🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 560 SEL Chassis Code: W126 Generation: Second Generation (W126) Production Start Year: 1985 Production End Year: 1991 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Brand Perception: Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury during its era, known for build quality, comfort, and advanced technology. Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 7 Series, Audi V8, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Fleetwood. Key Features Luxury Appointments: Extensive leather, wood trim, climate control, power amenities, advanced suspension systems. Engine Performance: Large displacement V8 engines providing ample power and smooth operation. Safety Technology: Early adoption of ABS, optional airbags, and advanced chassis control systems like ASD and ADS. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Years: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Page Count Estimated Pages: Varies by specific year and module; generally extensive for full workshop manuals. Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Compression: WinRAR Compatibility Operating Systems: Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8, Linux, MAC, iOS, Android Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, fuel system (Bosch KE-Jetronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system. Transmission: Automatic transmission (722.3/722.4), clutch system (for manual if applicable, though SEL is typically auto). Drivetrain: Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, differential, transfer case (if applicable, though SEL is RWD). Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, self-leveling suspension (level control), hydraulic level adjustment (ADS), automatic hydraulic system (ASD). Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid, brake pads, discs, lines, and hoses. Electrical: 12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlamps, exterior lamps), ignition system components, warning and indicator lamps. Body Exterior: Body structure inspection, water leakage, corrosion, paint damage, door hinges, locks, hood lubrication, sunroof, windshield wipers and washers, antenna mast. Body Interior: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system (dust filter, active charcoal filter, recirculating air filter), interior panels, safety belts, backrest locks. Procedures Included Maintenance: Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment, air filter replacement, V-belt inspection, fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant replacement, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, brake fluid replacement, chassis lubrication. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Determining causes of vehicle problems, component inspection, line and hose inspection, system diagnostics (fuel, ignition, cooling, electrical). Repair Rebuild: Disassembly, inspection of parts for reuse, rebuilding of components, assembly of components. Adjustments: Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, injection timing adjustment, parking brake adjustment, steering adjustments. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repair procedures. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Digital (PDF) Searchability: Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick access to information. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M117 (5.6L V8) Displacement: 5.6 Liters (5549 cc) Configuration: V8 Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder Performance Horsepower Approx: 238 - 268 hp (varies by year and market) Torque Approx: 300 - 335 lb-ft (varies by year and market) Fuel System Injection System: Bosch KE-Jetronic (Fuel Injection with Electronic Control) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline Maintenance Spark Plugs: Specific Bosch or equivalent plugs (refer to manual for exact part numbers and gap). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3 / 722.4) Features Control: Electronically controlled with hydraulic backup, offering comfort and smooth shifting. Maintenance Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - e.g., MB 236.1 (Dexron II equivalent or specific MB spec). Fluid Capacity: Approximately 7-8 liters for complete fluid and filter change (refer to manual for precise capacity). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 5050 mm (198.8 in) Width: Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in) Height: Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in) Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 3070 mm (120.9 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1850 - 1950 kg (4079 - 4299 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Asd: Optional Automatic Slip Differential (ASD) for enhanced traction. Ads: Optional Active Damping System (ADS) for adjustable ride height and damping. Passive Features Airbags: Optional driver's side airbag. Seatbelts: Front seatbelt pre-tensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory cassette deck with AM/FM radio, potential for period-correct CD changers. Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) for precise temperature management. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Connectivity Early Features: Power windows, power seats, central locking, power mirrors, power antenna, memory seats (optional). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, using synthetic oil (consult manual for specific recommendation). Transmission Service: Fluid and filter change every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (highly recommended for longevity). Cooling System Service: Coolant flush and replacement every 2-3 years or as recommended....
Automatic transmission (722.3/722.4), clutch system (for manual if applicable, though SEL is typically auto).
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, differential, transfer case (if applicable, though SEL is RWD).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, self-leveling suspension (level control), hydraulic level adjustment (ADS), automatic hydraulic system (ASD).
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlamps, exterior lamps), ignition system components, warning and indicator lamps.
Body Exterior:
Body structure inspection, water leakage, corrosion, paint damage, door hinges, locks, hood lubrication, sunroof, windshield wipers and washers, antenna mast.
Body Interior:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system (dust filter, active charcoal filter, recirculating air filter), interior panels, safety belts, backrest locks.
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repair procedures. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Digital (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick access to information.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M117 (5.6L V8)
Displacement:
5.6 Liters (5549 cc)
Configuration:
V8
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower Approx:
238 - 268 hp (varies by year and market)
Torque Approx:
300 - 335 lb-ft (varies by year and market)
Fuel System
Injection System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (Fuel Injection with Electronic Control)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Maintenance
Spark Plugs:
Specific Bosch or equivalent plugs (refer to manual for exact part numbers and gap).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3 / 722.4)
Features
Control:
Electronically controlled with hydraulic backup, offering comfort and smooth shifting.
Maintenance
Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - e.g., MB 236.1 (Dexron II equivalent or specific MB spec).
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7-8 liters for complete fluid and filter change (refer to manual for precise capacity).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 5050 mm (198.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approx. 3070 mm (120.9 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1850 - 1950 kg (4079 - 4299 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asd:
Optional Automatic Slip Differential (ASD) for enhanced traction.
Ads:
Optional Active Damping System (ADS) for adjustable ride height and damping.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Optional driver's side airbag.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette deck with AM/FM radio, potential for period-correct CD changers.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) for precise temperature management.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Early Features:
Power windows, power seats, central locking, power mirrors, power antenna, memory seats (optional).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, using synthetic oil (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (highly recommended for longevity).
Cooling System Service:
Coolant flush and replacement every 2-3 years or as recommended.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 (depending on climate and specific MB approval, e.g., MB 229.1 for later specs, but older might use API SG/SH).
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid, e.g., MB 343.0 or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of insulation on wiring harnesses, particularly in the engine bay, can lead to electrical gremlins. The manual will cover troubleshooting these circuits.
Fuel Lines:
Aging rubber fuel lines can become brittle and leak. Manual provides replacement procedures.
Suspension Components:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and self-leveling suspension components is common with age. Manual details inspection and replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building robust, luxurious, and technologically advanced automobiles, particularly in the sedan segment.
Model Evolution
W126 Lineage:
The W126 S-Class was the flagship sedan for Mercedes-Benz, succeeding the W116 and preceding the W140. The 560 SEL represented the long-wheelbase, top-tier model in this generation.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Reputation:
Consistently recognized for its exceptional build quality, ride comfort, and engineering excellence, often cited as one of the best sedans of its era.