🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 500 SEL Years Covered: 1984, 1985 Codes Chassis Code: W126 Engine Code Primary: M117 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Key Selling Points: Exceptional build quality, advanced engineering, luxurious interior, powerful V8 engine, comfortable ride, high safety standards for its era. Competitive Analysis Primary Competitors: BMW 7 Series (E23), Jaguar XJ-S, Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, Cadillac Fleetwood. Key Features Distinguishing Features: W126 chassis's aerodynamic design, reputation for durability and longevity, sophisticated engineering, plush interior appointments. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: All mechanical and electrical systems for 1984-1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL. Secondary Coverage: Bodywork, chassis, diagnostics, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance. Page Count Estimated Page Count: 800-1200 (estimated for a comprehensive factory manual, exact count not provided in product info) Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (Bosch KE-Jetronic), exhaust system. Engine Electrical: Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, wiring diagrams. Transmission: Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 series), torque converter, hydraulic control, shift linkage, transmission fluid and filter service. Drivetrain: Drive shaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential, half-shafts. Suspension: Front suspension (independent, double wishbone), rear suspension (independent, multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering knuckle assembly. Steering: Power steering system, steering box, steering column, tie rods, linkage. Brakes: Front disc brakes (ventilated), rear disc brakes, brake hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, charging system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control system electronics, instrument cluster, fuse box and relay locations. Bodywork: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, weatherstripping. HVAC: Air conditioning system components, heater core, blower motor, control panels, refrigerant handling. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, lubrication points. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (if applicable), component testing, measurement specifications. Repair Procedures: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component replacement, body repair. Component Disassembly Reassembly: Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling all major components. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if digitally created or scanned with OCR, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics. Print Quality Quality: Depends on original source; factory manuals are typically clear and well-illustrated. Download quality may vary. Binding Type Type: N/A (Downloadable PDF) Paper Type Type: N/A (Downloadable PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Displacement: 4.973 Liters (303.5 cubic inches) Bore X Stroke: 94.5 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 (typical, may vary slightly by market) Fuel Delivery: Bosch KE-Jetronic Continuous Injection System (CIS-E) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 230-240 hp (DIN) at 4750 rpm (exact figures vary by market and tuning) Torque: Approx. 280-288 lb-ft (380-395 Nm) at 2800-3000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.3xx series) Optional Type: Not typically offered with manual transmission in the 500 SEL for these years in major markets. Features Features: Hydraulic torque converter, electronically controlled (for shift points and lock-up clutch on later models within this range), rear-wheel drive. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 5005 mm (197.0 in) Width: Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in) Height: Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2935 mm (115.6 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1750-1850 kg (3858-4079 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 2300 kg (5070 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Era Specific Ratings: Considered among the safest sedans of its time due to robust construction and design, though formal crash ratings like NHTSA were less standardized then. Active Features Active Safety: Four-wheel disc brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power steering. Passive Features Passive Safety: Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones, driver's airbag (introduced on some W126 models during this period, though may not be standard on all '84-'85 500 SEL), seat belts with pre-tensioners, laminated windshield. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic analog radio with cassette player, manual climate control. Optional features might include upgraded sound systems. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available, marking an early adoption of advanced braking technology. Connectivity Connectivity: Limited by modern standards; primarily mechanical linkages for controls and basic electrical systems. No integrated Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles...
Front suspension (independent, double wishbone), rear suspension (independent, multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering knuckle assembly.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering box, steering column, tie rods, linkage.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (ventilated), rear disc brakes, brake hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control system electronics, instrument cluster, fuse box and relay locations.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, weatherstripping.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system components, heater core, blower motor, control panels, refrigerant handling.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, lubrication points.
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component replacement, body repair.
Component Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling all major components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if digitally created or scanned with OCR, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics.
Print Quality
Quality:
Depends on original source; factory manuals are typically clear and well-illustrated. Download quality may vary.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
4.973 Liters (303.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
94.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical, may vary slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Continuous Injection System (CIS-E)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 230-240 hp (DIN) at 4750 rpm (exact figures vary by market and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 280-288 lb-ft (380-395 Nm) at 2800-3000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.3xx series)
Optional
Type:
Not typically offered with manual transmission in the 500 SEL for these years in major markets.
Features
Features:
Hydraulic torque converter, electronically controlled (for shift points and lock-up clutch on later models within this range), rear-wheel drive.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 5005 mm (197.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2935 mm (115.6 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1750-1850 kg (3858-4079 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 2300 kg (5070 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Era Specific Ratings:
Considered among the safest sedans of its time due to robust construction and design, though formal crash ratings like NHTSA were less standardized then.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power steering.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones, driver's airbag (introduced on some W126 models during this period, though may not be standard on all '84-'85 500 SEL), seat belts with pre-tensioners, laminated windshield.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic analog radio with cassette player, manual climate control. Optional features might include upgraded sound systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available, marking an early adoption of advanced braking technology.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
Limited by modern standards; primarily mechanical linkages for controls and basic electrical systems. No integrated Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation).
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals, depending on plug type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent) with appropriate antifreeze/water mixture.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.1 or 236.3 specification ATF (e.g., Dexron II).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for confirmation).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, engine mounts, transmission mounts, fuel distributor seals, vacuum lines.
Common Failures:
Fuel distributor issues (KE-Jetronic), vacuum leaks leading to rough idle, blower motor resistor failure, self-leveling suspension components (if equipped), radiator leaks, wiring harness degradation (especially insulation on older models).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability since its inception.
Model Evolution
W126 Generation:
The W126 S-Class was produced from 1979 to 1991, with significant updates (facelift) in 1985. The 1984-1985 models represent the pre-facelift version of this highly successful generation.
500 Sel Introduction:
The 500 SEL (Long Wheelbase) variant offered increased rear passenger legroom, further emphasizing its luxury positioning.
Production
Production Location:
Germany (primarily Sindelfingen plant)
Production Volume:
The W126 S-Class was a significant volume seller for Mercedes-Benz in the luxury segment, with millions produced globally over its lifespan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Awards:
The W126 design, by Bruno Sacco, is widely acclaimed for its timeless elegance and aerodynamic efficiency, often cited as a benchmark in automotive design.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
Despite some known wear-item issues, the W126 is generally regarded as a highly reliable and durable vehicle when properly maintained, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's quality standards.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Complied with all relevant safety regulations for its production era and markets.
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