Hello all,

I'm working on a '72 280SE 4.5; and would like your opinions/advice on service manuals.
What I would prefer is a technical shop manual as opposed to anything generic or "Haynesey".
Is there a retail source for these, either original or reprinted?

In specific; I suspect I need to replace or service the ignition trigger points. I have a basic understanding of the ignition and injection systems, (just enough to get me into trouble quickly); and while I'm fairly skilled with things automotive, need more information.

Short of a Mercedes manual; are there service manuals available for the injection system itself?

TIA,
Keith

Here are the OEM manuals I've collected for my '72 280SE 4.5:

"Service Manual Passenger Cars Starting 1968"
"Service Manual Passenger Cars Starting 1959"
"Service Manual Engines M116-117"
"Maintenence Manual Passenger Cars-USA Version" (Printed Sept. '74)

These have been a fairly complete resource for most everything I've needed to do on my car.
All of these were obtained on ebay pretty resonably, although some may still be available thru MB Classic.

A book that really helped my understanding of the D-Jetronic system:
"How to Tune and Modify Bosch Fuel Injection" by Ben Watson www.motorbooks.com

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1972 280SE 4.5

Thanks,

Are the first four publications from MB? If so those are probably along the lines of what I want.
Oddly enough; I just ordered the Watson book the other day. From the page previews it's probably not as indepth as I'd prefer, but it was cheap enough to justify.
BTW: when I mentioned servicing the points, I meant the FI trigger points. I'm still looking for perhaps a techical training text for the D system.
Looks to be pretty basic, but better to have and not need....

Thanks again,
Keith

The first four are factory manuals. You can find them on ebay sometimes. Also at books4cars.com. They're not the cheapest place, but they have lots of books.

good luck

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

The only servicing you can do on those points is to clean engine oil off the contacts if present and lube the cam lobes with point grease. As those distributors wear out, oil climbs up past the seals and gets in the points. Also as the shaft wears and wobbles, idle can be rough, because of varying dwell. I think the points are pricey, so I wouldn't bother replacing them unless you are having running problems with the car. Those points start time base zero for the computer to determine pulse width to the injectors and can create havoc when they act up. They usually go intermittent.

Peter

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

I would first check with your local dealer.
I recently ordered an engine manual, owners manual and ETM for my 74 280C
Note, the first parts person I spoke with said they were not available, I later spoke to the senior parts person and he found them for me.

Good luck.
Doug Quance