Stupid Service Manual Question...

[nhdoc]

I recently bought the paper manual on ebay.

Now, I assumed it covered the 108.068 (my 1972 280SEL 4.5) but apparently it does not. It covers the 108.018 & 108.019 (280SE/8 & 280SEL/8) but there is no mention of the 4.5 engine anywhere in this manual. Also, the manual has a section on heating, ventilation and AC but only covers the AC with no mention of servicing the heating system.

So, I ask you...first, did I buy the wrong manual and is there another which covers the 108.068 (280SEL 4.5)?

and 2) Is there a manual which discusses the removal/replacement of the heater box and controls??

Thanks All.

[boneheaddoctor]

None of the Mercedes published hard copy manuals are all inclusive. there are multiple manuals covering different aspects...

I think there are 6 for the W116 for instance.

[Tomguy]

If you want a manual for the 4.5, you need to buy the m116/m117 service manual for 3.5 and 4.5 engines (not the later, 3.8/5.0 or 4.2/5.6 versions), or the one that covers all m116 and m117 engines. It is QUITE extensive and you'll see why it's not included in the other books, they'd be quite the thick novel! They pop up on eBay from time to time, but I haven't looked lately. Usually go for around $30-40.

[nhdoc]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

If you want a manual for the 4.5, you need to buy the m116/m117 service manual for 3.5 and 4.5 engines (not the later, 3.8/5.0 or 4.2/5.6 versions), or the one that covers all m116 and m117 engines. It is QUITE extensive and you'll see why it's not included in the other books, they'd be quite the thick novel! They pop up on eBay from time to time, but I haven't looked lately. Usually go for around $30-40.

Thanks...I'll keep an eye open for it as well.

Are there other chassis manuals which cover the disassembly of the dash and heater box work???

[cth350]

The manual you have is indeed the right one for the 280se 4.5, except for a few "minor differences" regarding the 4.5 motor. The engine manual shows up pretty frequently. There are several M117 motor manuals. Be sure to get the one that says it's for the 4.5 motor with the cast iron block. If you'd like a little background on the motor and how it differs from the 3.5, I believe that information is in the "1972 introduction to service" manual.

As for the A/C hardware, anything not covered in the big book you have would be in the Frigidare service manual that shows up on ebay occasionally. The manual is also included on the CD that benz sells for the late model 108 cars.

I have always found the service manual for the 1959-1968 model cars a valuable addition to the book you have. Will it be exact? No, but it has enough basic material to round out the details of what you need. Another great service manual is the owner's manual. Yes, leave it to mercedes to consider it a proper service manual.

-CTH

[nhdoc]

Thanks All. I can recall having a complete "set" of manuals for my 1974 240D when I owned that back in the 70s. There was a seperate manual for the body, engine, transmission, electrical system...as I recall, there were 4-5 books which made up the complete set and they covered just about every aspect of the vehicle.

I just figured I was missing something as this manual seems to be less complete than that set was...oh well, I appreciate this forum and if I get into trouble on any of my projects I know where to shout out for help! I'll watch for the engine manual on ebay too.