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

Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Owner's Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Owner's
380 SL
Manual
380 SLC

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the 380 SL and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

Summary of Contents for Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

  • Page 1 Owner’s 380 SL Manual 380 SLC...
  • Page 2 • avoid unnecessarily high speeds • have all the maintenance jobs specified by us carried out at regular intervals by a MERCEDES-BENZ service station. Driving in low temperature weather, in stop-and-go city traffic and on short hops, and in hilly country also...
  • Page 3 380 SL 380 SLC Type 107 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 - for your own benefit - please read this owner’s...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Contents Hardtop ......... 29 Vehicle Operation This Owner’s Manual also Sliding R o o f........30 describes optional extras as far as Instruments and C o n tro ls Radio ..........31 an introduction on their handling Instrument Cluster ....... 10 is required.
  • Page 7 Contents Electrical S y s te m ......66 Vehicle Care Replacing Bulbs ......66 MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance F u s e s .......... 70 System ......... 52 Battery ........70 Severe Operating Conditions . 52 Spark Plugs ....... 70 Engine Oil Change and Filter...

  • Page 9: Vehicle Operation

    Vehicle Operation...

  • Page 10: Instruments And Controls

    13 Swivelling outlets for cooled air (page 22) sideways). Only illuminated if steering lock is in position “ 1” or “2”. 14 380 SL: Switch for front dome lamps 380 SLC: Switch for rear dome lamp 27 Loudspeaker cover, right and left...
  • Page 11 Instruments and Controls...

  • Page 12: Instrument Cluster

    Instrument Cluster 12 02-Sensor replacement indicator lamp (red): 1 Gauge for economical driving (ECONOMY). When the indicator lamp comes on, the See page 49 02-Sensor must be replaced 2 Coolant temperature gauge (° C) 13 Seat belt warning lamp (red) Up to red marking: Maximum permissible 14 Brake pad wear indicator lamp (yellow): temperature for an antifreeze-blended fill...
  • Page 13 Instrument Cluster...

  • Page 14: Keys Doors

    Unlocking Replacement keys can be obtained place so that it is always Locking only via MERCEDES-BENZ service handy, if needed (e.g. in your wal­ stations. If the keys are lost, assis­ let). Never leave the flat key in the One cannot lock: tance is rather time consuming and vehicle.

  • Page 15: Master Lock System

    Keys Doors Master Lock System the trunk lock button in with it and To reverse this, turn trunk lock lift the lid. Return the key to its ini­ counterclockw ise back to horizontal The master lock system enables tial position and withdraw it. To lock position of the tum bler slot with the front passenger door, the fuel the lid, close it firmly.

  • Page 16: Seats

    Replace headrest. rails, turn to desired position and restraint system properly secured. 380 SL: After disengaging the stop allow to reengage. by lifting knob (4), the back rest All seat, headrest, and rear view The height of the front passenger can be folded forwards.

  • Page 17: Safety Headrest

    Seats material in rear of back rest and pull up headrest quickly, holding it by the LH headrest post (viewed in driving direction). Finally pull out headrest com pletely with both hands. The headrest locking knob of the front seat is located below the LH headrest post (2).

  • Page 18: Safety Belts

    > Seats 380 SL Fastening: • The belt must be tight and must Safety Belts be checked for tightness imme­ Warning System: • Pull belt with latch plate (1) over diately after fastening and shoulder and lap. The belt must The indicator is illuminated for regularly during the trip.
  • Page 19 Seats Note: Unfastening: No safety belt can be used for • Depress red button (3) in buckle. more than one person. Belts are • Return latch plate (1) to initial not intended for children. position. After an accident, inspect the 380 SLC: On entering or leaving safety belts and replace them, if the rear passenger compartment,...

  • Page 20: Controls

    Controls Steering is unlocked. Notes: (If necessary, move steering The following items can be opera­ wheel slightly to turn the key ted with the key in steering lock clockw ise to position “ 1” .) position “ 1” . Wiper, windshield washer, head­ Driving position.

