Haynes manual - search for a definitive answer!

[jameshoward]

I have purchased a 1967 (actually 66 according to the database on the site) 230sl manual tha I am sure will need work, although it hasn't arrived yet. I know next to nothing about motors, etc, but am willing to learn. I've searched and read several threads on the Haynes 1968-1972 manual, but can't ascertain whether it is relevant for my car and engine (i.e. the manual runs '68-72 and mine is a '66).

Question: Is the Haynes manual worth having for a complete beginer? Are there other readily available manuals that A BEGINER with little/no prior knowledge should own?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks,

James

[merrill]

James,
I have found the more info is better.  I have both the haynes manual and mb manual for my sl, and 300d.  it is amazing how one may have better photos or one may explain in just a little more detail how to perform a task or trouble shoot a problem

I have found that this forum is also a fantastic resource to fill in the manual gaps as well.

matt

Matt
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[rogerh113]

Hello,

I have a '66, and would agree that having both manuals is useful.  The car is pretty straightforward to work on.  I would suggest that you just take your time and be methodical - you'll have a lot more fun, be more successful in your efforts, and develop a 'personal' relationship with your car. For example, if you decide to start out by checking out the brake pads, read the entire section on the brakes and figure out generally how the whole brake system works and what the various components do.  If you then run into something odd, you'll probably spot it or understand why it is happening. If you proceed in this fashion, you'll soon have a pretty good idea how the whole car is put together, and what the various part do and how they work together.

Relax and enjoy the experience.  The car is really lovely to drive, and this is a great resource and highly receptive to all questions (no matter how basic the question may seem).

Regards -- Roger

[tuultyme]

My car came with both the BBB and the Haynes.  I have tried reading them but for most of my repairs I find this sight the most helpful.  I usually see what others have written about the particular problem and just dive in.  The manuals are more of a back up for me.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL

[KevinC]

James,

The model year of your car could easily be a 1967 with the production date being in 1966. In the sixties, they came out with the "new" cars in the early fall. My car (11304212019213)was produced in Oct 1966 as a 1967 car...totally legit. Think of it this way, its November 2006 and there are plenty of 2007's out already.

Kevin

Originally posted by jameshoward

I have purchased a 1967 (actually 66 according to the database on the site)

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[Jonny B]

There are a couple of other manuals available that are specific to the earlier cars. One by Glenn, and the Kenneth Ball book. I picked these up on e-bay, and they are fairly detailed. I do have the Haynes manual, and have found it to be a good reference. That is a good point by Roger about reading an entire section even if doing a specific job.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[jameshoward]

Thanks for the advice, all. Incidentally, I have found a book that doesn't appear to be on the sites' list of books. It is the Autobook series, and covers the 230 from 65-67. It should be with me soon.

James

[Bob G ✝︎]

The best book you can get is the early factory work shop manual starting 1959 it covers early W113s. You may have to be patience and keep looking on ebay they do occionally turn up since alot of people have gone to CDs. the other option is the Mercedes-Benz CD you can order from the classic center. However the big blue manual is my first choice of work shop information. You also should buy the technical manual this list specifics like tork values and other valueable information that you may need  to have. It is a small pocket type book with a blue cover. You will again have to keep looking it is bestto buy the year after the production of your car.
Bob Geco
1968 280SL