Mercedes-Benz Service Manual Chassis & Body Series 126

$25.00

Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class workshop manual with chassis and body technical information

Includes factory documentation for vehicle identification, technical data, suspension, steering, brakes, bodywork, interior, electrical equipment and procedures for inspection, adjustment, repair and installation, with direct application to SE, SEL, SEC, SD and SDL versions of the Series 126.

English PDF | 2106 pages | Instant digital delivery.

Applies to SE, SEL, SEC, SD and SDL versions of the Series 126
Includes technical data, suspension, steering, brakes, bodywork, interior and electrical systems
Technical procedures for maintenance, repair and restoration work
Useful reference for workshops, collectors and Mercedes-Benz W126 owners

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Description
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Mercedes-Benz Service Manual Chassis & Body Series 126 | PDF

Official workshop manual for the chassis and body of Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class models.

The Mercedes-Benz W126 series is one of the most recognized generations of the S-Class, valued for its build quality and for the wide range of sedan, coupe and diesel versions produced during the 1980s and early 1990s. This manual brings together factory technical information for inspection, adjustment, removal, repair, installation and maintenance work related to the chassis, body and associated systems.

This digital PDF edition is intended for owners, workshops, restorers and collectors who need accurate technical documentation for Mercedes-Benz Series 126 models, with particular value for structural repairs, suspension maintenance, brakes, steering, interior work, bodywork, electrical equipment and auxiliary components.

Main technical content

Vehicle identification, chassis number, data card and body plates.
Technical data, capacities, dimensions, weights and general specifications.
Procedures for inspection, removal, adjustment, repair and installation.
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires and chassis components.
Bodywork, panels, doors, glass, interior, upholstery and trim.
Electrical equipment, auxiliary components, safety systems and maintenance.
Useful information for preservation, professional repair and Mercedes-Benz W126 restoration.

W126 Series models included in this manual

300 SE and 300 SEL
380 SE, 380 SEL and 380 SEC
420 SEL
500 SEL and 500 SEC
560 SEL and 560 SEC
300 SD and 300 SDL
350 SD and 350 SDL

Other W126 Series models with useful technical reference

260 SE
280 S, 280 SE and 280 SEL
420 SE and 420 SEC
500 SE
560 SE

In addition to the versions listed in the main application, this documentation may also be useful as a technical reference for other Mercedes-Benz W126 models with shared chassis, body, suspension, steering, brake and interior systems. In these cases, year, market, chassis number, engine type and equipment should always be checked.

Important: this manual corresponds to the Mercedes-Benz Service Manual Chassis & Body Series 126 and focuses on chassis and body systems. For specific engine, injection or complete electrical diagnostic work, Mercedes-Benz used complementary technical manuals.

Item features

Format: Digital PDF.
Language: English.
Pages: 2106.
File size: 92.5 MB.
Delivery: Instant digital download.

Frequently asked questions

Is this manual useful for Mercedes-Benz W126 SEC models?

Yes. It includes application for the 380 SEC, 500 SEC and 560 SEC coupe versions, as well as SE and SEL sedans and SD and SDL diesel versions.

Does it include suspension, steering and brake information?

Yes. The manual focuses on chassis and body systems, so it includes technical information related to suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, bodywork, interior and associated components.

Is it useful for restoring a Mercedes-Benz W126?

Yes. It is a very useful reference for restoration, preventive maintenance and professional repair, especially when original factory procedures and specifications are required.

Does it include diesel models?

Yes. It includes diesel and turbodiesel versions of the Series 126, such as 300 SD, 300 SDL, 350 SD and 350 SDL.

Is this product delivered as a printed book?

No. This is a digital PDF edition with instant delivery, ideal for viewing on a computer or tablet, or for printing only the sections needed for workshop use.

Mercedes-Benz W126 Chassis and Body Manual | Index

This index lists the main sections and job numbers included in the Mercedes-Benz Service Manual Chassis & Body Series 126.