  • Page 21: Lighting Switch

    Controls Lighting Switch Standing lamps, right Note: Off-position With the steering lock key removed Standing lamps, left and the driver’s door or the front A Turn to position 2 and pull out 1 Parking lamps (includes side passenger’s door open a signal marker lamps, tail lamps, license to first detent = same as sounds if the vehicle’s exterior...

  • Page 22: Combination Switch

    Controls > Control for windshield washer system When the washer system is switched on, the wipers also operate Windshield w iper 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 and sounds at a faster sequence To operate the turn signals, move...

  • Page 23: Cruise Control

    Controls briefly pushing the switch to 4=R esum e position “ 1" or “2 ”, and the If the lever is briefly pushed to accelerator can be released. position “4” when driving at a The speed can be increased speed exceeding approximately (e.

  • Page 24: Automatic Climate Control

    Automatic Climate Control “ DEF” button 1 Temperature selector wheel Lever for side ventilation open = towards center Refrigerant com pressor switch “OFF” button of vehicle Swivelling outlets for cooled air “AUTO-LO” button closed = towards outside of vehicle Swivelling outlets for side “AUTO-HI”...
  • Page 25 Automatic Climate Control The automatic climate control is Normally only one adjustment is Only then will warm air enter the designed to maintain the desired necessary for the entire year. If interior of the vehicle and be temperature in the vehicle interior. required to be altered, only distributed mainly to the footwell Heating, cooling and air distribution...
  • Page 26 (keep free of snow). vehicle interior. Independent of the position of the temperature selector wheel 380 SLC and 380 SL with hardtop: Air conditioning, air distribution and blower control are the same air heated to maximum tempera­ When the windows are closed the air is emitted through ventilation as in position “...

  • Page 27: Various Equipment

    380 SL: The front dome lamps are switched on and off by means of a Sun Visor Rear View Mirrors...

  • Page 28: L Ig H Te R

    Various Equipment > A heavy load is imposed on the CONTROL battery due to the high power AIRCOND requirement. For this reason, switch off the heated rear window as soon as it is demisted or defrosted. It is shut off automatically after a maxi­ mum of 30 minutes.

  • Page 29: Electric Window L Ifte Rs

    Various Equipment Electric Window Lifters (380 SLC) The electric window lifters can only sole is depressed. If the safety be operated with the steering lock switch is not depressed, inadver­ Switch group for window lifters: in position “2 ”. All four windows tent operation of the rear side w in­...

  • Page 30: Roadster Top

    Roadster Top 4. Disengage top framework by turning locks (4) inwards. Then detach locking handles. 5. Swing back top framework and slip top into top storage com ­ partment (5). Stow overhanging canvas in the storage com part­ ment. 6. Close top storage compartment cover, making sure that both sides (6) are locked.

  • Page 31: Hardtop

    Hardtop 3. Insert locking handles into w ind­ shield header bar locks and swivel inwards. Detach locking handles. 4. Disconnect plug and socket of the heated rear window in the R-H rear passenger com part­ ment. 5. Cautiously detach hardtop by removing it to the rear.

  • Page 32: Sliding R O O F

    We recommend you to have the roadster top removed in a A special container for the storage MERCEDES-BENZ service station if of roadster tops or hardtops is you intend to drive only with the available from your MERCEDES- hardtop for a lengthy period.

