Workshop Manual

[Jimb]

Hello again from Jimb (Jim)
I seem to be collecting useless workshop manuals. Just bought another today did not look carefully enough at the listing it had only 47 pages, my fault..
Happy to have a CD version. It must contain everything that is including the vacuum central locking system. I need the full Monty.
For 1974 Mercedes 280SE.I already have a Chilton manual supposed to cover US and Canadian models. It is vague and misleading it came with the car. I.I can't afford to pay mega dollars. Any suggestions welcome.
Regards Jim.

 

[SEL_69L]

I think that the library of the MB Club of NSW may have some workshop manual information that you may seek.
I found everything related to the W116 450 SEL 6.9, except for the M100 engine. That info. was produced on the microfiche medium, and I was unable to access that.
That situation may well be quite different for the M116 twin cam 2.8 engine, in it's various sub forms, across various models.

 

[c107]

You can sometimes find the old paper copies on USA ebay for reasonable money. They are vastly superior to the CD versions that are poorly scanned. Most people want an arm and a leg so it can take some time to find one that starts low with no reserve.

Still, the CD versions are better than nothing and again can be found on ebay.

Or as SEL_69L says the Mercedes club have a library of this stuff

 

[Jimb]

Thank you again SEL69L and Bryce.
For the time being and for better or worse I have ordered a CD on ebay. I will do a follow-up report on it and let you know what it is like.
As far as the Mercedes-Benz club libary goes I would need to be a member at this stage I have resisted Joining. I know I should do, due to the complexity of these cars. However Iam already a. member of 3 other clubs and it is getting expensive I think the Mercedes-Benz club is $95.00 to join.. Can you tell me what form the library information is in. I. E. is it downloadable or does it mean a trip to their library?
Kind regards Jim.

 

[Styria]

Jim, the MB Club of NSW does have Workshop Manuals for the W116 models. They are huge books (very thick), and there are two volumes. I used to be the librarian in days gone by, so I have a pretty fair idea as to how useful those books really are. To tell the truth, far from being satisfactory. They are American books, and if you can find them new in bookshops, they are likely to be at least $200.00 each. They are very frustrating to read.

I look at it this way - you seem reasonably switched on as far as mechanicals go, although I don't quite know why I am saying this. Your 280S/SE is a reasonably straight forward car to maintain. Engine, most aspects self explanatory, gearboxes are not covered by the workshop manuals, and then you have the differential that should, to all intents and purposes, be entrusted to a differential expert. That would be my procedure. Gearboxes are fairly straight forward but, again, you'd entrust the work to a specialist. I have done gearboxes in days gone by, and you really need to be familiar with that type of work.

The interior of these cars can be a little daunting, but no workshop manual will really tell you what to do. You do attend to matters as you need to do them. My recommendation would be for you to tell us what you have issues with, or what components may require attention. Invariably, someone will be able to advise and help you. I personally am only ever a phone call away.
Regards Styria

N.B. Jim, here is a bit more information from an older thread.

http://www.topklasse.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1232

 

[Jimb]

Hello Styria.
Thank you for your reply. I am probably unnecessarily scared of what appears to be a very complex car. I have already sorted out some of the electrical issues.. If I did nothing else to it. I would have a very drivable car. I really like driving it. The air conditioning needs sorting I have a friend who should be able to help with this. My next task is the central locking. I have bought a hand operated vacuum pump. I am not clear on where to start. I think the vacuum tank is in the boot behind the back board. I am thinking this might be a good place to start.I think it was Bryce that suggested getting some golf tees to plug lines with. I have bought these as well now. I would like to know where the starting point tee off is under the bonnet.I am aware of roughly how it works I have a couple of vacuum actuator bits that came with other spare bits with the car and i have had a play with them using the hand vacuum pump and they are working ok. Any diagnostic advice on this would be greatly appreciated..It needs a bit of body work and also needs the windscreen seal replacing I am waiting to hear back from a retired panel beater the bodywork is not much of an issue. The windscreen seal he is seeking advice from someone on. He advised me not to buy one off eBay he recons a lot of them just don't fit.. That is where I am at the moment.
Kind regards Jim Braddock. Jimb.

 

[Styria]

Jim, I have previously posted on the matter of Central Locking, AND how to fix it.
http://www.topklasse.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2654&highlight=Central+Locking

Just bear in mind that bellows more than likely will have to be purchased from the States (Mercedes Source may be able to help), and the three way distribution valve (on the driver's door) may nowadays be difficult to come by. But, with the vacuum pipe you have purchased, it should be relatively easy to trace leakage issues. Regards Styria

 

[Jimb]

Thank you Styria.
I will check it out.

 

[c107]

The windscreen seal he is seeking advice from someone on. He advised me not to buy one off eBay he recons a lot of them just don't fit.. That is where I am at the moment.
Kind regards Jim Braddock. Jimb.

Aftermarket window/door seals have a poor reputation for Mercedes, especially those from URO parts.

It may be worth pricing up a genuine one from the classic center. It's probably not cheap but at least you know.

thomas.hanson@mbusa.com is the contact I have used when ordering from them. I've found him to be very helpful.

otherwise some of the other USA based suppliers may carry it, e.g. pelican parts etc.

 

[Jimb]

Thank you Bryce

 

[c107]

Today there was a guy on the Mercedes Benz Club NSW facebook offering some W116 windscreen (and rear screen) seals for the W116. Didn't look closely, but they appeared genuine. You don't need to be a member to access the facebook group.

 

[Jimb]

Hello Bryce.
The guy doing the windscreen rubber wanted to and has soured the rubber himself. He was very aware of badly fitting rubbers so it will now be on his head..Hopefully the car will be going in for this and some body repairs in the next few weeks. The panel beater I am going to use has retired but is happy to do the body work for me. He did a lot of work on my P4 Rover when I had it and has done quite a bit on my Hillman Hunter plus my wife's car he is a good bloke. I have just ordered 3 repair kits to do the 6 fuel injectors from Tomas Hanson.
Mercedes-Benz classic centre. He is very prompt in responding to my inquiries. I would like to thank those who suggested them. Not game to look at any other bits at the moment some undercurrent mumblings from she who must be obeyed about the money I am spending which is quite justified as we are on a pension.Can anyone tell me how difficult these fuel injector rubbers are to fit?
Kind regards Jim Braddock.

 

[c107]

Hi Jim,

mercedesource have some good videos on the injector seals. Never done it myself but it doesn't look all that hard:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Kz01PM-xoDnqsiuwTn5og

 

[Jimb]

Thanks Bryce.
I will check it out