Each entry is listed in accordance with the manual’s original technical layout and numbering.

00 General, technical data

General

00-0005 Instructions for use of manual
00-0010 Engine and vehicle identification

Technical data

00-0015 Technical data

Identification

00-0020 Vehicle identification number locations
00-0030 Vehicle data card
00-0035 Body plate

00-0510 Handling of components
00-0550 Handling of nuts and bolts
00-8070 Cleaning and maintenance of vehicle paint finish
00-8080 Cleaning vehicle interior
00-8503 Cleaning engine compartment
00-9000 Towing of vehicle
00-9001 Catalytic converters
00-9004 Positioning jack stands
00-9005 Lifting vehicle with on-board jack
00-9007 Lifting vehicle with pit lift or floor jack
00-9008 Lifting vehicle on hoist

15 Charging system, starter

Alternator

15-600 Testing alternator and regulator in vehicle
15-642 Replacing fan assembly

Starter

15-700 R and R starter

29 Pedals

Pedal assembly

29-320 R and R pedals
29-330 Disassembling and assembling pedals

32 Suspension system

Springs - shock absorbers

32-010 Survey of springs - shock absorbers / spring struts

Shock absorbers

32-100 R and R front shock absorbers
32-110 R and R rear shock absorbers
32-120 Checking shock absorbers
32-125 Checking alignment of front shock absorbers
32-126 Checking alignment of rear shock absorbers

Springs

32-200 R and R front springs
32-220 Adjustment of front springs
32-230 R and R rear springs
32-240 Adjustment of rear springs
32-250 Test specifications of springs

Stabilizer bars

32-300 R and R front stabilizer bar
32-310 R and R rear stabilizer bar
32-320 R and R rear stabilizer bar (suspension w/ anti-squat geometry)
32-325 R and R wheel carrier support on stabilizer bar

Level control

32-501 Functional description
32-510 Checking spring struts
32-520 Checking pressure reservoir
32-530 Checking pressure oil pump and level controller

Assembly jobs

32-610 R and R spring struts
32-620 R and R pressure reservoir
32-630 Draining and filling hydraulic system
32-640 R and R pressure oil pump
32-645 Replacement of pressure oil pump seal
32-660 R and R level controller connecting link
32-670 R and R level controller

33 Front axle

Front axle halves

33-200 R and R front axle half

Front wheel hub

33-400 R and R steering knuckle
33-300 Adjustment of wheel bearing end play
33-310 R and R front wheel hub
33-320 Disassembly, inspection, repair and assembly of front wheel hub

Steering knuckle

33-410 Checking steering knuckle
33-420 R and R steering knuckle arm
33-425 Checking upper and lower ball joints
33-430 Replacing ball joint boots
33-440 Replacing lower ball joint

Control arm

33-500 R and R upper control arm
33-512 Removal, disassembly, assembly and installation of lower control arm
33-520 R and R lower control arm bushing
33-540 Checking bracking support link and ball joint
33-550 Checking and replacing upper control arm bushing
33-560 Checking upper control arm
33-570 Checking lower control arm

Front axle carrier

33-600 R and R bracking support link ball joint carrier
33-610 R and R ball joint carrier bushing
33-615 R and R bracking support link ball joint

35 Rear axle

Rear axle

35-010 R and R complete rear axle
35-040 R and R rear axle subframe front bushings
35-050 R and R rear axle subframe rear bushing

Semi-trailling arm

35-110 R and R semi-trailling arm
35-130 R and R rear axle shaft flange, adjust bearings
35-310 R and R coupled semi-trailing arm
35-330 R and R link between coupled semi-trailing arm and caliper carrier
35-350 R and R and adjust wheel carrier
35-360 R and R caliper carrier and hub, adjust wheel bearing

Inspection of wheel location

35-410 Inspection of rear axle assembly
35-420 Checking semi-trailing arms
35-430 Checking rear axle subframe

