Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL 126 1981 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Mercedes-Benz Manuals
  4. Automobile
  5. 380 SEL 126 1981
  6. Owner's manual

Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL 126 1981 Owner's Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Mercedes-Benz
380SEL
Owner's
Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the 380 SEL 126 1981 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL 126 1981

Summary of Contents for Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL 126 1981

  • Page 1 Mercedes-Benz 380SEL Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 2 Drive Sensibly — Save Fuel Fuel consumption depends to a great extent on driving habits and operating conditions, In order to save fuel you should: • ensure that tire pressures are correct • not carry unnecessary loads • remove ski racks or roof-mounted luggage racks when not in use •...
  • Page 3 380 SEL Type 126 1981...
  • Page 5 You have chosen to drive a MERCEDES-BENZ, a car in whose construction and production we have taken great pains because we believe that quality is not a matter of chance. Perhaps you have already had experience with a MERCEDES, maybe this is your first car from the DAIMLER-BENZ company. In both cases —...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents This Owner’s Manual also describes Vehicle Operation C o n tro ls ........optional extras as far as this is Steering L o c k ....Instruments and Controls required for their operation. As the Lighting S w itch...... Instrument Cluster .
  • Page 8 Contents Practical Hints Vehicle Care Driving MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance Ash tra y s ........H ood......... System ........Rear Seat C u s h io n ....Parking B r a k e ......First Aid K it ....... Regular In s p e c tio n s ....
  • Page 9 Contents Electrical S yste m ....Technical Data, Fuels, Coolants, Replacing B u lb s ....Lubricants, etc. F u s e s ........Vehicle Operation Identification P lates....B attery........Vehicle Data C a rd s ....Spark P lu g s ......Warranty C overage....
  • Page 11 Vehicle Operation...

  • Page 12: Lighting Switch

    Instruments and Controls 14 Switch for rear passenger compartment For more detailed descriptions see quoted pages. lamp (page 30) 1 Speaker grilles 15 Switch for electric sliding roof (page 29) 2 Side ventilation outlets (page 26) 16 Switch for hazard warning flasher system 3 Swivelling outlets for nonheated fresh air 17 Switch for automatic antenna (page 36) (page 26)
  • Page 13 Instruments and Controls...
  • Page 14 Instrument Cluster 13 0 2-Sensor replacement indicator lamp (red): 1 Gauge for economical driving (ECONOMY). See When the indicator lamp comes on, the page 47 0 2-Sensor must be replaced 2 Coolant temperature gauge (° C) 14 Seat belt warning lamp (red) Up to red marking: Maximum permissible tempe rature for an antifreeze-blended fill protecting down to -30°...
  • Page 15 Instrument Cluster...
  • Page 16 The flat key fits all vehicle Replacement keys can be obtained Supplementary Key - rounded locks. We recommend only via MERCEDES-BENZ service that you carry the flat key stations. If the keys are lost, assist­ head - fits only the door locks and...
  • Page 17 Keys Doors Opening the Doors Locking and Unlocking of Doors When the rear door plungers are pushed down, the rear doors cannot From outside: pull handle From the outside: turn key. be opened from the outside or the outwards (1). From the inside: actuate plunger.
  • Page 18 Seats Keys Doors With the master lock system in the Master Lock System locked position, the trunk lid can ■ The master lock system locks or also be unlocked individually: To do unlocks the driver’s door, the other so, turn the main key to the left as vehicle doors, the fuel tank filler flap far as it will go, then depress the and the trunk lid simultaneously.
  • Page 19 Note: Detaching headrests: Prior to operating the vehicle, the Pull headrest out to the stop. driver should adjust the seat height Release arrester by depressing for proper vision as well as fore-aft release knob to be felt under the placement and seat back angle to seat back covering material and pull insure adequate control, reach, headrest upward quickly, holding it...
  • Page 20 Seats Arm Rest (Rear Seat) Rear Seat Adjustment Orthopaedic Seat Back An arm rest is provided in the rear Turn handwheel (1) to adjust the Move key in steering lock to seat which can be pulled out with a position “2”. spinal support.
  • Page 21 Seats Note: The arm rest does not suffice as a child restraint system. In case of a frontal collision a child can be cata­ pulted forward over the locked arm rest. It is only suitable as protection against objects which might be hurled forward when the vehicle is decelerated.
  • Page 22 Seats Safety Belts Press latch plate (1) into Unfastening: buckle (2) and allow to engage • Depress red button (3) in Warning system: audibly. buckle (2). The indicator is illuminated for Adjust front seat safety belts so • Return latch plate (1) to initial 4 -8 seconds after turning the steer­...
  • Page 23 Seats Operation: To shorten the belt, pull the loose After an accident, inspect the safety belt end. To lengthen the belt, turn belts and replace them, if required. The safety belt inertia reel stops the tongue so that it is at right angles to The belt anchors in the vehicle belt from unwinding further in case the belt webbing and pull the belt.

