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Mercedes

Mercedes 380 SLC 1981 Service Repair Manual

Mercedes 380 SLC 1981 Service Repair Manual

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Vehicle data plateRef 378193
Brand
Mercedes
Vehicle
Cars
Models covered
380, 380 SLC
Years
1981
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
  • Open on phone, tablet or PC; print only the pages you need
  • Not sure it covers your model year? Ask us before you buy
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
380SLC
Year:
1981
Codes
Chassis Code:
R107
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJ-S
Key Features
Design Language:
Classic Mercedes-Benz styling, robust build quality, focus on comfort and performance.
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking a sophisticated, powerful, and reliable grand touring experience.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Full Service and Repair
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (not specified, but comprehensive based on content list)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Maintenance, inspection, timing, fuel system, ignition, exhaust, cooling, belts, filters, mounts
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission fluid changes, level checks, filter replacement
Drivetrain:
Transfer case fluid, front axle oil, rear axle oil, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection
Suspension:
Inspection, level control, ADS, 4MATIC, self-leveling suspension, front axle ball joints, rear axle mount adjustments
Brakes:
Fluid checks and replacement, lines, pads, discs, parking brake adjustment and check, brake testing
Steering:
Power steering fluid, steering play, steering bolt tightening
Electrical:
Warning and indicator lamps, battery fluid level
Body And Chassis:
Body structure inspection, water leakage, corrosion, lower panels, door hinges, locks, hood lubrication, sunroof, soft top, paint damage
HVAC:
Cooling/heating system inspection, AC refrigerant charge, dust filter, active charcoal filter, recirculating air filter, windshield washer fluid
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening
Accessories:
Hydraulic top operation, sunroof rails, antenna mast cleaning, tone head cleaning, folding side mirror lubrication
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacements, belt checks and adjustments, spark plug replacement, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Implicitly covered through detailed inspection and adjustment procedures for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component replacement and adjustment of critical systems.
Diagnostics:
Inspection procedures for identifying issues with components, lines, and hoses.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance procedures, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Search Functionality:
Completely searchable
Bookmarks
Bookmarking:
Completely bookmarked
Authenticity
Source:
Factory original files (not scans)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
V8
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3839 cc)
Engine Code:
M116
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 155-160 hp (varies by market and exact configuration)
Torque:
Approximately 205-210 lb-ft (varies by market and exact configuration)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection (CIS)
Maintenance
Valve Adjustment:
Requires periodic checking and adjustment of valve clearance.
Injection Timing:
Critical for performance and emissions, requires precise adjustment.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., 3HP22) or 4-speed Manual (less common on 380SLC)
Optional
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Features
Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 7-8 liters (including torque converter, check manual for exact)
Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
2-door Coupe
Wheelbase:
2575 mm (101.4 inches)
Length:
4765 mm (187.6 inches)
Width:
1790 mm (70.5 inches)
Height:
1390 mm (54.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1650-1750 kg (3638-3858 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Testing:
Modern crash safety standards were developing; focus on robust chassis and passive safety features for its era.
Active Features
Braking:
Four-wheel disc brakes, often with ABS as an option.
Passive Features
Restraints:
Seat belts, reinforced A-pillars and doors.
Structure:
Designed with a strong unibody construction for occupant protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original factory radio/cassette deck, often with potential for upgrades. Tone head cleaning mentioned in manual.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system, heating system, often with automatic climate control options.
Windows And Top:
Power windows, power sunroof, and a hydraulic soft top mechanism (for the convertible SL, but related maintenance concepts apply to interior trim/seals).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, using the correct oil specification. Manual provides exact interval.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual transmission oil check and change as per manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as specified by coolant type. Manual will provide details.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Consult manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 15W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate) and API classification.
Coolant:
Proprietary Mercedes-Benz coolant or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant. Manual will specify ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Fuel System:
K-Jetronic system can be sensitive to vacuum leaks and fuel pressure issues; requires specialized knowledge.
Rust:
Common on older Mercedes models, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around windows. Regular inspection is crucial.
Suspension:
Wear in ball joints, bushings, and potentially hydraulic components of self-leveling suspension can occur over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing high-quality luxury and performance vehicles.
Model Evolution
Platform:
Based on the R107 platform, which also spawned the SL roadster. The SLC (C107) was a longer-wheelbase coupe variant.
Production
Production Years:
R107 SLC production ran from 1971 to 1981. The 380SLC was produced within this period, specifically from 1980-1981.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design And Engineering:
The R107 platform was lauded for its engineering excellence, durability, and classic design, cementing its status as a desirable classic.

Delivery & file format

This is a digital PDF download, not a printed book. After payment the download link appears on your order confirmation page and is emailed to the address you entered. Files open in any PDF reader on phone, tablet or computer and can be printed.

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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