Rear axle center piece

35-500 Differentiating characteristics, differential installation survey
35-520 R and R rear axle differential housing with rear axle shafts
35-530 R and R drive pinion seal with differential housing installed
35-540 R and R rear axle shaft seal with differential housing installed
35-550 R and R differential gear set
35-560 Reconditioning differential

Rear axle shaft

35-620 R and R rear axle shaft
35-660 R and R constant velocity joint boots
35-680 R and R axle shaft damper weights

35-0005 Identifying differential housing mounting
35-0010 R and R complete rear axle assembly
35-0040 R and R front mounts of rear axle sub-frame
35-0050 R and R rear mount of rear axle sub-frame
35-0110 R and R semi-trailing arm/bushing
35-0130 R and R rear wheel hub , adjustment of bearings
35-0310 R and R coupled semi-trailing arm/bushing
35-0330 R and R link between coupled semi-trailing arm and caliper carrier
35-0350 R and R and adjust wheel carrier
35-0360 R and R caliper carrier and hub, adjust wheel bearing
35-500 Differential housing identification and installation survey
35-510 ASD design and function
35-511 Important notes on towing, brake testing and repair work
35-512 R and R ASD control module
35-513 R and R ASD solenoid valve
35-514 R and R ASD hydraulic unit
35-516 Testing ASD electrical system - DTC readout
35-517 ASD Testing hydraukic system pressure
35-518 Testing ASD frictional torque
35-519 Bleeding ASD hydraulic system
35-520 R and R rear axle differential housing
35-530 R and R drive pinion seal with differential housing installed
35-540 R and R rear axle shaft seal with differential housing installed
35-545 Repairing ASD ring cylinder
35-550 R and R differential gear set
35-560 Reconditioning differential
35-620 R and R rear axle shaft
35-660 R and R constant velocity joints boots
35-670 R and R rear axle shaft flange with differential housing installed

40 Wheels

Wheels and tires

40-0100 Survey wheels and tires
40-0102 Wheels
40-0104 Tires
40-0106 Tire inflation pressure labels
40-0108 Snow chains
40-0110 R and R wheel covers
40-0111 R and R wheel cover retaining clip and spring
40-0112 R and R center cap on light-alloy wheels
40-0113 R and R wheels
40-0120 Replacing tires
40-0130 Balancing wheels
40-0140 Checking wheel runout

Alignment

40-200 General checks and preliminary jobs for wheel alignment
40-210 Position of wheels
40-220 Aligning vehicle over measuring pit or on hoist
40-230 Attachment of wheel mirrors
40-280 Checking chassis alignment measuring instruments
40-300 Checking vehicle level on front and rear axle
40-310 Checking vehicle level on rear axle of vehicles with level control
40-320 Front axle wheel alignment
40-330 Rear axle wheel alignment

40-400 Checking collision-damaged vehicles
40-420 Checking inclination of lower control arm bushing

41 Propeller shaft

41-050 R and R drive shaft 1015-1022
41-100 R and R center bearing
41-200 R and R centering sleeve

42 Brakes, hidraulic and mechanical

Brake system

42-0010 Bleeding brake system or replacing brake fluid
42-0012 Checking and cleaning brake lines and brake hoses
42-0013 Replacing brake hoses
42-0015 Pressure testing brake system
42-0035 Checking warning device in reservoir
42-0040 R and R and adjust mechanical brake light switch

Brake disc

42-0260 Cleaning brake discs with cleaning pads

Master cylinder

42-0310 R and R master cylinder
42-0315 Reconditioning master cylinder

Parking brake

42-0510 R and R parking brake pedal assembly
42-0520 R and R parking brake poedal assembly
42-0525 R and R rear brake cable control
42-0530 R and R parking brake shoes
42-0540 Adjustment of parking brake

