Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 4.5 W109 Owner's Manual

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 4.5 W109 Owner's Manual | PDF

Owner's manual covering the operation, driving and routine maintenance of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 4.5 W109.

Introduced in 1965, the W108 and W109 series occupied the upper end of the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car range before the S-Class name was officially adopted. The W109 was distinguished by its long wheelbase, extensive equipment and air suspension, features designed to provide greater comfort on long-distance journeys.

The 300 SEL 4.5 was an export model developed specifically for North America and produced between 1971 and 1972. It combined the 4.5-liter M117 V8 engine with electronically controlled fuel injection and an automatic transmission. Its blend of interior space, performance and ride comfort made it one of the most distinctive models from the final phase of W109 production.

This Owner's Manual explains the principal features of the car, ranging from the doors, seats and dashboard to the climate-control system, automatic transmission and air suspension. It also brings together regular inspections, basic maintenance procedures and practical instructions for situations that may arise during vehicle operation.

Model included in this W109 Series Owner's Manual

• Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 4.5 W109, type 109.057, North American export model equipped with the 4,520 cc M117 V8 engine.

Controls, comfort and equipment

• Keys, locks, doors and childproof locks.
• Seat adjustment, headrests and safety belts.
• Power windows and central locking.
• Dashboard instruments, warning lamps and controls.
• Lights, switches and steering lock.
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
• Sliding roof, radio and heated rear window.
• Air-suspension operation and height adjustment.

Driving and routine inspections

The manual describes the hood release, parking-brake operation and regular checks required during vehicle use. It provides instructions for starting and stopping the engine, selecting the automatic-transmission positions and driving safely.

It also contains guidance concerning the initial break-in period, fuel and engine-oil consumption, brake and suspension warning lamps, engine temperature and emission control. Additional recommendations cover travel abroad, winter driving, tire chains and starting at low ambient temperatures.

Vehicle maintenance and care

The documentation introduces the Mercedes-Benz maintenance system and covers engine-oil changes, filter service, automatic-transmission fluid and lubrication points. It also explains how to clean and preserve the bodywork, passenger compartment and different vehicle finishes.

Practical guidance and assistance

• Vehicle tool kit and warning triangle.
• Wheels, tires and wheel-changing procedure.
• Engine-oil, coolant and automatic-transmission-fluid checks.
• Spark plugs, battery and fuses.
• Emergency operation of the sliding roof.
• Bulb replacement.
• Tow-starting and vehicle towing.
• Air-suspension checks.
• Preparing the vehicle for transportation.

Technical data, fuels and lubricants

The manual identifies the vehicle data plates, chassis number, engine number and data cards. It provides specifications for the M117 engine, electrical system, automatic transmission, steering, wheels, dimensions, weights, speeds and fluid capacities.

It also lists the fuels, engine oils, coolants, fluids and lubricants specified when the document was published. These recommendations reflect the technical standards of their period and should be checked before equivalent modern products are used.

File details

• Format: PDF.
• Language: English.
• Pages: 72.
• File size: 12.4 MB.
• Content: digital scan of the original manual.
• Delivery: instant download link.