🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W123 280E Years Covered: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 Body Styles Covered: Sedan (W123), Estate/Station Wagon (S123), Coupe (C123), Long Wheelbase Sedan (V123) Codes Chassis Code: W123 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Owners of Mercedes-Benz W123 280E models seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, as well as independent repair shops. Competitive Analysis Source Authenticity: Official factory service manual, providing accurate and authorized repair information, distinguishing it from unofficial or third-party guides. Key Features Content Detail: Hundreds of pages of detailed instructions, illustrations, diagrams, and specifications, mimicking the knowledge of factory-trained technicians. Usability: User-friendly interface, enabling easy navigation and printing of specific sections or the entire manual. Value Proposition Cost Savings: Enables owners to save significantly on labor costs by performing their own servicing. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Complete factory service and repair Scope: All maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair procedures for the specified model and years. Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as 'complete' and 'comprehensive') Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual (Official) Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Service: Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, repair, and tuning for the M110 2.8L inline-six engine. Fuel System: Fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic), fuel pump, lines, filter, injectors, and fuel tank service. Ignition System: Ignition system components, timing, troubleshooting, and repair. Transmission Service: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, fluid changes, and troubleshooting. Drivetrain: Differential, axles, driveshaft, universal joints, and rear axle service. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, rotors, pads, and parking brake service. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment. Steering: Power steering system, steering box, linkages, and troubleshooting. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, and coolant service. Electrical System: Full coverage of all electrical components, wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator/generator), starting system (starter), and battery service. Climate Control: Heater core, ventilation system, air conditioning system (if equipped), and related components. Chassis Body: Body structure, doors, hood, trunk, fenders, bumpers, glass, and related hardware. Interior: Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, and related interior components. Emission Control: Emission control systems, catalytic converter (if applicable), and related components. Restraint System: Seat belts and other passive safety restraint systems. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, and general servicing. Troubleshooting: Comprehensive diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components and systems. Rebuilding: Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines and transmissions. Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostic techniques for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults. Wiring Diagrams: Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems. Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Compatibility: All PC based Windows operating systems and Mac OS. Requires Adobe PDF Reader. Print Quality Printability: Fully printable. Users can print the entire manual or specific pages. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Downloadable PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital Format) Digital Features Searchability: Searchable PDF allows for quick finding of information. Storage: Can be saved to hard drive or burned to CD-ROM. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M110.98x Engine Type: 2.8 Liter (2746 cc) SOHC Inline-Six Cylinder Bore X Stroke: 86.0 mm x 79.0 mm Performance Horsepower Est: 182-185 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (Varies slightly by year and market) Torque Est: 222-228 lb-ft @ 3500-4500 rpm (Varies slightly by year and market) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87+ octane) Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water) Lubrication Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts) with filter change. Engine Oil Specification: Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 20W-50, 15W-40) based on ambient temperature. API service classification SG or equivalent recommended. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Manual Transmission (common in early models) Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4G-TRONIC 722.1/722.3, often optional) Features Automatic Features: Torque converter, hydraulic control. Specific shift points and modes can be adjusted. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: MB Specification 236.1 (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent). Capacity approx. 7-8 liters. Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 1.5-2.0 liters. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2794 mm (110.0 inches) Length: 4725 mm (186.0 inches) Width: 1790 mm (70.5 inches) Height: 1440 mm (56.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight Est: 1400-1550 kg (3086-3417 lbs) depending on body style and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est: Approx. 2000 kg...
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering box, linkages, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, and coolant service.
Electrical System:
Full coverage of all electrical components, wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator/generator), starting system (starter), and battery service.
Climate Control:
Heater core, ventilation system, air conditioning system (if equipped), and related components.
Chassis Body:
Body structure, doors, hood, trunk, fenders, bumpers, glass, and related hardware.
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, and related interior components.
Emission Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converter (if applicable), and related components.
Restraint System:
Seat belts and other passive safety restraint systems.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, and general servicing.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components and systems.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines and transmissions.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic techniques for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Compatibility:
All PC based Windows operating systems and Mac OS. Requires Adobe PDF Reader.
Print Quality
Printability:
Fully printable. Users can print the entire manual or specific pages.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Digital Features
Searchability:
Searchable PDF allows for quick finding of information.
Storage:
Can be saved to hard drive or burned to CD-ROM.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M110.98x
Engine Type:
2.8 Liter (2746 cc) SOHC Inline-Six Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 79.0 mm
Performance
Horsepower Est:
182-185 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (Varies slightly by year and market)
Torque Est:
222-228 lb-ft @ 3500-4500 rpm (Varies slightly by year and market)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (87+ octane)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Lubrication
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts) with filter change.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 20W-50, 15W-40) based on ambient temperature. API service classification SG or equivalent recommended.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission (common in early models)
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4G-TRONIC 722.1/722.3, often optional)
Features
Automatic Features:
Torque converter, hydraulic control. Specific shift points and modes can be adjusted.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.1 (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent). Capacity approx. 7-8 liters.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 1.5-2.0 liters.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2794 mm (110.0 inches)
Length:
4725 mm (186.0 inches)
Width:
1790 mm (70.5 inches)
Height:
1440 mm (56.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Est:
1400-1550 kg (3086-3417 lbs) depending on body style and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Approx. 2000 kg (4409 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety:
Designed with a strong safety cell and crumple zones, typical of Mercedes-Benz engineering of the era. Specific official crash test ratings from modern agencies may not be directly comparable.
Active Features
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated) standard on 280E, offering robust stopping power.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in the front and rear (standard). Optional seatbelt pre-tensioners may have been available.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column designed to absorb impact energy.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original factory-fitted Becker radios with AM/FM and cassette tape capabilities were common. Options for upgraded sound systems may have existed.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on some models.
Climate Control System:
Manual or automatic climate control systems were available, offering heating and ventilation. Air conditioning was an optional extra.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle mechanics and basic comfort features. No modern connectivity like Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for exact recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: ~50,000 km (30,000 miles). Manual: Inspect and change as needed, typically every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage, to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion.
Coolant Change:
Typically every 2-3 years or 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 236.3 (e.g., Dexron II or ATF compatible with power steering systems).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Common Faults:
Cracked dashboard (sun exposure), vacuum leak issues affecting central locking and climate control, rust (particularly around wheel wells, door bottoms, and sunroofs), fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), worn suspension bushings.
Diesel Specific Note:
This manual is for the 280E gasoline model; diesel variants (e.g., 240D, 300D) have different engine and fuel system maintenance requirements.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to engineering excellence, durability, and safety established in the mid-20th century.
Model Evolution
W123 Series Introduction:
The W123 series, introduced in 1975, succeeded the W114/W115 range and was produced until 1986. It was renowned for its build quality and longevity.
280E Positioning:
The 280E was positioned as a more powerful, refined, and luxurious variant within the W123 lineup, often considered a 'baby S-Class'.
Production
Production Period:
The W123 series was produced from 1975 to 1986. The 280E model specifically covered by this manual spans 1976-1985.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some assembly also occurring in other international locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Standing:
The W123 series is widely recognized for its exceptional build quality, durability, and reliability, often cited as one of Mercedes-Benz's finest and most enduring designs. It earned a reputation for being 'over-engineered'.
Legacy:
The W123 series continues to be highly sought after by classic car enthusiasts and collectors for its timeless design and robust engineering.
Le choix d'une sélection entraîne l'actualisation de la page entière.