Brakes, anti-locking brake system

42-700 Design and function of anti-lock braking system
42-702 Important notes for repair work
42-705 R and R ABS hydraulic unit (A7)
42-708 R and R ABS control module (N30)
42-710 R and R motor and valve relays
42-711 R and R overvoltage protection
42-712 R and R front axle VSS sensors (L6/1, L6/2)
42-714 R and R rear axle VSS sensor (L6)
42-720 Electrical testing
42-725 Function/test of overvoltage protection relay as of 09/85
42-800 Design and function of acceleration slip regulation ASR II
42-0810 Notes for towing, test and repair work
42-0816 R and R ABS/ASR hydraulic unit (A7/3)
42-0818 R and R ASR charging pump (M15)
42-0819 R and R accumulator
42-0820 R and R left/right rear axle VSS sensors
42-0821 R and R ASR control module (N30/1)
42-0822 Electrical test program - ASR II
42-0824 Hydraulic test program - ASR II

43 Brakes, pneumatics

Brake unit

43-0023 Testing check valve
43-0325 Testing brake booster
43-0350 R and R brake booster
43-0618 R and R piston vacuum pump
43-0628 R and R vacuum pump piston seal and plate valves
43-0635 Replacement of piston vacuum pump swing arm
43-0660 Checking piston vacuum pump

46 Steering

Checking of steering

46-050 Technical data
46-110 Checking steering play
46-130 Checking power steering pump oil pressure
46-140 Replacing steering following accident

Power steering

46-220 Reconditioning steering gear
46-412 R and R steering gear

Steering linkage, steering arms

46-480 Readjustment of steering gear in vehicle
46-512 R and R pitman arm and lower housing cover seal
46-520 Checking idler arm play, R and R idler arm bushing
46-540 R and R tie rod ends
46-550 R and R center link
46-560 R and R center link and tie rod end boots

Steering wheel, steering column, steering shaft, steering lock

46-610 R and R steering wheel
46-612 R and R steering wheel slip ring
46-620 R and R steering column
46-625 Steering column disassembly/assembly
46-640 R and R steering wheel lock

Power steering pump

46-700 Power steering pump identification
46-705 R and R power steering pump seal
46-710 R and R power steering pump
46-715 Filling and bleeding power steering pump
46-720 Disassembly/assembly P/S pump

54 Electrical equipment and instruments

Battery

54-001 Filling battery with overfill protection
54-005 Testing and charging battery

Ground connection points

54-100 Designations and locations of ground points
54-110 Connector and terminal block locations
54-152 Electrical connections for special equipment
54-160 R and R fuse and relay box
54-180 Installation of separate fuse for blower motor (through 06/86)

Instruments

54-240 Bulb failure indicator
54-242 Overvoltage protection relay
54-250 R and R instrument cluster
54-251 R and R indicator instrument
54-252 Testing electronic speedometer
54-253 R and R speedometer
54-254 Testing electrical oil pressure gauge
54-255 Testing ECONOMY vacuum gauge
54-256 Low fuel sensor
54-257 Testing fuel gauge
54-258 R and R speedometer
54-261 Testing outside temperature gauge
54-262 Instrument illumination intensity control
54-264 Testing low washer fluid indicator

Switches

54-305 R and R rotary light switch
54-310 R and R combination switch
54-330 R and R upper center console switches
54-335 R and R center console upper/lower cover
54-345 Relay and control module locations
54-350 Wiring diagrams - indicator lamp monitoring, 3rd brake lamp

Ashtray, sun visor

54-391 Renewing bulb for ashtray light
54-395 Sun visor with illuminated mirror

Seat belt warning device

54-410 Warning device for seat belt, ignition key, light

Cruise control

54-500 Cruise control operation
54-504 Testing cruise control with adapter
54-506 Testing coding plug
54-541 R and R actuator
54-545 R and R cruise control switch
54-561 Adjustment of connecting link
54-565 R and R control module
54-566 R and R control module coding plug (starting 01/87)
54-577 R and R decel shutoff relay
54-579 Connector locations (starting 09/85)

