Hi,
Just picked up my first Benz and am super excited. It's a 1971 220, gas, stick shift and seems to be in pretty good shape.
At least I drove it home!

I have a couple questions though. First, is there a good repair manual out there for these? Something like a Haynes?

Also, it doesn't seem like this has power steering, should it?

And, what's the deal with the orange coolant? Can I get some at an Autozone or Baxter autoparts?

Is this a W115?

I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions, so thanks in advance!!!

There is a Factory Service Model for the W115/W114 model.

Not all models have power steering.

It is a W115. Four and five-cylinder models are W115, six cylinder models are W114.

If you are in need of a Manual for your new purchase, I can help you out. I have a Mercedes Factory manual for your 115. The Mercedes Genuine manuals are much better than the Haynes. Let me know in a private message if you are interested.

__________________
1982 300TDT
1991 190D
2022 Metris

Thanks, PM sent.

On the steering, I don't think mine has PS. If it does, it's not working. There is a fair amount of play in it though. Is there anyway to tighten this up?

And can anyone tell me how the heck the heater controls work?!?!

I would not use anything except for a Mercedes manual. It might even be free on the STAR TekInfo web site-many manuals are there.

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/doclist.jsp

I would flush out what ever coolant is in there and install Mercedes coolant. The steering boxes are pretty tough-the play might be in the suspension. The adjustment pulls a ball into a socket with spring tension so if it's loose tightening may not do any good.

__________________
Tony H
W111 280SE 3.5 Coupe
Manual transmission

Past cars:
Porsche 914 2.0
'64 Jaguar XKE Roadster
'57 Oval Window VW
'71 Toyota Hilux Pickup Truck-Dad bought new
'73 Toyota Celica GT

I'll get that fluid changed this weekend. Any suggestions on what type/weight of oil?

And what is the pedal that's way up under dash on the firewall, up next to the emergency brake pedal?


Tony- When you say the play might be in the suspension, does that mean it would need to be replaced or that can also be adjusted? If I tried adjusting the steering box, (the ball/socket spring tension) is it a bolt or something I tighten?

Short answer: Use diesel engine oil (Delo, or equivalent) that is appropriate for the climate/temp where you're at.

It will have some additives that have been taken out of the "oil for modern gas engines", and which the older engines still require.

Long answer: There's lots more detail if you do a search for ZDDP...

Steering: yes, do check all rod ends, ball joints and arm mountings before you adjust the steering play...chances are the steering is shifting the suspension, vs "loose" internally. The large steering wheel magnifies the effect. Have someone turn wheel while you observe the suspension and steering links.

Or just use synthetic oil.

Check your steering coupler, aka "rag joint".

__________________
1968 230S Automatic, Elfenbein
1975 O309D Executive Westfalia Camper Bus, Blau/ Weiss
1972 280SEL 4,5 Dunkelrot
1966 VW Type 34 "Grosser" Karmann-Ghia
1963 VW 1500 Variant Pearlweiss
1969 VW Variant Automatic, Perugruen
1971 VW Squareback Automatic, Clementine Orange
2001 E320 4Matic Wagon- Our belated welcome to the 21st century! Polar White
1973 280SEL 4,5 Sliding Roof "The Bomb", Dunkelblau.

I got the oil and fluids changed and put on a new oil pan gasket. She was leaking like crazy but I think it was just the gasket, keeping my fingers crossed.

I opened up the fuse box and I think some of them were the original fuses from 1971! Now my right rear light works, but no turn signal on that side and no brake lights in the rear.

Electrical work is definitely my least favorite- Any ideas or wiring diagrams would be much appreciated!

Here's a pic, I think it's a repaint-

Attached Thumbnails

 

That is for pumping the wiper fluid onto the windscreen. Some models of the pedal have an electric connection, so that the wipers come on automatically if you press the pedal.

x2 on checking all the steering parts before adjusting the steering box.

thanks for the info.

After digging into the taillights, there is power back there for the brake lights, but the bulbs are loose int he sockets. I did a little bit of searching and can't find replacement tail lights. Anyone know if these are available? Or a way to tighten up the sockets on the bulbs?

Nice car. Are you in Oregon? Where abouts? You should look up Marrs. He's in Portland if that's not too far. Does a lot of DIY on his 111 coupe and quite helpful.

Yep, I'm in Portland.

Hi Crojak, I am in Portland also, feel free to drop me a PM if you have any specific questions, where to get parts locally, shop reference, etc.

BTW, did changing your gaskets stop your leaks? Did you have any trouble getting any of the bolts out?

__________________
1962 220SE W111 Coupe, 2nd owner

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../SideSmall.jpg

The Coupe Group (W111/112 coupes and cabs) official website
The Coupe Group on Facebook
MotoArigato: Roadworthy News & Humor

Hey Marrs, thanks. I went to MBI, lower Hawthorne, for the gasket. They were friendly enough. And today I was walking to my car after work and saw Burback(?) motors, close in SE near Water Ave. I walked in and chatted with those guys for awhile. They didn't have any parts but were willing to help me track down some and see if they are available.
That's as far as I've got.

The bolts came out really easy, and replacing the gasket stopped about 80% (?) of the leaks, haha.

And luckily the oil drain bolt is the same size as the front axle on an SV650! Otherwise I would have had some problems!