Description
Factory Mercedes 380 SE Workshop Manual (1979–1985)
This is the factory-level service manual for the Mercedes-Benz 380 SE (W126 chassis), covering every repair and maintenance procedure technicians need for the North American and international markets during the 1979–1985 production run.
Powertrain & Drive Coverage
| Component | Variants Covered |
|---|---|
| Petrol | M116 3.8L V8 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (155–204 hp depending on market spec) |
| Diesel | N/A |
| Transmissions | 4-speed automatic (W4A 040); full rebuild, fluid specs, torque converter service |
| Drive | RWD |
| Model Years | 1979–1985 |
| Badge Twins | W126 S-Class platform (380 SEL long-wheelbase shares significant overlap) |
Common 380 SE Repairs Covered
| System | Procedures |
|---|---|
| K-Jetronic Fuel Injection | Warm-up regulator diagnosis, fuel distributor service, cold-start valve testing — a known rough-idle and hard-start issue on aging M116 engines |
| Cooling System | Thermostat replacement, radiator R&R, coolant flush, hose inspection — W126 V8 prone to overheating when cooling components age |
| Automatic Transmission | Valve body service, linkage adjustment, fluid and filter change, torque converter removal |
| Electrical System | Wiring diagrams, central locking relay diagnosis, power window regulator repair, ground point identification |
Format & Delivery
PDF. Instant download; lifetime re-downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the W126 chassis and which body styles are covered?
The W126 is Mercedes-Benz’s internal designation for the second-generation S-Class, produced from 1979 to 1991. This manual focuses on the 380 SE standard-wheelbase sedan built between 1979 and 1985. Procedures in this manual also apply broadly to the 380 SEL long-wheelbase variant, as both share the same M116 drivetrain and most chassis systems.
Does the manual cover the Bosch K-Jetronic injection system in detail?
Yes. The fuel system section includes complete K-Jetronic diagnosis and repair: fuel pressure testing, warm-up regulator replacement, cold-start injector service, fuel distributor overhaul, and injector cleaning procedures. This is especially useful given the age of these vehicles and the frequency of fuel delivery complaints on the M116 engine.
Are wiring diagrams included for the electrical system?
Full electrical schematics are included covering the engine management circuit, HVAC controls, exterior lighting, power windows, power seats, central locking, and instrument cluster. Each diagram includes wire color codes, connector pinout data, and ground locations specific to the W126 platform.
What format is the manual?
This manual is delivered as a PDF file. After purchase, you receive an instant download link and can re-download at any time. The file is fully searchable and compatible with any PDF reader on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Linux devices.
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