical specifications, troubleshooting guides, and comprehensive repair procedures, ensuring that the 380 SLC can continue to grace the roads for generations to come.