Description
Factory Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class Workshop Manual (1979–1991)
This is the complete factory-level service manual for the Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class — the same reference trusted by authorized dealership technicians throughout the model’s production run from 1979 to 1991. US-market variants including the 300SD, 300SDL, 350SDL, 380SE/SEL/SEC, 420SEL, 500SEL, 560SEC, and 560SEL are all fully covered.
Powertrain & Drive Coverage
| Component | Variants Covered |
|---|---|
| Petrol | M103 2.6L I6, M110 2.8L I6, M116 3.8L V8, M117 5.0L V8, M117 5.6L V8 |
| Diesel | OM603 3.0L turbodiesel, OM603 3.5L turbodiesel |
| Transmissions | 722.3 4-speed automatic, 722.4 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual |
| Drive | RWD |
| Model Years | 1979–1991 |
| Badge Twins | C126 coupe (380SEC, 500SEC, 560SEC); W126 long-wheelbase SEL variants |
Common W126 Repairs Covered
| System | Procedures |
|---|---|
| Engine Cooling | Coolant hose replacement, thermostat R&R, radiator flush — common failure on high-mileage M116/M117 V8s |
| Fuel Injection | Bosch KE-Jetronic warm-up regulator diagnosis, fuel distributor service, injector cleaning |
| Suspension | Front control arm bushing replacement, rear self-leveling system bleeding and shock replacement |
| Electrical | Central locking vacuum pump diagnosis, power window regulator R&R, instrument cluster wiring repair |
Format & Delivery
PDF. Instant download; lifetime re-downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific W126 trim lines does this manual cover?
Every W126 body style is addressed — short-wheelbase SE sedans, long-wheelbase SEL sedans, and the C126 SEC coupes. Named variants include the 260SE, 280S, 280SE/SEL, 300SD, 300SDL, 300SE/SEL, 350SD/SDL, 380SE/SEL/SEC, 420SE/SEL, 500SE/SEC/SEL, 560SEC, and 560SEL.
Is the turbodiesel 300SD covered — the version sold in the US?
Yes. The North American 300SD and 300SDL, powered by the OM603 turbodiesel, are fully covered including injection pump service, glow plug system diagnostics, and emission control procedures specific to those models.
Does the manual include wiring diagrams for the ABS and climate control systems?
Yes. Full circuit diagrams are provided for ABS, climate control, fuel injection, central locking, power windows, SRS, and the instrument cluster. Wire colors, connector locations, and ground points are all identified for systematic electrical fault diagnosis.
What format is the manual?
The manual is a PDF file delivered via instant download immediately after purchase. It is fully searchable, compatible with all major devices and operating systems, and individual pages or sections can be printed for use in the garage.





Reviews
There are no reviews yet.