  • Page 24: Steering Lock

    Controls to turn the key clockwise to posi­ Notes: Steering Lock tion “1”.) The following items can be operated Steering is locked when the key with the key in steering lock posi­ Driving. is withdrawn and the steering lock is tion “1”...
  • Page 25 Controls Lighting Switch Standing lamps, right Note: Standing lamps, left With the steering lock key removed 0 Off-position and the driver’s door open a signal Turn to position 2 and pull out 1 Parking lamps (includes side sounds if the vehicle’s exterior to first detent = same as marker lamps, tail lamps, license lamps are not switched off...
  • Page 26 Controls 6 Control for windshield washer system When the washer system is switched on, the wipers also operate 7 Windshield wiper control 0 Windshield wiper switched off 1 Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III High wiper speed Hints: If one of the turn signals fails, the turn signal indicator system flashes To operate the turn signals, move Combination Switch...
  • Page 27 Controls accelerator can be released. Resume The speed can be increased If the lever is briefly pushed to (e.g. for passing) by using the position “4” when driving at a accelerator. As soon as the speed exceeding approxi­ accelerator is released, the mately 40 km/h/25 mph, that previously set speed will be speed is resumed which was...
  • Page 28 Automatic Climate Control » if 9268* swivelling outlets can be opened The swivelling outlet located on the The automatic climate control and closed with levers 8 and 10, the console for unheated fresh air or system is designed to maintain the desired temperature in the vehicle center swivelling outlets 11 with cooled air to the rear passenger...
  • Page 29 Automatic Climate Control 1 Temperature (°C) The vehicle interior is cooled 6 Off The interior temperature can be down with the least possible If this control has been actuated, adjusted infinitely by turning the draught with the footwells recei­ the fresh air supply to the vehicle temperature selector wheel ving a larger volume of cooled is cut off (e.g.

  • Page 30: Inside Rear View Mirror

    Various Equipment " " “ Inside Rear View Mirror Front passenger side: Exterior Mirrors Turn key in steering lock to position The mirror can be tilted to the anti­ Driver’s side: “ 1 ” or “2”. The exterior mirror can be glare position by means of the lever Exterior mirror (2) can be adjusted adjusted by means of the lever.

  • Page 31: Sliding Roof

    Various Equipment Sun Visors Illuminated sun visors: Sliding Roof Swing down sun visor. The illumina­ To protect against glaring sunlight Turn key in steering lock to tion is switched on when the cover from ahead, swing sun visors down­ position “2”. is opened.

  • Page 32: Interior Lamps

    Various Equipment » 9 3 4 5 Heated Rear Window The rear courtesy lamp is switched Interior Lamps on and off by the rear door contact Turn key in steering lock to The switch for the front lamp has switches or by the rocker switch on position “2”.

