🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W126 SE Year: 1991 Codes Chassis Code: W126 Generation Generation Name: Second Generation S-Class Generation Years: 1979-1991 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Mercedes-Benz W126 owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops Value Proposition: Provides dealership-level repair and maintenance information for DIY use, saving time and money. Competitive Analysis Differentiation: Vehicle-specific, not generic. Exact same information used by dealership technicians. Key Features Feature 1: Comprehensive step-by-step instructions Feature 2: Detailed diagrams and illustrations Feature 3: Accurate wiring schematics Feature 4: Vehicle-specific technical specifications Feature 5: Digital format for easy access and printing 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics Model Variants Covered: SE (Standard Wheelbase Sedan) Repair Scope: A-Z (All Repairs) Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (Likely 1000+ pages based on depth) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control system Control System: Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics and parameters Mechanical: General mechanical repairs and adjustments Fuel Service: Fuel delivery, injection systems, fuel tank and lines, specifications Emission Control: Exhaust systems, catalytic converters, emission control devices and diagnostics Intake Exhaust Cooling: Intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, radiators, water pumps, thermostats, hoses Lube: Lubrication system components, oil filters, oil pump, specifications Ignition Starting Charging: Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), starter motor, alternator, battery, charging system diagnostics Auto Transmission: Automatic transmission service, repair, fluid specifications, internal components, shift control Manual Transmission: Manual transmission service, repair, fluid specifications, internal components (if applicable to SE model) Drive Shaft Differential: Driveshaft, universal joints, differential service, fluid specifications Axle Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings Tire Wheel: Tire pressure specifications, wheel alignment, wheel balancing, lug nut torque Brake Control: Brake system hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications Brake: Brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, bleeding procedures Steering Column: Steering column assembly, tilt and telescope mechanisms, ignition lock cylinder Power Steering: Power steering pump, reservoir, hoses, steering gear, fluid specifications Air Condition: HVAC system components, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, controls, diagnostic procedures Supplemental Restraint: Airbag system components, SRS warning light diagnostics, seat belt pre-tensioners Seat Belt: Seat belt mechanisms, pretensioners, safety regulations Engine Immobilizer: Immobilizer system components and operation (if equipped) Cruise Control: Cruise control system operation, components, and diagnostics Wiper Washer: Wiper motor, blades, washer pump, fluid reservoir, linkages Door Lock: Door lock mechanisms, central locking system, vacuum boosters (if applicable) Meter Audio Visual: Instrument cluster components, gauges, audio system integration, speaker wiring Horn: Horn operation, wiring, and relay Windshield Glass Mirror: Windshield replacement, glass care, mirror adjustments and components Instrument Panel: Instrument panel removal and installation, lighting, gauge calibration Seat: Seat adjustments, heating elements (if equipped), upholstery care Engine Hood Door: Hood and door latch mechanisms, hinges, seals, alignment Exterior Interior: Body panel repair, trim, weatherstripping, interior trim panel removal Electrical: Complete vehicle electrical system, including power distribution, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays Multiplex Can Communication: Multiplex wiring systems, CAN communication protocols (if applicable to this year/model) Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation Repair Procedures: Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including disassembly, reassembly, and adjustment Component Replacement: Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components Wiring Schematics: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems Technical Depth Depth: Factory level, comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Detail Level: High detail with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and specifications 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac Reader Requirement: Adobe PDF Reader (Free) Extraction Requirement: Winzip (Free) Print Quality Printability: Fully Printable Image Scaling: Blow-up images for enlarged printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-6 or V8 (specific engine variant for 1991 SE needs confirmation, commonly M103 or M116/M117) Performance Fuel System Type: Bosch K-Jetronic or KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (depending on specific engine) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic (common for SE models) Optional Transmission Options: 5-speed manual (less common for SE, more for SEC) Features Automatic Transmission Control: Hydraulic control, potentially with electronic assists for later models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2935 mm (115.6 inches) for SE (Standard Wheelbase) Weights Curb Weight: Varies by engine, approx. 1700-1850 kg (3750-4080 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Standards: Designed to meet 1990s automotive safety standards, featuring crumple zones and reinforced safety cage. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most models). Passive Features Airbags: Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/later standard depending on market. 💡 Technology...
Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including disassembly, reassembly, and adjustment
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory level, comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
High detail with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and specifications
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader (Free)
Extraction Requirement:
Winzip (Free)
Print Quality
Printability:
Fully Printable
Image Scaling:
Blow-up images for enlarged printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-6 or V8 (specific engine variant for 1991 SE needs confirmation, commonly M103 or M116/M117)
Performance
Fuel System Type:
Bosch K-Jetronic or KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (depending on specific engine)
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (common for SE models)
Optional
Transmission Options:
5-speed manual (less common for SE, more for SEC)
Features
Automatic Transmission Control:
Hydraulic control, potentially with electronic assists for later models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2935 mm (115.6 inches) for SE (Standard Wheelbase)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine, approx. 1700-1850 kg (3750-4080 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet 1990s automotive safety standards, featuring crumple zones and reinforced safety cage.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most models).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/later standard depending on market.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory premium sound systems, often with cassette player and external amplifier.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control Type:
Electronic cruise control.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Major Service Interval:
Various intervals for spark plug replacement, transmission fluid, differential fluid, coolant, brake fluid (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles for major services).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 228.3 (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-40 depending on climate and specific engine). Manual will specify exact grade.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron III or equivalent approved by Mercedes-Benz (e.g., MB 236.1).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Vacuum system leaks (affecting door locks, central locking, climate control), SRS system faults, fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), suspension bushings wear, window regulator failures, rust on specific body areas.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Reputation:
Mercedes-Benz renowned for engineering, build quality, comfort, and safety.
Model Evolution
W126 Development:
Successor to the W116, introduced in 1979. The 1991 model year represents the final production year of this highly successful generation.
Production
Production Period:
1979-1991
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Recognition:
The W126 chassis was widely acclaimed as one of the best luxury sedans of its era, known for its robustness and sophisticated engineering.