This comprehensive 1988 Mercedes W126 SEL Service and Repair Manual provides detailed instructions, diagrams, and specifications for maintaining, servicing, diagnosing, and repairing your vehicle. This is the same manual used by Mercedes technicians at dealerships, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

The manual covers all models and all repairs, from basic maintenance to complex engine work. It includes step-by-step instructions, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications to guide you through every repair.

The manual covers a wide range of topics, including:

* **Maintenance:** Regular maintenance procedures like oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks.
* **Engine:** In-depth information on engine components, operation, troubleshooting, and repair.
* **Control System:** Comprehensive guidance on engine control systems, sensors, and diagnostics.
* **Mechanical:** Detailed information on the mechanical systems of your vehicle, including the transmission, suspension, brakes, and steering.
* **Fuel Service Specifications:** Detailed information on fuel system components, operation, and repair.
* **Emission Control:** Complete coverage of emission control systems, including diagnostics and repair procedures.
* **Intake Exhaust Cooling:** Information on cooling systems, including components, operation, and troubleshooting.
* **Lube:** Guidance on lubrication systems, including types of oils, specifications, and maintenance procedures.
* **Ignition Starting Charging:** Detailed information on ignition, starting, and charging systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Auto Transmission Clutch:** Comprehensive coverage of automatic transmission systems, including components, operation, troubleshooting, and repair.
* **Manual Transmission:** Detailed information on manual transmission systems, including components, operation, troubleshooting, and repair.
* **Transfer Propeller Shaft:** Guidance on transfer case and propeller shaft systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Drive Shaft:** Information on drive shafts, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Differential:** Detailed coverage of differential systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Axle Suspension:** Information on axle and suspension systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Tire & Wheel:** Guidance on tires and wheels, including specifications, maintenance, and repair.
* **Brake Control:** Detailed information on brake control systems, including components, operation, and troubleshooting.
* **Brake:** Comprehensive coverage of brake systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Parking Brake:** Information on parking brake systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Steering Column:** Detailed information on steering columns, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Power Steering:** Comprehensive coverage of power steering systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Air Condition:** Guidance on air conditioning systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Suppl Restraint System:** Information on supplemental restraint systems (airbags), including components, operation, and repair.
* **Seat Belt:** Detailed information on seat belts, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Engine Immobilizer:** Comprehensive coverage of engine immobilizer systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Cruise Control:** Guidance on cruise control systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Wiper & Washer:** Information on wiper and washer systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Door Lock:** Detailed information on door locks, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Meter Audio/Visual:** Comprehensive coverage of instrument panels and audio/visual systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Horn:** Guidance on horn systems, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Windshield/Glass Mirror:** Information on windshields, glass, and mirrors, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Instrument Panel:** Detailed information on instrument panels, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Seat:** Comprehensive coverage of seats, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Engine Hood/ Door:** Guidance on engine hood and doors, including components, operation, and repair.
* **Exterior & Interior:** Information on exterior and interior components, including trim, upholstery, and accessories.
* **Electrical:** Detailed coverage of electrical systems, including wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, and repair.
* **Multiplex/Can Communication:** Information on multiplex and CAN communication systems, including components, operation, and troubleshooting.

This manual provides you with all the information you need to confidently maintain and repair your 1988 Mercedes W126 SEL. You can save time and money by performing repairs yourself, and gain a deeper understanding of your vehicle's operation.

The 1988 Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL represents a pinnacle of luxury and engineering prowess in the automotive world. This elegant sedan, a member of the W126 model series produced from 1979 to 1991, embodied the brand's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sophisticated design. The SEL, standing for "Sonderklasse Lang," denoted its extended wheelbase, offering unparalleled spaciousness and comfort for passengers. The W126 generation saw significant advancements in technology, including the introduction of the first electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS) in a production car, electronic suspension, and a fuel-injected V8 engine. The distinctive, boxy styling, characterized by sharp lines and a prominent grille, became synonymous with Mercedes-Benz luxury in the 1980s, solidifying the W126's status as a timeless classic.

Beneath the elegant exterior, the 1988 SEL housed a powerful and refined 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 227 horsepower. This engine, coupled with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, delivered a balanced blend of performance and fuel efficiency for the era. The spacious interior was meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that Mercedes-Benz is known for. Features like power windows, air conditioning, and a premium sound system ensured a luxurious and comfortable driving experience for both driver and passengers. The 1988 Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL, with its blend of timeless design, advanced technology, and enduring quality, remains a coveted classic that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts today. Its legacy as a benchmark for luxury and engineering excellence continues to inspire generations of car owners.