Hi there! I am a new owner of a W123 1984 200 model. I really like the car and truly know nothing of Mercedes but want to learn very badly. I want to be able to do all work on my car. Any tips for the new "MB kid on the block"?
2 questions: anybody know where I can get the owners manual for my car? & what are the I, II, and III on the speedometer?

Those marks are for your transmission, for approx speed when your tranny switches gears from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, and so on.

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'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

those markings indicate the maximum vehicle speeds for the corresponding gears. At these speeds in these gears, the engine will be at redline. These are used as guides when upshifting manually, if you don't have a tachometer.

but even if you have a tachometer, it is a useful guide when downshifting. For example, if you are in 4th and the speedo needle is below the III marking, then it is safe to downshift to 3rd. Without these markings, it is difficult to calculate if you will overrev the engine in the lower gear at the same vehicle speed.

The best bet for you to get service manuals for your car would be to call your local MB dealer or just keep an eye out for some to appear on eBay. I believe that http://www.books4cars.com also has some MB manuals left in their inventory. Good luck!


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

The I, II, III also signify the maximum speed for the particular gear. So if holding in second, don't go faster than II, according to my owners manual.

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Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5