  • Page 33: Shelf Below Rear Window

    Various Equipment Electric Lighter Electric Window Lifters in the center console. The rear door windows can also be operated using Key in steering lock position Switch group for window lifters: the switches (5) in each rear door “ 1 ” or “2”. 1 front, left panel as long as the safety switch Press in electric lighter;...
  • Page 34 Radio > To turn the radio on or off To turn the radio on, insert a cas­ sette into the cassette slot or acti­ vate the on/off button by depressing the side marked “ON”. The radio will “ remember” the last station tuned to and the last volume and tone setting before the radio was turned off.
  • Page 35 Radio To adjust the tone characteristic To tune to a station If the station seeker bar is activated within eight seconds after the radio To set the radio to a “flat” frequency Stations can be tuned in by using locked onto a station, the automatic response, depress the tone con­...
  • Page 36 Radio to store. If it is desirable to leave the Release the button when the Example 3: To select a FM station desired station is tuned in. “old” frequency in memory rather transmitting on than exchanging with the “new” one, 93.1 MHz, enter 9,3,1 If, after depressing the function just release the button.
  • Page 37 Radio Cassette playback “eject” or “fast forward” button is Note: activated. It is recommended to use only good This is a 24 hour clock and time quality cassettes with a playback Accordingly, for fast forward trans­ must be entered in four digits. time of not more than 30-45 port of the tape, depress the fast Example 1: To enter 7.30 AM, press...
  • Page 38 Radio • if the antenna switch is engaged Depress the function control in the “max.” position, the anten­ button (10) to store the desired turn­ na extends fully, on time in memory. A colon between the second and third digits indicates •...
  • Page 39 Driving...
  • Page 40 Hood Parking Brake To open, pull hood release handle Notes: Depress parking brake pedal. When the key is in position “2” of the stee­ located on the LH side below the There is a risk of injury when the instrument panel. The hood opens ring lock, the brake warning lamp in hood is open and the engine is the instrument cluster comes on.
  • Page 41 Have the following items checked regularly and prior to any long trip 1 Fuel Supply Use unleaded gasoline, for octane rating see “Capacities and last page”. 2 Tire Pressure For tire pressure table refer to fuel filler flap or last page. Check at least every other week.
  • Page 42 Catalytic Converter Cautions As with any vehicle, do not idle or Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped the converter causing it to overheat. Continued operation of your vehicle park or operate this vehicle in areas with monolithic catalytic converters, where combustible materials such...
  • Page 43 Starting and Turning off the Engine Engage parking brake or service rator to the floor and continue cran­ run on for 1 - 2 minutes at brake before starting the engine. king until the engine runs smoothly. increased idle speed. Place the gear selector lever in Release key and back off accele­...
  • Page 44 Starting and Shifting Gears means downshifting to the next The automatic transmission facili­ lower gear and thus maximum acce­ tates and simplifies the handling of leration. If you ease up on the acce­ the vehicle. The individual gears are lerator after having attained the shifted automatically dependent desired speed, the transmission will upon selector lever position, vehicle...
  • Page 45 Starting and Shifting Gears vehicle is in danger of skidding “L” Low. Stopping (e.g. on icy roads). See Upshifting to 2nd gear only. For brief halts, e.g. at traffic lights, page 48. For driving on steep mountain leave the selector lever in a driving passes, for trailer operation in D”...
  • Page 46 Safe Driving The retention of the specified tire controlled must be reduced when Always drive according to the rule the same vehicle is to be driven “Safety first”. The comfortable ride of pressure is essential. This applies particularly if the tires are subjected safely on a wet or icy road.

  • Page 47: Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

    MERCEDES-BENZ service station. If running. If the indicator lamp lights air stream will cool down the brakes...

  • Page 48: Charge Indicator Lamp

    -30° C /-22° F (see also “Fuels, These systems, of course, will func­ MERCEDES-BENZ service station as Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”). tion properly only when maintained soon as possible.

  • Page 49: Gauge For Economical Driving (Economy)

    Driving Economically The First 1500 k m /1000 Miles The more cautiously you treat your Gauge for Economical Driving In order to drive economically you engine during the break-in period, (ECONOMY) should try to keep the pointer of the the more satisfied you will be with its gauge away from the red field as The gauge for economical driving performance later on.

  • Page 50: Winter Driving

    Have your car winterized in a Increased pressure on the pedal winter season. Observe permis­ MERCEDES-BENZ service station sible maximum speed for M + S may be required to achieve the before the onset of winter.

  • Page 51: Tire Chains

    Tire chains can only be used on the Abroad, too, there is a widely-spread exceed permissible maximum speed driving wheels. Use only chains MERCEDES-BENZ service network of 50 km/h/30 mph. On clear roads, tested and recommended by us. at your disposal. If you travel into remove the chains as soon as prac­...
  • Page 53 Vehicle Care...

  • Page 54: Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System

    Any MERCEDES-BENZ service We would also like to draw your order from your MERCEDES-BENZ station will be pleased to give you attention to the hints contained in service station.

  • Page 55: Engine Oil Change And Filter Change

    Spare Parts Service MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System Engine Oil Change and Automatic Transmission — All MERCEDES-BENZ service Filter Change Fluid and Filter Change stations maintain a stock of original spare parts required for mainten­ To be carried out every 12 000 km/ To be carried out every 48 000 km/ ance and repair work.

