🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W123 E-Class Year: 1979 Codes Chassis Code: W123 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive mid-size sedan/coupe/estate, known for its robust engineering, luxury appointments, and durability. Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 5 Series (E12/E28), Audi 100, Volvo 240/260, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Seville. Key Features Vehicle Reputation: Renowned for build quality, longevity, safety (for its era), and Mercedes-Benz's signature engineering. Manual Value Proposition: Provides critical, vehicle-specific technical data essential for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, enabling DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to service the W123 to factory standards. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Types Covered: All gasoline and diesel engines offered for the W123 E-Class in 1979, including M110 (2.8L I6), M115 (2.3L I4), OM615 (2.2L I4 Diesel), OM616 (2.4L I4 Diesel), and OM617 (3.0L I5 Diesel). Body Styles Covered: All body styles including Sedan (W123.043, W123.023, W123.103), Coupe (W123.053), and Estate/Wagon (S123.013). Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes-Benz service manuals of this era). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Print Replica / Digital PDF (depending on product offering) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, and testing procedures for all engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems, oil pump, cooling system, and lubrication. Fuel System: Comprehensive coverage of gasoline fuel injection (Bosch K-Jetronic) and diesel fuel injection systems (Bosch inline and rotary pumps), including component testing, calibration, and troubleshooting. Ignition System: Diagnosis and repair of ignition systems, including distributor, coils, spark plugs, and electronic ignition components. Transmission Manual: Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch assembly, gear selection mechanisms, and internal component overhaul. Transmission Automatic: Detailed repair and adjustment of automatic transmissions (e.g., 4-speed 722.1 series), including torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, and hydraulic control systems. Drivetrain And Axles: Service for rear axle assemblies, differential, driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings. Brakes: Repair and servicing of front and rear disc brakes (including caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor machining/replacement), parking brake system, and brake fluid specifications. (Note: ABS was not standard on W123). Suspension: Front and rear suspension component service, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bars, and bushings. Wheel alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system diagnosis and repair, including steering gear, pump, hoses, and fluid specifications. Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting, instrumentation, ignition switch, and accessory circuits. Climate Control: Service for heating and ventilation systems. A/C system (if equipped) diagnosis and refrigerant handling (R12). Body And Interior: Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, upholstery, trim removal, and glass replacement. Procedures Included Maintenance Scheduling: Detailed recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and component inspections based on mileage and time. Troubleshooting Diagnostics: Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems. Component Rebuilds: Complete instructions for the overhaul and rebuilding of major mechanical components like engines, transmissions, and differentials. Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts throughout the vehicle. Special Tools: Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls. Equivalent to dealership-level technical information. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Features: Searchable text, hyperlinked sections (if digital), printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and schematics. Print Quality Print Quality Assessment: Professionally reproduced or original print quality, ensuring clear legible text and sharp, detailed diagrams. Binding Type Binding: Professional binding (e.g., saddle-stitched, perfect bound, or spiral bound for digital print-on-demand) for durability in a workshop environment. Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable paper stock, often heavier gauge than standard printing paper, suitable for repeated handling in garages and workshops. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options 1979: M110 (2.8L SOHC I6, 137-140 hp), M115 (2.3L SOHC I4, 93-104 hp), OM615 (2.2L OHV I4 Diesel, 55 hp), OM616 (2.4L OHV I4 Diesel, 62-72 hp), OM617 (3.0L OHV I5 Diesel, 72-80 hp). Performance Typical Top Speed: Varies by engine, e.g., 110-125 mph for gasoline models. Fuel System Gasoline Injection Type: Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) continuous injection system. Diesel Injection Type: Bosch inline or rotary injection pumps. Engine Oil Recommended Oil Viscosity: Varies by climate and engine, typically 10W-40 or 20W-50. Refer to manual for specific recommendations and API service classifications (e.g., API SF or later for gasoline, CD or later for diesel). Engine Coolant Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Capacity approximately 7-9 liters. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission (common on base models). Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.1 series) was widely available. Features Automatic Transmission Features: Hydraulic torque converter, planetary gear sets, vacuum modulator...
Executive mid-size sedan/coupe/estate, known for its robust engineering, luxury appointments, and durability.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E12/E28), Audi 100, Volvo 240/260, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Seville.
Key Features
Vehicle Reputation:
Renowned for build quality, longevity, safety (for its era), and Mercedes-Benz's signature engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides critical, vehicle-specific technical data essential for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, enabling DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to service the W123 to factory standards.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine Types Covered:
All gasoline and diesel engines offered for the W123 E-Class in 1979, including M110 (2.8L I6), M115 (2.3L I4), OM615 (2.2L I4 Diesel), OM616 (2.4L I4 Diesel), and OM617 (3.0L I5 Diesel).
