🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W126 (S-Class) Model Years Covered: 1981-1991 Product Name: Mercedes-Benz Model 126 Car Service & Repair Manual Codes Chassis Code: W126 Engine Code Common: M116, M117, OM617, OM603 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The definitive resource for maintaining and repairing the iconic Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class, catering to both enthusiastic owners and professional technicians. Competitive Analysis Advantage: Provides comprehensive, factory-level detail often missing in third-party publications, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all W126 variants across a broad production span. Key Features Content Highlight: Covers every aspect of the vehicle from routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, backed by detailed illustrations and factory specifications. Value Proposition Cost Savings: Enables owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves, significantly reducing labor costs associated with dealership servicing. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Variants Covered: 300 SD, 300 SDL, 300 SE, 300 SEL, 350 SD, 350 SDL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 380 SEC, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 500 SEC, 560 SEL, 560 SEC Page Count Total Pages: > 9,000 Manual Type Type: Complete Official Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine overhaul and rebuilding, transmission removal and installation, transmission in-car servicing, engine performance, firing orders, serpentine belt routings with diagrams, timing belt service procedures. Chassis: Brakes, sunroof, front end and alignment procedures and specifications, suspension, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures, vacuum diagrams. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostic codes. Comfort And Convenience: Air conditioning service and capacities. Body And Frame: Includes body repair, panel replacement, door and window mechanisms, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable to specific variants not explicitly listed, but generally covered in broad chassis work). Procedures Included Maintenance: Factory maintenance schedules and charts, driving concerns. Diagnostics And Repair: Trouble codes, troubleshooting and diagnostics, detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics, step-by-step instructions, complete torque specifications, repair procedures. Troubleshooting Guides: Specific troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic tree charts for common issues. Technical Depth Depth: Complete disassembly, rebuild, refurbishment, restoration, advanced diagnostics, and repair procedures suitable for both DIY and professional mechanics. Illustrations And Diagrams: Hundreds of detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, and drawings guide users through procedures. Torque Specs: Comprehensive torque specifications for all major fasteners, crucial for correct assembly and preventing damage. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: All versions of Windows & Mac Searchability: Searchable Print Quality Printability: Fully printable Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Features Bookmarking: Bookmarked Zoom Capability: Yes (Zoom in/out) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: Inline-5 Diesel (OM617, OM603), V8 Gasoline (M116, M117) Performance Displacement Range: 2.9L (300 SD/SDL) to 5.6L (560 SEL/SEC) Horsepower Range: Approximately 136 hp (300 SD) to 227 hp (560 SEC/SEL) Fuel System Diesel Injection: Bosch inline injection pumps (OM617), Bosch inline injection pumps with EDC (OM603) Gasoline Injection: Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS), Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) Technical Details Valve Train: Overhead camshaft (OHC) for OM603, Overhead camshaft (OHC) with rocker arms for M116/M117 Cooling System: Pressurized, glycol-based coolant system with belt-driven fan or viscous coupling fan. Engine Management: Engine control units (ECUs) for gasoline models, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and idle speed control. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.4, 722.5) Optional Manual Transmission: Rarely offered, primarily on earlier European models, not typically specified for North American market coverage within this manual's scope. Features Torque Converter: Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency. Fluid Specifications Atf Type: MB 236.2 or MB 236.3 (Dexron II compatible, check specific model year) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Sedan (W126), Coupe (C126) Wheelbase Range: Approx. 2935 mm (Standard), 3075 mm (Long Wheelbase - SEL/SDL) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 1600 kg to 1900 kg depending on engine and equipment 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test History: W126 models were designed to high safety standards for their era, including crumple zones and robust passenger cell construction. Specific ratings are not readily available in a standardized modern format. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many models, standard on later versions. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag introduced as an option in later years, becoming standard on most models by the end of production. Seatbelts: Pre-tensioning front seatbelts on later models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory-installed AM/FM stereo cassette systems, often with optional amplifiers and premium speaker packages. Early models featured analog tuning, later models introduced digital tuning. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models, a sophisticated (for its time) electronic cruise control system. Connectivity Tele Aid: Not applicable for this era of vehicles. Climate Control HVAC System: Fully automatic climate control (THERMATIC on some models, THERMOTRONIC on higher trims) with sophisticated vacuum-actuated blend doors and blower control. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first....