🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W126 S-Class Product Name: Mercedes Benz 260 280 300 350 380 420 500 560 W126 1981-1991 Full Service & Repair Manual Covered Models: 260 SE, 280 SE, 300 SE, 300 SDL, 350 SD, 350 SDL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 420 SE, 420 SEL, 500 SE, 500 SEL, 560 SE, 560 SEL, 560 SEC Codes Chassis Code: W126 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan/Coupe Target Audience: Owners of W126 Mercedes-Benz vehicles seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, professional independent mechanics. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1980S: BMW 7 Series (E23), Audi V8, Cadillac DeVille/Fleetwood, Lincoln Continental. Key Features Manual Value Proposition: Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as official Mercedes-Benz factory manuals, enabling professional-level service and repair. Visuals: Includes hundreds of detailed photos, diagrams, and exploded views. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: North America, Europe, Global Markets Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as extensive) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed overhaul, assembly, and troubleshooting for all W126 engine variants (M103, M110, M116, M117, OM603). Engine Electrical: Ignition systems, fuel injection systems (Bosch KE-Jetronic, K-Jetronic, EDC for diesels), engine control units (ECU), sensors, wiring diagrams. Transmission Manual: Overhaul, adjustment, and troubleshooting for all manual transmissions used in the W126. Transmission Automatic: Detailed procedures for servicing, repair, and troubleshooting of the 722.3, 722.4, and 722.5 automatic transmissions. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension systems, hydraulic self-leveling suspension (SLS) for some models, steering gearbox, power steering system. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake pad/rotor replacement, brake bleeding, parking brake. Electrical System: Complete electrical system coverage including lighting, power windows, sunroof, central locking, climate control, dashboard instruments, wiring diagrams for all circuits. Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, door and latch mechanisms, convertible top operation (for SEC models with sunroof), interior trim, underbody corrosion protection. Climate Control: Air conditioning system service, diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, climate control module operation. Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tune-up procedures. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems. Repair And Rebuild: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation, from minor repairs to major engine and transmission rebuilds. Component Replacement: Instructions for replacing specific parts like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, brake calipers, etc. Diagnostic Codes: Explanation and interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, particularly for engine management systems. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics). 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Printable (single pages or entire manual) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Searchability Search Functionality: Likely searchable PDF content (standard for professional manuals). Access Access Method: Instant download, usable on multiple devices (computer, tablet, smartphone). Licensing License: Lifetime usage, no expiry, no renewal fees. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 260 Se (M103.941): 2.6L Inline-6, 160 hp @ 5800 rpm, 177 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm 280 Se/Sel (M110.984/985): 2.8L Inline-6, 185 hp @ 5800 rpm, 181 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm 300 Se/Sel (M103.980/982): 3.0L Inline-6, 188 hp @ 5700 rpm, 195 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm 300 Sdl (Om603.961): 3.0L Inline-5 Turbo Diesel, 148 hp @ 4400 rpm, 221 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm 350 Sd/Sdl (Om603.970/971): 3.5L Inline-5 Turbo Diesel (some markets), 136 hp, 207 lb-ft 380 Se/Sel (M116.962/963): 3.8L V8, 155 hp @ 4750 rpm, 200 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm 420 Se/Sel (M116.964/967): 4.2L V8, 180 hp @ 4700 rpm, 220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm 500 Se/Sel (M117.963/968): 5.0L V8, 177 hp @ 4000 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (US Spec) 560 Se/Sel/Sec (M117.967/968/970): 5.6L V8, 238 hp @ 4750 rpm, 317 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (US Spec) Fuel System Injection Type: Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS), KE-Jetronic (CIS-E), Bosch EDC (Diesel) for various models. Ignition System: Electronic Ignition (CDI - Capacitor Discharge Ignition) for petrol engines. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Types: 4-speed Automatic (722.3/722.4), 5-speed Automatic (722.5), 4-speed Manual (less common in US). Optional Optional Transmissions: 5-speed manual available on some European models. Features Torque Converter Lockup: Lock-up torque converter in 4-speed and 5-speed automatics for improved efficiency. Fluid Specs Automatic Transmission Fluid: MB 236.6 (e.g., Mobil ATF 220, Pentosin ATF 1). Manual Transmission Fluid: MB 235.0 (e.g., SAE 80W/90 gear oil). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 197.9-200.2 inches (4-door sedan). Width: Approximately 70.5 inches. Height: Approximately 56.0 inches. Wheelbase Wheelbase: 116.1 inches (standard wheelbase). Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,500 - 4,200 lbs depending on engine and options. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: While NHTSA ratings from this era are less comprehensive, the W126 was...