  • Page 33: Radio

    Radio On-Off/Volume Control Tone Control Push buttons for band selection and tuning of preset stations Manual tuning control Wave band indicator 9424 Cassette eject Europa Cassette (Radio with Pushbutton Tuning and Fast forward built-in Cassette Player) Fast rewind Track indicator Track change-over button Cassette slot The radio can only be operated with...
  • Page 34 Radio On-Off/Volume the stop, tune in station with Your radio is fitted with a con­ manual tuning knob (4) and push tinuously operating Stereo Decoder Turn knob (1) clockwise to switch preset button in again to the stop. which automatically switches the radio on and to increase volume.
  • Page 35 Radio To manually eject the cassette, • if the antenna switch is engaged push release bar (6). When the in the “max.” position, the anten­ cassette is ejected, the unit will na extends fully, switch over to radio reception au­ •...
  • Page 36 Radio Fast tape forward locking button I* ™ 1 ! 1 F | 3 F | 5 F I R 6 F | 7 A I Cassette eject button E U s jl Cassette door ■ IIIII I II1 I I II1 I 1 I1 T1 T To turn the radio on or off, the ignition switch must be in position “...
  • Page 37 Radio To tune to a station An additional fader control, installed most powerful stations received will in the center console of the car, be selected and locked in. During Stations can be tuned in by using allows for distribution of the audio the next sweep, the less powerful automatic search, direct frequency power between the front and rear...
  • Page 38 Radio If,, after pressing the function Direct frequency dialing control □ , the station seeker bar In order to select a station with a known frequency, select the wave band, is not activated within press the function button □ and then enter the frequency by pressing eight seconds, the manual tuning the corresponding push buttons.
  • Page 39 Radio Showing the “old” setting first Tape Cassette playback Accordingly, for fast forward allows for reconsideration of the transport of the tape, press the fast It is recommended to use only decision to store. If it is desirable to forward button n ‘| good quality cassettes with a leave the “old”...
  • Page 40 Radio If, at any time, you would like to To display time Note: know the time either tim er is set Briefly press the call button D • This is a 24 hour clock and time for, depress either button must be entered in all four digits.

  • Page 41: Driving

    Driving...

  • Page 42: Hood

    Parking Brake Hood > The engine is equipped with a tran­ Depress parking brake pedal (1). To open, pull handle (below the L-H sistorized ignition system. Because side of instrument panel) to unlock When the steering lock key is in of the high voltage it is highly position “2”, the brake warning it.

  • Page 43: Regular Inspections

    Have the following items checked regularly and prior to any long trip Fuel Supply Use unleaded gasoline, for octane rating see “Capacities and last page”. Do not force fuel tank flap. Tire Pressure For tire pressure table refer to fuel filler flap or last page.

  • Page 44: Catalytic Converter Cautions

    Catalytic Converter Cautions overheat. Continued operation of As with any vehicle, do not idle or Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped your vehicle can result in damage park or operate this vehicle in with monolithic catalytic converters, to the converter. areas where com bustible materials an important element in conjunc­...

  • Page 45: Starting And Turning Off The Engine

    Starting and Turning off the Engine Engage parking brake or service continue cranking until the engine Hints brake before starting the engine. runs smoothly. Release key and Observe the oil pressure gauge back off accelerator after the Place the gear selector lever in immediately after starting the engine has started.

  • Page 46: Starting And Shifting Gears

    Starting and Shifting Gears accelerator after having attained Do not store any objects in the the desired speed, the transmission driver’s footwell area because they will shift up again. could become lodged under the operator’s pedals thus rendering Gearshifting is controlled by the these controls partially or totally vehicle speed.
  • Page 47 Starting and Shifting Gears “ D” Drive. Maneuvering degree of the incline, shift selector All gears are available. The lever to positions “S” or “ L” early To maneuver in restricted area, e. g. vehicle starts off in st gear. enough to maintain engine rpms when pulling into a parking space, Position “D”...

  • Page 48: Safe Driving

    Safe Driving We recommend M +S radial-ply Aquaplaning: Power assistance: tires for the cold season. On ice or Do not attempt to move or roll the Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, aquaplan­ packed snow, they can reduce vehicle with the engine not in your stopping distance as com ­...

  • Page 49: Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

    MERCEDES-BENZ. carried out by a MERCEDES-BENZ turned to driving position “ ” and it must go out when the engine is service station.

  • Page 50: Charge Indicator L A M P 47 Oil Pressure Gauge

    -3 0 ° C /-2 2 ° F (see also “Fuels, to MERCEDES-BENZ servicing re­ quirements. For details refer to Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”). Maintenance Booklet.

  • Page 51: The First 1500 Km /1000 Miles

    (ECONOMY) Have your car winterized in a the more satisfied you will be with The gauge for economical driving MERCEDES-BENZ service station its performance later on. Therefore, indicates the fuel consum ption ten­ before the onset of winter. drive your vehicle during the first...

  • Page 52: Hints For Driving

    Any MERCEDES-BENZ service low ambient temperatures. station will readily advise you. Road salts can adversely affect Retighten newly mounted tire •...

  • Page 53: Vehicle Care

    Vehicle Care...

