Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC (C140) was a flagship luxury grand tourer, representing the pinnacle of engineering, comfort, and performance for its era.
Competitors:
Competed with other high-end luxury coupes such as the BMW 8 Series, Bentley Continental, and Aston Martin models.
Features:
Renowned for its powerful V8 engine, refined interior, advanced technology for the time, and distinctive, imposing styling.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the complex systems of the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC, preserving its luxury and performance.
General Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair information
Specific Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body and Chassis, Diagnostics
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the M119.970 V8 engine.
Fuel System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulators, and diagnostic procedures.
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition (DIS) or single ignition coil systems, spark plugs, ignition timing, and fault diagnosis.
Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 or 722.4 variants), clutch packs, valve body, torque converter, and electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, half-shafts, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, pump, hoses, and steering column components.
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components, hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, seats, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (ACC) system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, HVAC unit, blower motor, and diagnostic procedures.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, convertible top operation (if applicable), interior trim, and structural components.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, and belt inspection.
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, and diagnostic flowcharts for identifying common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, adjustment, and overhaul.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Scope:
Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting from basic checks to major component overhauls.
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4973 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
322 hp (237 kW) @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
347 lb-ft (470 Nm) @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Injection System:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Zerex G-05 or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 Liters (13.2 Quarts)
Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended for optimal performance and protection.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts) with filter change
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
Likely 722.3 or 722.4 series
Shift Modes:
Standard, Economy (E), and Sport (S) modes.
Fluid Specification:
Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Specification 236.1 (e.g., Fuchs Titan ATF 3353 or equivalent)
Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts) for overhaul, less for fluid change.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners.
Structure:
Reinforced body structure with energy-absorbing zones.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) traction control.
Ratings Info:
Official crash test ratings for this specific model year are not as readily available as modern vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz of this era was known for robust safety engineering.
Audio System:
Premium sound system (e.g., Becker or Bose options), often with cassette player and AM/FM radio.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with multi-zone temperature control and air filtration.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats.
Windows Mirrors:
Power-operated windows, mirrors, and door locks.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights with integrated fog lights.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Transmission Fluid:
Recommended fluid change every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs, or as specified for original equipment.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 specification.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz power steering fluid or equivalent (check manual for exact spec).
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coil packs, mass airflow sensor (MAF), fuel pump relay, vacuum hoses (prone to cracking), window regulators, door seals, and suspension bushings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Characteristic of many complex German cars of this era, requiring thorough diagnosis using the manual's wiring diagrams.
Approach:
Preventive maintenance is crucial to maintain the reliability and longevity of this high-performance luxury vehicle.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Predecessor:
The 500 SEC replaced the W126 S-Class Coupe (SEC-Class).
Generation Code:
This model is part of the W140 S-Class generation, which was first introduced as a sedan in 1991.
Production Period:
The C140 chassis, including the 500 SEC, was produced from 1992 to 1999.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany