Contents: Preface ↡ Rules for using the Manual ↡
This Manual has been compiled to help the owner of the vehicle get the most out of it. This task is achieved in several ways. The Manual includes descriptions of the operating principles of the vehicle units and systems that are of greatest interest to vehicle owners, as well as a description of the procedures for mandatory routine maintenance of the vehicle and a schedule for their implementation. In addition, information is provided on diagnosing faults in vehicle units and systems (in case of their refusal), as well as ways to eliminate their causes.
Preface
This manual is a guide to maintenance and repair of Mercedes cars of the W 123 series (factory designation of the series - body model): models "200", "230", "230E", "250", "280", "280E" with a sedan body; models "200T", "230T", "230TE", "250T", "280TE" with a station wagon body; models "230C", "230CE", "280C", "280CE" with a coupe body. The "W 123" series cars were equipped with four- and six-cylinder petrol engines of the M 102, M 110, M 115 and M 123 models.
Engines of models M 102, M 115, M 123 have one overhead camshaft (SOHC), and the engine of model M 110 has two overhead camshafts (DOHC). Many units and elements of engines are largely unified.
The manual is intended for employees of service centers, stations and repair shops, as well as for technically trained car enthusiasts. Despite all the apparent complexity, the design of the car is quite simple, so in some cases the design of systems, mechanisms and units is described without unnecessary detail, and the order of maintenance and repair is easily understood when reading the text and studying the drawings and does not present any special problems for the car enthusiast.
Rules for using the Manual
The Manual is divided into Chapters. Each Chapter is divided into Sections. Sections, in turn, are divided into subsections and, where necessary, into sub-subsections and consist of paragraphs.
The text presented to your attention is accompanied by explanatory illustrations.
The description of procedures mentioned once in the text is usually not repeated a second time. Instead, if necessary, a reference is made to the relevant section (subsection, etc.), where this procedure has already been encountered.
References to the location of a component or part on the left or right side of the vehicle are based on the assumption that the reader is in the driver's seat facing forward.
The descriptions in this Manual are presented in a simple and accessible form. If you strictly follow the recommendations given in the text and accompanying illustrations, no particular difficulties should arise in performing the tasks set.
Due attention should be paid to the technical parameters and requirements for tightening torques of threaded connections, summarized in the sections "Design and technical parameters" and placed at the beginning of each Chapter. These specifications should be used as a guide for all work. Within individual sections, the necessary dimensions and values for adjustment are not always given.
Simple operations such as "opening the hood" or "loosening the wheel nuts" are taken for granted and are also not always mentioned.
On the contrary, the text describes in detail the most complex procedures that require increased care when performing them.