  • Page 56: Cleaning And Care Of The Vehicle

    In doing so, do not neglect the ding. You can obtain MB car-care and cause lasting damage. underside of the car. A prerequisite products at every MERCEDES-BENZ Such damage is caused not only by for a thorough check is a washing of service station.

  • Page 57: Jobs Related To Care

    Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle Car Wash Tar Stains only clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the webbing at Before washing your vehicle, Quickly remove tar stains before temperatures above 80° C/176° F or remove insect residues. The car they dry and become more difficult in direct sunlight.
  • Page 58 Do not sit on damp months. Use the appropriate polish or paint cleaner and apply upholstery. Quick drying is achieved MERCEDES-BENZ Touch-Up Stick with buffing cloth or a soft cloth. by applying hot air — for example, by for quick and provisional repairs of using a hair dryer.

  • Page 59: Practical Hints

    Practical Hints...

  • Page 60: Ash Trays

    Practical Hints Rear Seat Cushion To remove rear ash tray: Ash trays Push the ash tray down while Removal: Press unlocking buttons 1 Removal, front: opening and remove. (left and right) outwards while slight­ Pull ash tray out to the stop, lift up To install ash tray: ly lifting the front corner of the rear insert and remove.

  • Page 61: First Aid Kit

    (4) in trunk of the paint or even denting of the lid. roof if excessive weight is placed on the rack. Your MERCEDES-BENZ Note: dealer can give further advice. The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jack tubes provided on either side of the vehicle.

  • Page 62: Wheels, Tires, Changing Wheels

    The wheels can be rotated accor­ sure loss and damage to the tire See any MERCEDES-BENZ service ding to the degree of tire wear while beads. For this reason, check rims retaining the same sense of rotation.

  • Page 63: Changing Wheels

    Wheels Tires Changing Wheels 5. Clean jack supporting tube, if Changing Wheels 7. Then back out the wheel bolts. necessary. Jack tubes are Protect bolt threads from dirt and 1. Depress parking brake pedal. behind the front wheel housings sand. Remove the wheel. 2.

  • Page 64: Tire Inflation Pressure

    Wheels Tires Changing Wheels 10. Lower car and remove jack. Tire Inflation Pressure The ride of the vehicle, however, will Tighten the five bolts evenly by become somewhat harder. A table (see fuel filler flap or last going around the wheel and tigh­ Tire temperature and pressure page) lists the tire inflation pres­...

  • Page 65: Checking Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, Etc

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Engine Oil Level Check The vehicle should be Wipe dipstick before any oil level parked on level ground and measurement. To determine the oil 1 Dipstick the oil level must be level, check both sides of the 2 Oil filler opening somewhere between the dipstick.

  • Page 66: Checking Coolant Level

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Checking Coolant Level Replenishing Coolant If a small amount of coolant has to The coolant level can be checked be added (due to evaporation of visually at the transparent coolant reservoir. water), plain water can be added. If a larger quantity of coolant has to To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on level...

  • Page 67: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Check transmission fluid level with The maximum and minimum oil level the engine idling, parking brake marks on the dipstick are applicable engaged and selector lever in posi­ references only if the transmission tion “P”. The vehicle must be parked fluid has reached its normal opera­...

  • Page 68: Electrical System

    Electrical System 19427 Securing screw for cover of Headlamp Unit Replacing Bulbs sealed-beam unit/halogen and 1 Headlamp vertical aiming screw Only handle new bulbs for head­ fog lamp lamps and tail lamps with tissue Headlamp horizontal aiming Sealed-beam unit/halogen paper or similar. Install only bulbs of screw Securing screws for sealed- prescribed wattage.
  • Page 69 Electrical System Replacing Bulbs: Bulbs for turn signal, standing, side marker and parking lamps (11): Turn lamp holder with bulb to the left and remove. Depress bulb, turn to the left and take out. Sealed-beam Unit/Halogen (7): Loosen securing screw (5) and pull housing out of bracket.
  • Page 70 Electrical System ’ Glove Compartment Lamp Trunk Lamp Interior Lamps To replace the bulb, pull out lamp. Trunk lamp (1) is easily accessible To replace the bulb, lift off front lamp when trunk lid (2) is open. at RH side, pull it out and open reflector.

