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Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz W116 280 S SE 300 SD 450 SE SEL Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

Mercedes Benz W116 280 S SE 300 SD 450 SE SEL Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

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Vehicle data plateRef 456031
Brand
Mercedes Benz
Vehicle
Cars
Models covered
280 S, 280 SE, 300 SD, 450 SE, 450 SEL, Mercedes, W116
Years
1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Format
PDF, searchable, print-ready
Delivery
Instant download after checkout
Language
English

What happens after you pay

  • Download link opens on the order page immediately
  • The same link is emailed to you — re-download any time
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🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
W116
Model Variants:
280 S, 280 SE, 300 SD, 450 SE, 450 SEL
Generation
Generation Code:
First Generation
Generation Years:
1972-1980
Codes
Chassis Code:
W116
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan of its era, known for build quality and advanced engineering.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
BMW E23 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Fleetwood, Lincoln Continental.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on safety, comfort, and robust engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs, saving significant costs on dealership maintenance and repairs.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for Mercedes-Benz W116 models.
Secondary Coverage:
Includes all models, engines, and transmission types within the specified years.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (exact count not specified, but implied to be comprehensive, likely 1000+ pages for complete coverage).
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Delivery Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Compatibility:
PC, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones (requires Adobe Reader).
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Automatic and manual transmissions, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, ABS if applicable), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, starting and charging system, instrumentation, accessories, fuses and relays.
Body:
Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, climate control system, body sealing.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault finding procedures.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, component disassembly and reassembly.
Technical Data:
Specifications, tolerances, torque values, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable).
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text if the PDF is well-OCR'd.
Print Quality
Printability:
High-quality, printable pages allowing for individual chapter or full manual printing.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
280 S/Se Engine:
M110: 2.8L (2746cc) DOHC Inline-6.
300 Sd Engine:
OM617: 3.0L (2998cc) SOHC Inline-5 Turbodiesel.
450 Se/Sel Engine:
M117: 4.5L (4520cc) SOHC V8.
Performance
280 Se Horsepower:
Approx. 185 PS (182 hp / 136 kW).
300 Sd Horsepower:
Approx. 125 PS (123 hp / 92 kW).
450 Se Horsepower:
Approx. 230 PS (227 hp / 170 kW).
Fuel System
280 S/Se Fuel System:
Bosch D-Jetronic (electronic fuel injection) for SE, Solex carburetors for S.
300 Sd Fuel System:
Bosch inline injection pump, mechanical injection.
450 Se/Sel Fuel System:
Bosch D-Jetronic (electronic fuel injection).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
280 S:
4-speed manual transmission.
Optional
280 Se/Sel:
3-speed automatic transmission (722.1).
300 Sd:
3-speed automatic transmission (722.1).
450 Se/Sel:
3-speed automatic transmission (722.1), with later models sometimes featuring a 4-speed (722.3).
Features
Automatic Transmission Type:
Hydraulic torque converter automatic.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Se Sel:
2850 mm (112.2 in) for SE, 3035 mm (119.5 in) for SEL.
Length Se:
Approx. 4960 mm (195.3 in).
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1700-2000 kg (3750-4400 lbs) depending on engine and options.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Focus:
Designed with significant emphasis on passive safety for its era.
Active Features
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes on all wheels, vacuum-assisted, optional ABS from 1978.
Passive Features
Body Structure:
Crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, safety steering column.
Interior:
Padded dashboard, energy-absorbing surfaces, safety belts (front and rear).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on many models.
Connectivity
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Thermatic/Thermotronic).
Other Tech
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, power headlight aim adjustment.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) with quality oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles) for automatic transmissions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher; viscosity 15W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate (e.g., MB 227.1).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved antifreeze/coolant (e.g., G48) or equivalent mixture.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific MB approval).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, and window frames), fuel distributor issues (D-Jetronic), vacuum line leaks, aging rubber components (hoses, mounts), K-Jetronic fuel distributor issues on later models. Diesel models can have glow plug system issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz's reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and luxury.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
W108/W109 S-Class models.
Successor:
W126 S-Class models.
Production
Production Years:
1972-1980.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Perception:
Widely regarded as one of the most robust and well-built sedans of its time, setting benchmarks for safety and comfort.
Ratings
Reliability Reputation:
High, with proper maintenance, these vehicles are known for longevity.

Delivery & file format

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Check the model year and engine before you buy

Manufacturers change procedures, wiring and part numbers between model years and engine options. If your VIN plate shows a year or engine code that is not listed on the data plate above, contact us with the model, year and VIN and we will confirm coverage before you order.

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