🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W126 SEL Year: 1979 Codes Chassis Code: W126 Body Style Code: SEL (Sonderklasse Lang - Special Class Long Wheelbase) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A premium service and repair manual for an iconic luxury sedan, targeting owners and independent repair shops seeking authentic, detailed information. Competitive Analysis Uniqueness: Distinguishes itself from generic repair guides by providing vehicle-specific, factory-level data used by authorized technicians. Key Features Ease Of Use: Single, easy-to-use PDF manual format with searchability and selective printing. Comprehensiveness: Covers all models and all repairs A-Z, ensuring no aspect of the vehicle's maintenance or repair is overlooked. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnosis Scope: All Models & All Repairs A-Z Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but described as comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed coverage of engine systems, including maintenance, diagnosis, and repair. Fuel System: Comprehensive fuel service specifications, including injection and delivery systems. Emission Control: In-depth information on emission control systems and related components. Cooling Lubrication: Coverage of cooling system and lubrication system maintenance and repair. Ignition Charging Starting: Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for ignition, starting, and charging systems. Transmission: Coverage for automatic transmissions, including service, diagnosis, and repair. Manual transmission coverage if applicable to specific W126 variants. Drivetrain: Information on transfer cases, propeller shafts, drive shafts, differentials, and axles/suspension. Brakes: Complete coverage of brake control systems, including hydraulic, disc, drum, and parking brake mechanisms. Steering: Detailed information on steering column and power steering systems. Climate Control: Specific procedures for air conditioning system maintenance and repair. Electrical Systems: Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring schematics, diagnosis, and component repair. Interior Exterior: Procedures for interior and exterior components, including seats, doors, engine hood, glass, and mirrors. Restraint Systems: Information on supplemental restraint systems and seat belts. Comfort Convenience: Coverage of systems such as cruise control, windshield wipers/washers, door locks, and horn. Instrumentation Audio: Details on instrument panel operation, meter functions, and audio/visual systems. Procedures Included Maintenance: Complete step-by-step instructions for routine maintenance tasks. Diagnosis: Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving vehicle issues. Repair: Detailed instructions for all types of repairs, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls. Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting guides and flowcharts for common and uncommon problems. Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level, highly detailed information, equivalent to what dealership technicians use. Visual Aids: Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics. Searchability: PDF format allows for keyword searching and blowing up images for clarity. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Compatibility: Windows (Vista32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible. Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (free online). Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable, allowing for selective printing of needed pages and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: Digital (PDF) - No physical binding; replaces greasy/torn paper manuals. Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Likely a V8 gasoline engine, common for the W126 SEL in this era (e.g., M116 or M117). Engine Code Examples: M116 (3.8L V8) or M117 (4.5L or 5.0L V8) - specific to the 1979 SEL model. Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 155-200 hp (depending on engine displacement and specific market tune). Torque Range: Approximately 200-250 lb-ft (depending on engine displacement and specific market tune). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS - Continuous Injection System) mechanical fuel injection. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (likely premium grade). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4G-TRONIC). Optional Optional Transmission: While rare for the SEL, manual transmissions were available on other W126 models. This manual may cover if applicable. Features Transmission Fluid Type: Likely Dexron II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - refer to specific manual for exact specification (e.g., MB-Approval 236.7). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 116.5 inches (2959 mm) for the SEL long wheelbase. Overall Length: Approximately 201.5 inches (5118 mm) for the SEL. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4000-4300 lbs (1814-1950 kg) depending on engine and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to specific vehicle VIN or manual for exact GVWR. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Standards: Designed to meet rigorous safety standards of its era. Specific crash test ratings from independent bodies may vary by market and year. Passive Features Passive Safety: Reinforced body structure, crumple zones, padded interior, laminated windshield, safety glass. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for front and rear occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic analog radio (AM/FM) with optional cassette player. Often features advanced for its time sound insulation. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Limited by modern standards; key features included power steering, cruise control, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) on some models. Connectivity Connectivity Features: No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration). 🔧...
Three-point seat belts for front and rear occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic analog radio (AM/FM) with optional cassette player. Often features advanced for its time sound insulation.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards; key features included power steering, cruise control, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) on some models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise interval).
Major Service Interval:
Major services often scheduled around 30,000 miles or 2-3 years, encompassing a broader range of checks and replacements.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
Likely API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 viscosity depending on climate (e.g., MB-Approval 227.1 or 228.1).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. MB-Approval 325.0 for specific coolant concentrate.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common W126 Issues:
Potential for vacuum system leaks (climate control, central locking), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), wear on suspension bushings, aging wiring harnesses, and rust in common areas.
Manual Benefit For Issues:
The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures and repair instructions specifically for these common issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to its origins.
Model Evolution
W126 Introduction:
The W126 chassis replaced the W116 and was produced from 1979 to 1991, setting new standards for automotive design, safety, and engineering.
Sel Variant:
The SEL designation signifies the long-wheelbase version, offering increased rear legroom and luxury appointments, making it the flagship of the W126 line.
Production
Production Period W126:
1979-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen plant), with some assembly in other locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Recognition:
The W126 series was widely acclaimed for its pioneering safety features, advanced engineering, and luxurious ride quality, often cited as setting benchmarks for luxury sedans of the era.
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