Body Styles Covered:
All body styles including Sedan (W123.043, W123.023, W123.103), Coupe (W123.053), and Estate/Wagon (S123.013).
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes-Benz service manuals of this era).
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Print Replica / Digital PDF (depending on product offering)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, and testing procedures for all engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems, oil pump, cooling system, and lubrication.
Fuel System:
Comprehensive coverage of gasoline fuel injection (Bosch K-Jetronic) and diesel fuel injection systems (Bosch inline and rotary pumps), including component testing, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Ignition System:
Diagnosis and repair of ignition systems, including distributor, coils, spark plugs, and electronic ignition components.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch assembly, gear selection mechanisms, and internal component overhaul.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed repair and adjustment of automatic transmissions (e.g., 4-speed 722.1 series), including torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, and hydraulic control systems.
Drivetrain And Axles:
Service for rear axle assemblies, differential, driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Repair and servicing of front and rear disc brakes (including caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor machining/replacement), parking brake system, and brake fluid specifications. (Note: ABS was not standard on W123).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component service, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bars, and bushings. Wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, including steering gear, pump, hoses, and fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting, instrumentation, ignition switch, and accessory circuits.
Climate Control:
Service for heating and ventilation systems. A/C system (if equipped) diagnosis and refrigerant handling (R12).
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, upholstery, trim removal, and glass replacement.
Procedures Included
Maintenance Scheduling:
Detailed recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and component inspections based on mileage and time.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.
Component Rebuilds:
Complete instructions for the overhaul and rebuilding of major mechanical components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts throughout the vehicle.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls. Equivalent to dealership-level technical information.
Varies by climate and engine, typically 10W-40 or 20W-50. Refer to manual for specific recommendations and API service classifications (e.g., API SF or later for gasoline, CD or later for diesel).
Engine Coolant
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Capacity approximately 7-9 liters.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission (common on base models).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.1 series) was widely available.
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Hydraulic torque converter, planetary gear sets, vacuum modulator for shift control, often with a 'comfort' and 'sport' shift mode selection.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB-approval 236.1 or Dexron II equivalent. Capacity approx. 7-8 liters.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Sedan/Coupe: 2794 mm (110.0 in); Estate: 2820 mm (111.0 in)
Length:
Sedan: ~4725 mm (186.0 in); Coupe: ~4725 mm (186.0 in); Estate: ~4765 mm (187.6 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by model and engine, typically 1400-1600 kg (3086-3527 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1900-2050 kg (4189-4519 lbs).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Era:
While official NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings were not as standardized as today, the W123 was designed with significant safety considerations for its time, including a strong safety cage and energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Active Features
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated) on many models, power-assisted.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, often with inertial reel. Optional rear seatbelts. Early models may have lap belts.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column designed to absorb impact energy.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original equipment often included AM/FM radio with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Driver Assistance
Advanced Features Era:
Limited by 1979 standards. Features like cruise control, power windows, power locks, and automatic climate control (optional) were considered advanced.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
None by modern standards. Communication was limited to the vehicle's internal systems and radio.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on oil quality and driving conditions. Diesel engines might have slightly shorter intervals.
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).
Ignition Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement typically every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles). Check distributor cap, rotor, and ignition points (if applicable).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-approval 236.3 (Dexron II equivalent).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Rubber bushings (suspension, engine mounts), climate control O-rings/seals, fuel accumulator (K-Jetronic), glow plug system (diesel), vacuum lines.
Potential Corrosion:
Rust prone areas: wheel arches, rocker panels, jack points, trunk floor. Thorough inspection is recommended.
Diesel Specific Issues:
Injectors, injection pump calibration, glow plug reliability, overheating due to aging cooling systems.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, durability, and safety, dating back to the late 19th century.
Model Evolution
W123 Predecessor:
Successor to the W114/W115 'Stroke Eight' series.
W123 Successor:
Preceded the W124 E-Class.
Production
Production Years:
1975-1985
Production Volume:
Over 2.6 million units produced across all variants, making it one of Mercedes-Benz's most successful models.
Consistently ranked among the most reliable and durable cars of its era by automotive publications. Often cited for its robust engineering and long-term value retention.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
High reliability and durability, particularly the diesel models, which were known to exceed hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance.
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