๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 240 D Model Code: W123 Years Covered: 1981, 1982, 1983 Codes Engine Code Primary: OM616 (inline 4-cylinder diesel) ๐ Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Mercedes-Benz owners, independent repair shops, classic car enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides in-depth technical information essential for maintaining and repairing the robust W123 chassis and its OM616 diesel engine, often surpassing generic repair guides in detail. Key Features Comprehensiveness: Covers all aspects of the vehicle's systems with a focus on practical repair and maintenance. Accuracy: Derived from official Mercedes-Benz technical documentation. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Mechanical: Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components. Fuel System: Diesel injection system (Bosch), fuel pump, injectors, lines, and filters. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, and pipes. Ignition System: Glow plug system and diagnostics. Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox (4-speed or 5-speed manual), driveshafts. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission (e.g., 4-speed 722.1 or 722.3), torque converter, valve body. Suspension Front: Independent suspension, control arms, ball joints, springs, shock absorbers. Suspension Rear: Independent suspension, semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers. Steering System: Steering box, linkages, power steering pump (if equipped). Brake System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, lighting, fuses, relays. Bodywork And Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, underbody protection. Heating And Ventilation: HVAC system, heater core, blower motor, air conditioning (if equipped). Interior Trim: Dashboard, seats, door panels, carpet replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures and common problem resolution for all systems. Page Count Estimated Pages: 500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered All Systems: Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement. Rebuild Procedures: Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides with symptom-based diagnosis. Specification Data: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, timing data. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete overhauls. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Searchable Text: Yes (if PDF is OCR'd) Printable: Yes Print Quality Illustrations: High-quality diagrams and schematics. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine Code: OM616.912 (typical for this era 240 D) Displacement: 2.4 Liters (2399 cc) Performance Horsepower Approx: 70-72 hp @ 4000 rpm Torque Approx: 100-103 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm Fuel System Injection System: Bosch Inline Injection Pump (e.g., PES 4M55/220) Injectors: Bosch Diesel Injectors Fuel Type Fuel Type: Diesel Fuel Cooling System Cooling Method: Liquid Cooling Lubrication Oil Capacity Approx: 7.5 Liters (with filter) Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 15W-40 Diesel (e.g., MB 228.1 specification) ๐ง Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Manual (usually) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.1 or 722.3) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., MB 235.0 specification, SAE 80W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III equivalent (check manual for exact MB specification, e.g., MB 236.1) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Body Style: Sedan (Limousine) Wheelbase Approx: 2794 mm (110 inches) Overall Length Approx: 4725 mm (186 inches) Weights Curb Weight Approx: 1400 - 1500 kg (3086 - 3307 lbs) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test History: While official modern crash test ratings for this era are scarce, Mercedes-Benz W123 models were renowned for their robust build quality and safety features for their time. Active Features Braking: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes with dual hydraulic circuits. Passive Features Chassis Design: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones. Steering Column: Collapsible steering column. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Typically an AM/FM radio with cassette player, often a Becker unit. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on some models. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era; primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (check specific manual recommendations). Fuel Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles. Valve Adjustment: Periodically, as specified in the manual (e.g., every 20,000-30,000 miles). Fluid Specifications Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., MB specification 325.0 or similar). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Known Issues Diesel Injection Pump Wear: Wear in injection pump components can lead to starting issues or rough running. Rust Corrosion: Common on older Mercedes-Benz models, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and around windows. Vacuum System Leaks: Vacuum leaks can affect central locking, door locks, and headlight leveling. Prechamber Glow Plugs: Failure of prechamber glow plugs can cause hard starting in cold weather. ๐ Vehicle History...
Mercedes-Benz owners, independent repair shops, classic car enthusiasts.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical information essential for maintaining and repairing the robust W123 chassis and its OM616 diesel engine, often surpassing generic repair guides in detail.
Key Features
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all aspects of the vehicle's systems with a focus on practical repair and maintenance.
Accuracy:
Derived from official Mercedes-Benz technical documentation.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components.
Fuel System:
Diesel injection system (Bosch), fuel pump, injectors, lines, and filters.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, and pipes.
Ignition System:
Glow plug system and diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox (4-speed or 5-speed manual), driveshafts.
Dexron III equivalent (check manual for exact MB specification, e.g., MB 236.1)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
Sedan (Limousine)
Wheelbase Approx:
2794 mm (110 inches)
Overall Length Approx:
4725 mm (186 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
1400 - 1500 kg (3086 - 3307 lbs)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test History:
While official modern crash test ratings for this era are scarce, Mercedes-Benz W123 models were renowned for their robust build quality and safety features for their time.
Active Features
Braking:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes with dual hydraulic circuits.
Passive Features
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically an AM/FM radio with cassette player, often a Becker unit.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on some models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (check specific manual recommendations).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles.
Valve Adjustment:
Periodically, as specified in the manual (e.g., every 20,000-30,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., MB specification 325.0 or similar).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Diesel Injection Pump Wear:
Wear in injection pump components can lead to starting issues or rough running.
Rust Corrosion:
Common on older Mercedes-Benz models, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and around windows.
Vacuum System Leaks:
Vacuum leaks can affect central locking, door locks, and headlight leveling.
Prechamber Glow Plugs:
Failure of prechamber glow plugs can cause hard starting in cold weather.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with engineering excellence, durability, and luxury, particularly in the diesel segment.
Model Evolution
W123 Significance:
The W123 series (1976-1985) is celebrated for its legendary reliability and longevity, setting a benchmark for executive sedans. The 240 D represented the entry-level diesel option within this esteemed lineup.
Production
Production Period 240D:
1976-1985 (covering the specific 1981-1983 years)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Reputation:
The W123 chassis is universally recognized as one of the most durable and reliable Mercedes-Benz models ever produced, earning it a legendary status among enthusiasts and critics alike.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction:
Consistently high owner satisfaction due to longevity and low cost of ownership over the long term when properly maintained.