  • Page 71: Fuses

    Electrical System Fuses Fuses must not be repaired or bridged. The fuse box is located in the Spare fuses are stored in the fuse engine compartment. box (observe amperage and color All fuse protected equipment is code). shown in the lid of the fuse box. Before changing a burned out fuse, Fuse arrangement in the box - star­...

  • Page 72: Battery

    Electrical System Spark Plugs Battery Coat battery terminal clamps with acidproof grease. Keep battery This vehicle is equipped with spark Replenish with distilled water appro­ clean and dry. ximately every 4 weeks and more plugs as required for driving in the Only tow vehicle with the battery USA.

  • Page 73: Windshield Wipers

    Unlocking the Fuel Filler Flap Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof Windshield Wipers In order to renew or release frozen windshield wiper blades, the wind­ shield wiper arms can be pulled out of their recess by hand. Sufficient force must be applied to overcome spring resistance.

  • Page 74: Jump Starting

    Jump Starting Tow-starting and Towing the Vehicle • Start engine as normal. If the battery is discharged the engine can be started with jumper • After the engine has started, first cables (minimum lead cross section remove jumper cables from the is 35 mm2) and the (12 V) battery of negative battery terminals and another vehicle.
  • Page 75 Tow-starting and Towing the Vehicle Please keep in mind that conside­ ensure sufficient oil pressure in the Towing a Vehicle rably more effort is necessary to transmission. The vehicle may be towed with the steer and brake the car while the To start the engine, move selector driving wheels on the ground and engine is not running since there is...

  • Page 77: Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants Etc

    Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.
  • Page 78 Identification Plates 6 Emission Control Tag When ordering spare parts, please quote chassis and engine numbers. 7 Information Tag California version Vacuum line routing for emission control system 8 Emission Control Tag Catalyst Information Certification Tag (left door pillar) 3 Chassis No. Identification Tag (left window 4 Engine No.
  • Page 79 Data card No. 1 bears the key number and should on no account be left in the vehicle. Submit this card to your MERCEDES-BENZ service station to request a replace­ ment key in case of loss. Data card No. 2 bears no key data and is kept in the maintenance booklet.
  • Page 80 1 -5 -4 -8 -6 -3 -7 -2 Radial-ply tire s......205/70 SR 14 M + S ' The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See a MERCEDES-BENZ service station for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.
  • Page 81 Technical Data See certification tag Weights....Electrical System 14 V/70 A Alternator......Main Dimensions 12V/1.5 kW Starter m o to r......5285 mm/208.1 in Overall vehicle length 12V/66 Ah B a ttery........1820 mm/ 71.7 in Overall vehicle width . see “last page”...

  • Page 82: Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, Etc

    Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities Vehicle components and their Therefore use only brands tested Enquire at your MERCEDES-BENZ respective lubricants must match. and recommended by us. service station. Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. Total oil capacity in case of engine oil and...
  • Page 83 Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. Rear axle 1.3 I/2.7 US pt Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90 Accelerator control linkage Hydraulic fluid Power steering 1.2 I/2.4 US pt Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) 60 g each, approx. Front wheel hubs Multipurpose grease 2.1 oz.

  • Page 84: Engine Oils

    1300-1600 km/ filled with an initial operation oil in 800-1000 miles. Engine oils are specifically tested for the factory or in a MERCEDES-BENZ their suitability in our engines. service station. This oil is specially Brake Fluid Therefore, use only engine oils developed for the specific operating recommended by us.
  • Page 85 -30° C /-22° F. The however, are deemed suitable for water to ensure proper protection red mark on the temperature gauge use in your car: MERCEDES-BENZ against corrosion. To treat the in the instrument cluster is matched Anti-Freeze and Summer Coolant.

  • Page 86: Service Literature

    One Mercedes Drive P.O. Box 350 Montvale, New Jersey 07645 Att: Technical Publications Tel: (201) 573-0600 for Canada: Mercedes-Benz of Canada 849 Eglinton Ave., East Toronto 17, Ont., Canada Att: Service Department Tel: 416-425-3550 The above companies will be happy to handle any such requests from customers.
  • Page 87 The last page What you should know at the gas station • Fuel: Unleaded gasoline: Average Octane of Research and Motor 87 (RON of 91). Fuel tank capacity approx. 90 I/23.8 US gal, this includes a approx. 12.5 I/3.3 US gal reserve. Only fill fuel tank until the discharge nozzle unit cuts out - do not over fill.

Table of Contents