67 Glass and windows

Windshield

67-100 R and R windshield
67-120 R and R windshield molding

Rear window

67-200 R and R rear window
67-220 R and R rear window molding

Rear side window

67-400 R and R/adjust rear side glass (coupe)
67-415 R and R rear side glass power window motor
67-420 Adjusting rear side glass

68 Interior equipment

Instrument panel

68-100 R and R instrument panel
68-105 R and R speaker cover
68-110 R and R instrument trim strip
68-120 R and R glove box cover
68-130 R and R glove compartment lid lock
68-140 R and R glove compartment
68-150 R and R cover under instrument panel

Center console

68-200 R and R center console
68-230 R and R cover at selector lever

Panelling

68-400 R and R upper windshield reveal molding
68-405 R and R A-oillar moldings
68-430 R and R headliner
68-435 R and R headliner (coupe)
68-447 R and R rear roof frame paneling
68-449 R and R C-pillar trim
68-456 R and R rear side panels
68-458 R and R rear shelf
68-470 R and R B-pillar molding
68-480 R and R trunk liner
68-485 R and R rear center trunk panel
68-490 R and R firewall sound deadening
68-700 R and R fuel tank trunk panel

72 Doors

Doors

72-050 R and R front door
72-051 Dismantling front door
72-060 R and R rear door
72-061 Dismantling rear door
72-100 R and R front door inner trim panel
72-101 R and R rear door inner trim panel
72-102 R and R window frame inner trim
72-103 R and R door inner trim panel
72-140 R and R arm rest
72-160 R and R inner sealing strip
72-170 R and R outer sealing strip
72-185 R and R front door power window mechanism
72-187 R and R rear door power window mechanism
72-197 R and R rear door fixed glass
72-198 R and R flexible window run channel
72-200 R and R guide holder with guide rail (coupe)
72-210 R and R door holder
72-220 R and R door sealing frame
72-230 R and R front door inside handle
72-231 R and R rear door inside handle
72-240 R and R front door outside handle
72-241 R and R rear door outside handle
72-250 R and R front door latch
72-251 R and R rear door latch

77 Sliding roof

Sliding roof

77-050 R and R headliner of sliding/lifting roof
77-100 R and R sliding roof cover (panel)
77-110 Adjusting sliding roof cover (panel)
77-130 R and R sealing and holding rails on sliding/lifting roof opening
77-140 R and R sliding roof control (cable)
77-150 R and R tubing
77-170 R and R lifting arm of sliding/lifting roof
77-180 R and R mounting bracket with motor and gear unit (round motor)
77-195 Checking and adjusting sliding roof motor clutch (round motor)
77-250 R and R sliding roof wind deflector
77-300 R and R sliding roof frame

80 Central locking system

Central locking system

80-010 Functional description
80-090 Checking function of central locking system
80-104 Testing electrical function of central locking system
80-108 Checking pneumatic function of supply pump
80-112 Checking electrical function of actuator
80-116 Checking pneumatic function of actuator
80-120 Checking central locking system for leaks
80-215 R and R door and trunk actuators (S47, S48, S49)
80-220 R and R rear door actuator
80-230 R and R tank flap actuator
80-270 R and R supply pump (M14/1)

Electrical and function diagrams

80-800 Electrical wiring diagrams
80-900 Function diagrams

82 Electrtical system of body

Electrical system of body

82-0010 R and R front and rear dome lamps
82-0012 Function of dome lamp control module
82-0052 R and R head lamp unit
82-0053 R and R fog lamps (coupe)
82-0062 R and R lamp unit bulbs
82-0063 R and R fog lamp bulb (coupe)
82-0067 R and R headlamp lens
82-0070 Daytime running lamps (Canada)
82-0071 Installation instruction for daytime running lamp circuit
82-0080 R and R lamp unit reflector
82-0250 R and R center high mounted brake lamp
82-0252 R and R rear lamp
82-0348 R and R licence plate lamp
82-0392 Function sliding/pop-up roof, wiring diagrams

