Author Topic: Best manual for 230SL?? (Read 17168 times)

Chad · « **on:** July 22, 2005, 21:24:54 »

Hello all again!

I don't mean to begin new threads on topics that are basic and probably covered elsewhere but... I have used the search feature here and done searches elsewhere to figure out what the best source for a shop manual for the 230SL, mine is a 1967.

What is the best source/manual? Is the Hanes manual good? Is there an official MB manual that is the best, or some other source??? I am willing to invest in a good text. I just need something with pages and diagrams that I can touch and feel and get greasy, and I might as well start off with the most helpful thing. I just can't source or locate an "official" manual.

Thanks again, this forum really is making my enjoyment of the "new" car a joy.

-CD-
1967 230SL
1983 300TDT

mbzse · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2005, 06:08:51 »

quote:
Originally posted by Chad

what the best source for a shop manual for the 230SL?

The workshop manual can be either 1959 edition with updates, or the 1968 edition. Known as BBB in its English edition.

But start with the essential Book of Tables "Technical Data Book", in your case 1966 edition. Truly useful!

I enclose a file from M-B Classic describing the Tech Literature available. All is orderable, by the numbers given, at your local M-B dealer (from M-B Classic in Germany or soon in Irvine CA) or from EVO address in Fellbach as written. Note that there is also a CD-ROM for the W113 Pagoda available! (price list at the end there)
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload6/MB_Classic_Angebot_Tech_Literatur.pdf

> Is the Haynes manual good?
In short: No! I shudder at the thought of people maintaining their vehicles based on this

/Hans in Stockholm

JimVillers · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2005, 06:33:58 »

I like the Autobooks "Mercedes-Benz 230 1963-68" by Kenneth Ball. It is very detailed and complete. It is MUCH better than the Haynes. The hard back version that I have is out of print but it appears that there is a paperback reprint available from Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1588500306/qid=1122121869/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-8200369-3931039?v=glance&s=books

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

enochbell · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2005, 12:00:53 »

I second the mention of Kenneth Ball's repair manual. It appears that his artist drew renditions of the actual photos in the BBB so you may need to reference both, but for a relative newbie like me he discusses useful tips and warnings that do not get mention in the BBB. I have done a complete engine rebuild (7k miles ago) and the front end (0 miles ago) in my home garage using the manual. The front end was the most difficult, and I still can't get the freakin' brakes bled! But it is not the manual's fault, I'm sure.

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

J. Huber · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2005, 13:37:58 »

I have a hardcover printing of Ball's manual, circa 1978 that I stare at often (I'm all thumbs but the pictures are nice...)

I also have a copy of the Classic Center's CD -- which is very detailed but harder to cuddle up to at night!

James
63 230SL

Cees Klumper · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2005, 15:31:34 »

Another useful reference book is "Glenn's Mercedes Benz repair and tune-up guide". I have a 1966 edition published in Philadelphia by the Chilton Book Company.

In the UK, what looks like the identical book was published by Autopress LTD under a different name, "Mercedes Benz Autobook One - a workshop manual", I have a 1966 edition.

I also have the Haynes manual and the BBB as well as the Technical Data Book. I never heard of this Kenneth Ball book, so I will now try to lay my hands on that one as well.

UPDATE: just ordered the Ball book through Amazon (thanks for that link Jim)

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

Chad · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2005, 17:24:57 »

Thanks all!!! I just placed an order for K. Ball's manual using the link that Jim Villers posted. Will speak with my dealer regarding ordering the manual from MB Classics/pricing.

-CD-
1967 230SL
1983 300TDT

JimVillers · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2005, 17:43:24 »

Chad and Cees .... I hope you like the book .... I feel somewhat responsible (though I do like the book). Let us know your impressions after you have had a chance to look it over.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

J. Huber · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2005, 22:03:40 »

One thing to keep in mind is the Kenneth Ball book focuses on the 230 engines (230 230S and 230SL) -- although lots of stuff can be useful for later models.

James
63 230SL

rwmastel · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2005, 17:25:22 »

The Kennith Ball book should be added to our list of publications. Anyone looking for manuals should see our link:

http://www.sl113.org/publications.asp

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

Ben · « **Reply #10 on:** July 25, 2005, 04:37:38 »

And just to confirm to everyone that the haynes is almost useless, at least it can be quite innaccurate !

Anyone have a link to a book or CD with part numbers, I need to be spoon fed here !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

mbzse · « **Reply #11 on:** July 25, 2005, 10:32:20 »

quote:
Originally posted by Ben

And just to confirm to everyone that the haynes is almost useless, at least it can be quite innaccurate!

