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Mercedes-benz

1981-1991 Mercedes-Benz 126 Series (300SD/SDL/SE/SEL 350SD/SDL 380SE/SEL/SEC 420SEL 500SEL 500SEC 560SEL 560SEC) Workshop Repair Service Manual Best (1.3GB Searchable

1981-1991 Mercedes-Benz 126 Series (300SD/SDL/SE/SEL 350SD/SDL 380SE/SEL/SEC 420SEL 500SEL 500SEC 560SEL 560SEC) Workshop Repair Service Manual Best (1.3GB Searchable

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Vehicle data plateRef 318926
Brand
Mercedes-benz
Vehicle
Car
Models covered
126 Series, 300SD, 300SDL, 300SE, 300SEL, 350SD, 350SDL, 380SE, 380SEC, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEC, 500SEL, 560SEC, 560SEL, 722 Series, Engines, Mercedes, Mercedes Benz
Years
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Format
PDF, searchable, print-ready
Delivery
Instant download after checkout
Language
English

What happens after you pay

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  • The same link is emailed to you — re-download any time
  • Open on phone, tablet or PC; print only the pages you need
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🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
W126 Series
Model Variants Covered:
300SD, 300SDL, 300 SE, 300 SEL, 350 SD, 350 SDL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 380 SEC, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 500 SEC, 560 SEL, 560 SEC
Production Years:
1981-1991
Generation
Generation Code:
W126
Codes
Chassis Code:
W126
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz W126 owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians, restoration specialists
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information, equivalent to factory service manuals, at a fraction of the cost and with enhanced digital accessibility.
Key Features
Digital Format Benefits:
Searchable, printable, indexed, and easily replaced due to wear and tear compared to physical manuals.
Data Size:
1.3GB (indicates a very comprehensive and detailed data set)
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Scope:
Comprehensive repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishment, and restoration
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Likely exceeds 1000 pages given file size and detail level (specific count not provided, but estimated based on content scope)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English (implied by content and sales description)
Format
Digital Format:
PDF/EXE/ISO (downloadable)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, control, fuel, exhaust
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle, front axle, rear axle, driveshaft, differentials
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front suspension, rear suspension, road wheels & tires, brake system, parking brake system, brake control system, power steering system, steering system
Body Interior Restraints:
Body, lock & security system, glasses, window system & mirrors, roof, exterior & interior trim, instrument panel, seats, seat belts, supplemental restraint system (SRS)
Electrical HVAC:
Air conditioner system, wiring diagrams, starting & charging system, lighting system, driver information system, wiper, washer & horn, body control system, LAN system, audio visual, navigation & telephone system, auto cruise control system, power supply, ground & circuit elements
Procedures Included
Repair Procedures:
All diagnostic and repair procedures covered in great detail, from A-Z
Maintenance Procedures:
Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures
Rebuilding Refurbishment:
Procedures for rebuilding and refurbishing major components and systems
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures suitable for professional technicians
Component Level Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams included
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Primary File Type:
PDF (searchable, printable, indexed)
Other Formats:
EXE, ISO (potential executable or disc image versions)
Print Quality
Image Quality:
High Quality Photos, Illustrations And Diagrams
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Compatibility
Operating System:
All Versions of Windows
Requirements
Software Requirements:
PDF Reader, Flash Player, Internet Explorer browser
Usability
User Friendliness:
Easy to use, no advanced computer skills required
Searchability
Indexing:
Indexed for quick information retrieval
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Displacements And Codes:
Various, including M102 (2.3-3.0L I4), M103 (2.6-3.0L I6), M110 (2.8L I6), M116/M117 (3.8L, 4.2L, 5.0L V8), M117 (5.6L V8)
Engine Types
Engine Configurations:
Inline-4, Inline-6, V8
Performance
Horsepower Torque:
Varies by engine model and year (e.g., 560SEL M117 engine produced approximately 238 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque).
Fuel System
Fuel Injection Systems:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS), Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E), Bosch Motronic (for later V8 and some 6-cylinder models)
Engine Management
Engine Control Units:
Various Bosch ECUs depending on engine and year, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
Primarily 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., 722.3, 722.4, 722.5 series).
Optional
Manual Transmission:
Rarely offered, primarily on select coupes (SEC) or specific export markets. The manual is less common than the automatic.
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Hydromechanical control, Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency on some models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Sedan (W126) and Coupe (C126 SEC)
Wheelbase:
Standard wheelbase (approx. 114.7 inches) and Long Wheelbase (SEL models, approx. 119.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by model, typically ranging from approximately 3,600 lbs to over 4,200 lbs.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety:
Designed to meet stringent safety standards of its era, featuring a robust body structure, crumple zones, and reinforced A/B pillars. Specific crash test ratings from modern standards are not applicable but it was considered very safe for its time.
Active Features
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became standard on most models during its production run.
Passive Features
Restraint Systems:
Seat belts (three-point front and rear), optional driver's side airbag (introduced in later years), reinforced safety cell.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Original Becker or Blaupunkt radio/cassette units, some with integrated amplifiers or multi-speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard 'Tempomat' cruise control system available on most models.
Connectivity
Early Car Phones:
Optional provision for early analog car phones on some higher-spec models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used (check manual for exact specs).
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement, coolant flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, and belt replacements at intervals like 30,000-60,000 miles or as specified.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Check specific model year and engine requirements (e.g., MB 229.1/229.3 specifications for later periods).
Transmission Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.1 (e.g., ATF Dexron III equivalent) for automatic transmissions.
Coolant:
Proprietary Mercedes-Benz coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water). MB Specification 325.0/325.6.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus (FMVSS 116 DOT 4) low viscosity, with regular replacement every 2 years due to moisture absorption.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Vacuum system leaks (affecting central locking, climate control, idle speed), cooling system hoses and components (e.g., water pump, thermostat, radiator), fuel distributor seals (K-Jetronic), differential seals, window regulators, and suspension bushings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be susceptible to intermittent electrical issues due to age, often related to wiring harness degradation, relay failures, or faulty climate control modules.
Engine Specific Issues:
Head gasket leaks on some M117 V8s, timing chain tensioner wear on M117/M119 (though M119 is not directly listed for this manual, it's a common MB V8 issue of the era), and piston ring wear on higher mileage 300SD models.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
The W126 continued Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and durability, building upon the success of the W116 S-Class.
Model Evolution
W126 Development:
Introduced in 1979 (as a 1980 model year), the W126 represented a significant advancement in aerodynamics, safety, and technology over its predecessor. It underwent a facelift in 1985, receiving updated bumpers, revised engine options (including the 5.6L V8 and the 3.0L 6-cylinder), and improved interior appointments.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen plant)
Production Volume:
Over 890,000 units produced across all variants (sedan and coupe), making it one of the most successful S-Class generations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Awards:
The W126's design, particularly Bruno Sacco's work, is widely acclaimed and considered a benchmark in automotive design, influencing subsequent generations of luxury sedans.
Ratings
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered a highly reliable and durable vehicle when properly maintained, often lauded for its longevity and robust engineering.
Certifications
Industry Standard:
Developed to meet and exceed international automotive standards of the 1980s for safety, emissions, and performance.

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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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