  • Page 54: Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System

    15 000 miles, but at least once at shorter intervals. spaces provided in the mainte­ every two years. Any MERCEDES-BENZ service sta­ nance booklet. We would also like to draw your tion will be pleased to give you The maintenance jobs are de­...

  • Page 55: Engine Oil Change And Filter Change

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

  • Page 56: Cleaning And Care Of The Vehicle

    After every engine cleaning you Frequent washing, however, redu­ MERCEDES-BENZ service station. should have the engine com part­ ces and/or eliminates the aggres- The following topics deal with the ment rustproofed.

  • Page 57: Jobs Related To Care

    When washing the car underbody, achieved by applying hot air - for or re-dye the webbing. do not forget to clean the inner example, by using a hair dryer. If in sides of the wheels. doubt, please consult your MERCEDES-BENZ service station.
  • Page 58 (Chrome-Plated, Aluminium) ing of the top seams can be carried Brush top (always from front to For regular cleaning and care of out at every MERCEDES-BENZ ser­ rear) with a soft-bristled brush. very dirty chrome-plated parts, use vice station. a chrome cleaner.

  • Page 59: Practical Hints

    Practical Hints...

  • Page 60: Ash Trays

    Practical Hints Rear Seat Cushion (380 SLC) Removal of rear ash tray (380 SLC): Ash trays Press down ash tray when opening Removal: Removal of front ash tray: it and remove it. Push in left and right spring clamps > Pull out ash tray up to the stop.

  • Page 61: First Aid Kit

    The jack is designed exclusively for weight is placed on the rack. Your jacking up the vehicle at the jack MERCEDES-BENZ dealer can give tubes provided on either side of the further advice. vehicle. Jack stands must be used...

  • Page 62: Wheels, Tires, Changing Wheels

    The wheels can be rotated design, version and brand. pressure loss and damage to the according to the degree of tire See any MERCEDES-BENZ service tire beads. For this reason, check wear while retaining the same station for information on tested and rims for damage at regular intervals.

  • Page 63: Changing Wheels

    Wheels Tires Changing Wheels Changing Wheels 4. Using the com bination wrench, 7. Then back out the wheel bolts. loosen but do not yet remove Protect bolt threads from dirt 1. Depress parking brake pedal. the wheel bolts. and sand. Remove the wheel. 2.

  • Page 64: Tire Inflation Pressure

    Wheels Tires Changing Wheels Tire Inflation Pressure permissible. The ride of the vehicle, 9. Slip on spare wheel and press however, will become somewhat against wheel mounting flange. A table (see fuel filler flap or last harder. Screw in wheel bolts. 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 measurement. To determine the oil Dipstick and the oil level must be level, check both sides of the dip­ Oil filler hole somewhere between the stick.

  • Page 66: Checking Coolant Level

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Checking Coolant Level If a small amount of coolant has to be added (due to evaporation of The coolant reservoir with filler water), plain water can be added. neck is arranged away from the radiator. To replenish coolant, the If a larger quantity of coolant has to car must be on level ground.

  • Page 67: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Check transmission fluid level with applicable references only if the the engine idling, parking brake transmission fluid has reached its engaged and selector lever in posi­ normal operating temperature of tion “ P”. The vehicle must be 80°...

  • Page 68: Electrical System

    Electrical System High beam sealed-beam unit Replacing Bulbs Front Lamps (type Cover To remove, push the bulb in and Loosen clamping screws 9, turn to the left, then lift the bulb out. Securing screws for cover remove retaining ring and unit, To install, grip the bulb with a disconnect plug and socket on Horizontal aiming screws...
  • Page 69 Electrical System Bulb for turn signal, clearance Bulb for fog lamp: Tail Lamp Assembly and standing lamps: Loosen securing screws 15 Remove both knurled nuts in the and remove housing. The lamps are located below trunk and pull off lens assembly. Detach holding spring 16, the bumper.
  • Page 70 ) and then pull replacing the lens, it must be out to the left. assured that the lug in the lens is Remove rear dome lamp likewise. on the L-H side. 380 SL: To replace the bulb, pull out lamp.
  • Page 71 Electrical System Glove Compartment Lamp Trunk Lamp The trunk lamp (1) is easily To replace the bulb, pull out lamp. accessible when the trunk lid ( ) is opened. To replace the bulb, depress, turn counterclockwise and take it out.

