This comprehensive 1981 Mercedes W126 SEL Service and Repair Manual is your ultimate guide to maintaining, servicing, diagnosing, and repairing your vehicle. It provides the same detailed information used by technicians at Mercedes dealerships, ensuring you have the most accurate and reliable resource available.

The manual covers all models and all aspects of repair, from basic maintenance to complex engine work. It is packed with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications that make even the most challenging repairs manageable. Every aspect of your vehicle is covered, including but not limited to:

* **Maintenance:** Regular maintenance procedures, schedules, and tips.
* **Engine:** Detailed information on engine operation, performance tuning, troubleshooting, and repair.
* **Control System:** Understanding and troubleshooting your vehicle's electronic control systems.
* **Mechanical:** In-depth coverage of all mechanical components, including transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, and more.
* **Fuel Service Specifications:** Information on fuel systems, including fuel injection, carburetors, and emission control.
* **Intake Exhaust Cooling:** Detailed information on your vehicle's intake, exhaust, and cooling systems.
* **Lube:** Comprehensive guide on lubrication systems and proper fluid levels.
* **Ignition Starting Charging:** In-depth coverage of ignition, starting, and charging systems.
* **Auto Transmission Clutch:** Detailed information on automatic transmission operation, repair, and maintenance.
* **Manual Transmission:** Comprehensive guide to manual transmission operation, repair, and maintenance.
* **Transfer Propeller Shaft:** Information on transfer case and propeller shaft systems.
* **Drive Shaft:** Information on drive shaft operation and maintenance.
* **Differential:** Coverage of differential systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Axle Suspension:** Detailed information on axle and suspension systems, including repair and maintenance.
* **Tire & Wheel:** Information on tire selection, maintenance, and wheel repair.
* **Brake Control:** Understanding and troubleshooting your vehicle's brake control systems.
* **Brake:** Comprehensive guide to brake systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Parking Brake:** Information on parking brake operation and maintenance.
* **Steering Column:** Coverage of steering column systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Power Steering:** Information on power steering systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Air Condition:** Detailed information on your vehicle's air conditioning system, including troubleshooting and repair.
* **Suppl Restraint System:** Information on supplemental restraint systems, including airbags and seatbelts.
* **Seat Belt:** Detailed information on seatbelt systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Engine Immobilizer:** Understanding and troubleshooting your vehicle's engine immobilizer system.
* **Cruise Control:** Information on cruise control systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Wiper & Washer:** Coverage of wiper and washer systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Door Lock:** Information on door lock systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Meter Audio/Visual:** Coverage of instrument cluster and audio/visual systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Horn:** Information on horn systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Windshield/Glass Mirror:** Information on windshield, glass, and mirror systems, including repair and replacement.
* **Instrument Panel:** Coverage of instrument panel systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Seat:** Detailed information on seat systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Engine Hood/ Door:** Information on engine hood and door systems, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
* **Exterior & Interior:** Coverage of exterior and interior components, including trim, upholstery, and lighting.
* **Electrical:** Comprehensive guide to electrical systems, including wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, and repairs.
* **Multiplex/ Can Communication:** Understanding and troubleshooting your vehicle's multiplex and CAN communication systems.

This manual is designed to be user-friendly and provides everything you need to confidently maintain and repair your Mercedes W126 SEL. You can print the pages you need, making it convenient to have the information readily available at your workbench.

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL, often simply referred to as the "S-Class," marks a pivotal moment in automotive history. It was the first generation of the flagship S-Class model, a designation that has since become synonymous with luxury, performance, and engineering excellence. The W126 generation, produced from 1979 to 1991, represented a significant departure from its predecessor, the W116. The design was more aerodynamic, characterized by the "teardrop" shape that was then groundbreaking. It featured a larger, more spacious interior, boasting plush leather upholstery, advanced technology for its time, and a focus on comfort and refinement. The SEL variant was the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, offering even more spaciousness and a truly luxurious driving experience.

Under the hood, the 1981 SEL offered a range of powerful engines, each showcasing Mercedes-Benz's dedication to performance and efficiency. The standard engine was a 3.5-liter V8, while the more powerful versions boasted 3.8-liter and 5.0-liter V8s, all featuring fuel injection for smooth power delivery. The W126 SEL was also available with a diesel engine option, a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to diverse powertrain choices. The car's reputation for durability and reliability was further cemented by its robust construction and meticulous attention to detail. This attention to quality is reflected in the extensive 1981 Mercedes W126 SEL Service and Repair Manual, a comprehensive guide to maintaining and repairing this iconic car. This manual provides detailed instructions and technical specifications, empowering owners and mechanics to ensure the longevity and performance of the W126 SEL, allowing it to continue to grace the roads for generations to come.