Thank you for supporting my opinion, as expressed in my posting below

quote:
[Anyone have a link to a book or CD with part numbers, I need to be spoon fed here!

Please look in my posting below and you'll find it. In the attaced .pdf you have "Illustrated Parts catalogue 6510 475975" ; plus "CD-ROM 6510 0007 00"

/Hans in Stockholm

erickmarciano · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2005, 10:49:44 »

ask phil here in Montreal he sells them for 40$ shipped for the parts Cd
bergelphilippe@hotmail.com

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

66andBlue · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2005, 19:54:41 »

quote:
Originally posted by JimVillers

Chad and Cees .... I hope you like the book .... I feel somewhat responsible (though I do like the book). Let us know your impressions after you have had a chance to look it over.
Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

Hi Jim, Chad and Cees,
I ordered the book too but had to wait until Amazon received a new shipment. The book just arrived and while I like the insructions I am wondering whether this reprint is of the same quality as the earlier ones. Some of the pictures are so dark that the details are very difficult to see. So, Chad and Cees I would appreciate it if you could comment on this, please. For example, in FIG 2:21 (fuel pump)on page 34, I cannot see much that is associated with numbers "3" and "10" (although I can guess what it could be). Similar problem with FIG 10:7 (steering linkage) on page 112.
Perhaps I could ask Amazon to find me a better copy, should it exist.
Thanks!

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

JimVillers · « **Reply #14 on:** November 17, 2005, 08:04:59 »

Alfred .... Sorry that the quality of the current reprint is not good. Here ie what the 2:21 figure should look like:

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

J. Huber · « **Reply #15 on:** November 17, 2005, 09:52:58 »

Alfred, for what its worth, my image on p. 34 looks identical to Jim's. The photos in my edition (1978) are not crystal clear but very usable.

James
63 230SL

Peter van Es · « **Reply #16 on:** November 17, 2005, 10:25:42 »

Next to Chad and Cees, I ordered the Ball book too from Amazon. I hope you get the referral fees on that onPeter

66andBlue · « **Reply #17 on:** November 18, 2005, 18:37:19 »

quote:
Originally posted by J. Huber

Alfred, for what its worth, my image on p. 34 looks identical to Jim's. The photos in my edition (1978) are not crystal clear but very usable.
James
63 230SL

James, be happy!

This is what mine looks like:

I'll try to convince Amazon to search fro better reprints.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

merrill · « **Reply #18 on:** November 18, 2005, 18:49:14 »

I just ordered these from MB classic center
1 Edition 1966: Passenger Cars from 08/ 1963 to 10 $29.99 QL-6510-1260-02
1 Service Manual Models 190C-300SEL 1959-1967 $69.99 QL-6510-1402-13
1 230 SL Euro version; 1963-1967 (Reproduction) $19.99 QL-6510-8405-02
1 CD-Rom Early Models (W100, 113, 121.040/042, 198 $19.99 QL-6516-5415-02

hopefully all are useful

66andBlue · « **Reply #19 on:** November 22, 2005, 22:22:48 »

Beware!!!!
Currently there is an ad on eBay for
"RARE Mercedes Benz Service MANUAL ALL MODELS 1965-2004"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RARE-Mercedes-Benz-Service-MANUAL-ALL-MODELS-1965-2004_W0QQitemZ8016990890QQcategoryZ34227QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
When asked whether a 1966 230SL was included the seller replied:
"sorry, it does not cover your model."

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

merrill · « **Reply #20 on:** November 23, 2005, 19:38:33 »

received the manuals i had ordered from mb, the service manual for the 66 is fairly comprehensive, still have to open up the cd rom and see how detailed it is.

rwmastel · « **Reply #21 on:** November 27, 2005, 01:14:04 »

Merrill,

What is "1 Edition 1966: Passenger Cars from 08/ 1963 to 10 $29.99 QL-6510-1260-02"? From the title, it sounds like a simple list of passanger car models produced!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

merrill · « **Reply #22 on:** November 27, 2005, 09:08:15 »

rod,
that is the "technical" manual that came with the cars. I think the original was combined with the owners manual.

matt

Jonny B · « **Reply #23 on:** November 27, 2005, 12:33:12 »

Rodd,

I believe the Technical manual you are refering to is the listing of all the torque specs, clearances, tolerances, etc across the range of cars for the years listed on the title.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

Naj ✝︎ · « **Reply #24 on:** November 29, 2005, 05:08:16 »

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedez-SL-Workshop-Manual_W0QQitemZ4593271157QQcategoryZ31355QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

65 230SL
68 280SL

News:

Author Topic: Best manual for 230SL?? (Read 17168 times)

Chad

enochbell

Chad

Ben