Radio

82-0505 R and R radio
82-0507 FM and FM stereo reception in moving vehicles
82-0510 Interference due to short-term interference sources
82-0512 R and R front, rear and door loudspeakers
82-0513 M-B sound system

Antenna

82-0530 Function of automatic antenna
82-0537 R and R antenna
82-0538 R and R telescoping antenna mast
82-0539 R and R antenna cable
82-0540 Function of headlamp cleaning system

Wiper, windshield

82-0680 R and R wiper motor
82-0795 Windshield washer system
82-0797 Function, wiring diagram heated windshield washer system

Seat heating, mirrors

82-0800 Seat heater with automatic shut-of function
82-0805 Wiring diagrams seat heater with automatic shut-off
82-0833 Electrically adjustable outside mirror
82-0834 Electrically heated outside mirror
82-0840 Wiring diagrams power windows

Power seats

82-0860 Electrical seat adjustment front
82-0865 R and R front power seat switch
82-0880 Function electric rear seat adjustment
82-0881 R and R electric rear seat adjustment
82-0885 Electrical wiring diagram backrest lock, coupe

Anti-theft alarm

82-0980 Function anti-theft alarm (ATA)
82-0985 Function test anti-theft alarm (ATA)

88 Detachable body components

Fenders

88-100 R and R front fender
88-110 R and R trim molding below headlamp unit

Bumpers

88-200 R and R front bumper
88-220 R and R rear bumper
88-225 R and R rear bumper trim molding

Engine hood

88-300 R and R hood
88-302 Hood adjustment
88-306 R and R hood hinges
88-310 R and R hood release cable
88-320 R and R hood lock
88-330 R and R hood front seal

Radiator shell

88-400 R and R radiator cowling
88-401 R and R radiator grille
88-402 R and R trim strips on radiator grille
88-405 R and R Mercedes star

Trunk lkid

88-500 R and R trunk lid
88-502 R and R trunk lid lock
88-505 Attaching trunk lid model designation
88-512 R and R trunk lid hinge lever
88-800 R and R lower side paneling
88-805 R and R door belt line seal molding
88-850 R and R A-pillar molding
88-860 R and R rain strip

Mirrors

88-900 R and R outside rear view mirror
88-905 R and R electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror
88-910 R and R power mirror motor

91 Seats and seat belts

Driver's seat

91-100 R and R driver seat
91-110 R and R front passenger seat
91-112 Design and operation of seat backrest lock
91-115 R and R vacuum element for driver or passenger seat (coupé)
91-119 R and R vacuum switch for front seat backrest (coupé)
91-120 R and R reclining seat fittings
Checking seat backrest lock (coupé)
91-162 Function diagram seat backrest lock (coupé)
91-165 R and R, reconditioning driver seat folding arm rest
91-167 R and R orthopedic seat backrest padding
91-170 R and R rear seat cushion and rear seat backrest
91-180 R and R driver seat cushion cover (coupé)
91-182 R and R driver seat backrest lining (coupé)

Safety belt

91-300 Remedy for electrostatic charge on seats
91-500 R and R front seat belt
91-505 R and R adjustable front seat belt anchor
91-508 R and R belt positioner
91-510 R and R rear seat belt
91-550 Seat belt inspection

SRS

91-600 Function description of Airbag, Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR)
91-610 Disposal and handling of SRS components
91-620 R and R SRS control module (up to 08/87)
91-622 R and R SRS control module (from 09/87 on)
91-625 Guidelines for seat belt replacement
91-630 R and R seat belt and ETR (up to 08/87)
91-632 R and R seat belt and ETR (from 09/87 onwards)
91-640 R and R SRS energy accumulator
91-650 R and R voltage converter for airbags and ETRs (up to 08/87)
91-660 R and R airbag unit on steering wheel
91-680 R and R front passenger's airbag unit

Test programs

91-700 Test program, airbags and ETR (up to 08/87)
91-710 Test program, airbags and ETR (from 09/87)
91-750 Test program, ETR (without airbag)