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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Mid-size luxury sedan and coupe
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Target Audience:
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Affluent buyers seeking comfort, safety, and engineering excellence.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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BMW 5 Series (E12/E28), Audi 100, Volvo 240/260 series, Jaguar XJ.
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Key Features
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Design Philosophy:
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Robust build quality, exceptional durability, advanced engineering for its era, focus on passive safety.
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Reputation:
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Known for its legendary longevity, build quality, and ability to rack up high mileage with proper maintenance.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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Comprehensive engine repair, overhaul, tuning, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system
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Transmission:
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Repair and overhaul procedures for automatic and manual transmissions
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Electrical:
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Detailed electrical system diagrams, troubleshooting, repair of lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessories
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Bodywork:
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Body repair, panel replacement, interior trim, glass, doors, and windows
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Chassis:
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Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, and tires
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Fuel System:
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Fuel injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic for 280SE), fuel pump, lines, filter, and tank
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Ignition:
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Ignition system components, timing, spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor
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Exhaust:
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Exhaust system components, catalytic converter (if applicable for later models), mufflers, pipes
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Routine maintenance, tune-ups, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding, symptom analysis
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Repair:
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Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems
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Overhaul:
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Complete overhaul procedures for engine, transmission, and other major assemblies
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Disassembly Assembly:
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Detailed instructions for component removal and installation
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Professional level, suitable for experienced technicians but accessible to knowledgeable DIYers. Emphasizes special aspects of Mercedes-Benz products.
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Special Tools:
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Identification and use of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific adjustments and repairs.
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Warnings Cautions:
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Highlights safety warnings, cautions, and important notes with specific symbols.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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Crash Test Performance:
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Excellent for its era due to robust chassis design and safety features. No standardized ratings like modern NCAP.
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Active Features
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Brakes:
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Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on later models.
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Steering:
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Power-assisted recirculating ball steering.
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Passive Features
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Body Structure:
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Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, impact-absorbing steering column.
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Airbags:
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Not available during the primary production run. Introduced on later Mercedes models.
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Seatbelts:
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3-point inertia-reel seatbelts in the front, lap belts in the rear (later models may have 3-point rear belts).
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
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Filter Replacement Interval:
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Oil filter with every oil change. Air and fuel filters typically every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles).
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Tune Up Interval:
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Spark plugs typically every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-25,000 miles). Ignition timing and fuel mixture checks should be done periodically.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 rated, viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (check manual for precise specs).
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Coolant:
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Glysantin G05 or equivalent (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitors. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
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Transmission Fluid:
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Automatic: MB-Approval 236.1 spec (e.g., Dexron II or compatible). Manual: GL-4 rated gear oil.
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4, ISO 4925 Class 3.
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Known Issues
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Common Problems:
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Rusted wheel arches, battery tray, and underbody. Injector seal leaks. Timing chain stretching (M110 engine). Fuel distributor issues with K-Jetronic. Vacuum hose deterioration. Heater control valve failure.
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Preventative Maintenance:
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Regular undercoating and rust prevention. Consistent fluid changes. Timely replacement of worn hoses and belts. Periodic inspection of suspension and steering components.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Brand History:
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Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of producing high-quality, durable, and technologically advanced vehicles, particularly in the luxury and engineering segments.
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Model Evolution
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W123 Generation:
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The W123 was the successor to the W114/W115 (Stroke-8) and was produced in sedan, coupe, estate (T-model), and long-wheelbase versions. It established Mercedes-Benz's reputation for reliability and longevity in the modern era.
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280Se Variant:
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The 280SE featured the larger, more powerful M110 inline-six engine, offering a balance of performance and refinement.
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Production
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Production Period:
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1976-1985
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Manufacturing Locations:
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Mainly Germany, with assembly plants in other countries.
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