  • Page 72: Fuses

    Electrical System Battery Only tow vehicle with the battery connected. The battery is located in the trunk. Only charge battery with a battery Replenish with distilled water charger when it is disconnected approximately every 4 weeks, and from the vehicle electrical circuit. more often in summer and in hot Note: zones.

  • Page 73: Sliding Roof-Emergency Operation

    Unlocking of the Filler Rap Sliding Roof-Emergency Operation (380 SLC) If the filler flap cannot be opened bracket ( ) on the mounting plate Should the electric drive become when the master lock system is and with a screwdriver the manual defective, the sliding roof can also unlocked, withdraw the link of the be moved manually.

  • Page 74: Em Ergency-Starting And Towing The Vehicle

    Em ergency-starting and Towing the Vehicle Towing eyes are situated under­ Never start a hot engine by towing For another starting attempt, tow neath the R-H front and rear end. or pushing the vehicle as the car again for a short while with the Use a solid towing link such as a catalysts might otherwise suffer selector lever in position “N”...

  • Page 75: Jump Starting

    Jump Starting • First connect jum per cables to Instructions: If the battery is discharged the the positive battery terminals and engine can be started with jum per A discharged battery can freeze at then to the negative terminals. cables (minimum lead cross sec­ approx.

  • Page 77: Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants Etc

    Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

  • Page 78: Identification Plates

    Identification Plates When ordering spare parts, please The illustration depicts model Information Tag quote chassis and engine numbers. 380 S L On model 380 SLC identifi­ California version cation plates are arranged accor­ Vacuum line routing for dingly. emission control system Emission Control Tag Emission Control Tag Catalyst Information...

  • Page 79: Vehicle Data Cards

    Data card No. 1 bears the key number and should on no account be left in the vehicle. Subm it this card to your MERCEDES-BENZ service station to request a replacement key in case of loss. Data card No. 2 bears no key data and is kept in the maintenance booklet.

  • Page 80: Technical Data

    Technical Data Type 380 SL (107 045) V-belts: Type 380 SLC (107 025) Water pump - fan - power steering pump 2 V-belts ..........9 .5 x 1 1 0 0 mm Alternator ..........Air conditioning ........12.5x 930 mm Air p u m p ...........
  • Page 81 Technical Data Overall height (ready for driving) Bulbs 380 SL: ......Roadster 1300 m m / 51.2 in High and low beams Sealed beam/Halogen insert No. 1 and 2 Hardtop 1290 m m / 50.8 in 380 SLC: .......... 1330 m m/ 52.4 in Fog lamps ..............

  • Page 82: Fuels Coolants Lubricants Etc

    Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities Vehicle com ponents 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. Recommended engine oil Ambient temp. SAE grades...
  • Page 83 Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90 Rear axle 1.3 I/2.7 US pt Hydraulic fluid Accelerator control linkage Autom atic transmission fluid (ATF) Power steering 1.4 I/3.0 US pt approx.

  • Page 84: Engine Oils

    A recommended engine oil may be to “Safe Driving”. used for topping up if the oil level able at any MERCEDES-BENZ ser­ drops to the dipstick minimum vice station. mark prior to the first service A new or reconditioned engine is 1300-1600 km /800-1000 miles.

  • Page 85: Coolants

    To treat the cool­ all such products have not been cooling system is filled with an ing water, do not use more than tested for MERCEDES-BENZ vehic­ antifreeze-water mixture offering 1% (10 cm 3/l) of a recommended les. The following products, howe­...

  • Page 86: Service Literature

    U.S. or Canada at the following addresses, respectively for U.S.A.: Mercedes-Benz of N.A. Inc. One Mercedes Drive P. O. Box 350 Montvale, New Jersey 07645 Att: Technical Publications...
  • 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. 8 5 1/22.5 US gal, this includes a approx. 1 1.5 1/3 US gal reserve. Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out - do not over fill.

This manual is also suitable for:

380 slc1982 380 sl

Table of Contents

Save PDF