1987 Mercedes Benz 420 SEL Owners Manual

The 1987 Mercedes Benz 420 SEL is a luxury executive sedan featuring a 4.2L V8 engine, automatic transmission, advanced safety systems, premium interior amenities, and sophisticated electronic controls. This comprehensive manual covers vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, technical specifications, and troubleshooting procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Mercedes Benz.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Cluster 3. Controls and Operation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Driving Instructions 7. Safety Systems 8. Emergency Procedures 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key features: 4.2L V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, ABS braking system, climate control, power windows, central locking, and premium sound system.

Component	Description
Engine	4.2L V8 M116/M117 gasoline engine
Transmission	4-speed automatic with torque converter
Braking System	Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Suspension	Independent front and rear with self-leveling
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection
Electrical	12-volt system with alternator
Interior	Leather upholstery, wood trim, power seats
Climate Control	Automatic temperature control system
Audio System	AM/FM stereo cassette with speakers
Safety	Driver airbag, seatbelt pretensioners

Instrument Cluster

The instrument panel provides comprehensive vehicle information and warning indicators.

Speedometer: Vehicle speed in mph and km/h
Tachometer: Engine RPM
Fuel Gauge: Fuel level indicator
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
Warning Lights: Check engine, ABS, brake, battery
Odometer: Total and trip distance

WARNING! Address warning lights immediately to prevent vehicle damage.

Controls and Operation

Master vehicle controls for optimal driving experience.

Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position
Transmission: Select P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1 positions
Climate Control: Set temperature and fan speed
Power Windows: Use switches on door panels
Central Locking: Lock all doors simultaneously
Seat Adjustment: Electric controls for position and lumbar

CAUTION! Ensure transmission is in Park before starting engine.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 4.2L V8, 201 hp @ 5200 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity: 23.8 gallons (90 liters)
Dimensions: 202.5" length, 73.1" width, 56.9" height
Weight: 3,750 lbs (1,700 kg)
Brakes: Disc brakes front and rear with ABS
Tires: 205/65R15
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures vehicle reliability and performance.

Every 3,000 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation

Every 7,500 miles: Air filter replacement, brake inspection

Every 15,000 miles: Spark plugs, fuel filter, coolant flush

Every 30,000 miles: Transmission fluid, brake fluid

Every 60,000 miles: Timing belt, water pump replacement

Driving Instructions

Optimal driving techniques for your Mercedes Benz.

Starting: Ensure parking brake engaged, transmission in Park
Acceleration: Smooth throttle application for best performance
Braking: Progressive pressure on brake pedal
Cornering: Maintain moderate speed through curves
Highway Driving: Use cruise control for long distances
Parking: Engage parking brake on inclines

Tip: Allow engine to warm up before aggressive driving.

Safety Systems

Advanced safety features protect occupants.

ABS: Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking
Airbags: Driver-side airbag for frontal impacts
Seatbelts: Three-point belts with pretensioners
Crush Zones: Designed to absorb impact energy
Central Locking: Automatic door locking above 9 mph
Child Safety: Rear door child locks

WARNING! Always wear seatbelts regardless of airbag presence.

Emergency Procedures

Proper response to vehicle emergencies.

Breakdown: Activate hazard lights, move to safe location
Flat Tire: Use jack and spare tire in trunk
Dead Battery: Jump-start procedures
Overheating: Stop immediately, check coolant level
Accident: Contact emergency services, exchange information

CAUTION! Never attempt repairs on busy roadways.

Care & Maintenance

Preserve your vehicle's appearance and value.

Exterior: Regular washing with automotive soap, wax every 3 months

Interior: Vacuum carpets, clean leather with appropriate conditioner

Engine: Keep compartment clean, check fluid levels weekly

CAUTION! Use only Mercedes Benz approved cleaning products.

Warranty Information

Original factory warranty coverage and terms.

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Powertrain: 4 years/50,000 miles

Corrosion: 7 years/unlimited miles

Roadside Assistance: 4 years/unlimited miles

For warranty claims, contact authorized Mercedes Benz dealership.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, ignition	Check battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs
Rough idle	Spark plugs, air filter	Replace spark plugs, check air filter
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have rotors resurfaced or replaced
Electrical issues	Alternator, battery	Test charging system, check battery voltage
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat	Check coolant level, replace thermostat if stuck

Service: Contact authorized Mercedes Benz service center for professional repairs.

Support: Mercedes Benz Customer Assistance: 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES