🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

400 SE

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

W140

Generation Name:

First Generation W140

Generation Years:

1991-1998

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz 400 SE (W140) was positioned as a flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and comfort for its era.

Competitors:

Competed directly with other high-end luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series (E32/E38), Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400, and Jaguar XJ.

Luxury Features:

Advanced technology for its time, exceptional build quality, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated suspension, extensive sound deadening, and premium interior materials.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides access to dealer-level repair information, enabling owners and independent technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle to factory standards, preserving its long-term value and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Electrical, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Drivetrain

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical factory manuals are 1000+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, component inspection, timing, valve clearance, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (Bosch KE-Jetronic), ignition system, sensors, actuators, diagnostic codes

Transmission Manual:

Gearbox removal, disassembly, inspection, assembly, fluid service, clutch system

Transmission Automatic:

Fluid and filter service, torque converter, hydraulic control, electrical controls, checking fluid level and condition

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid replacement, pad and rotor inspection, parking brake adjustment

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckle, wheel bearings, oil level checks

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, checking play, fluid level

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays

Body Exterior:

Body structure inspection, water leakage, corrosion, door hinges, locks, sunroof rails, convertible top operation

Body Interior:

Interior trim, seats, safety belts, noise encapsulation panels

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant charge, dust filter, charcoal filter, recirculating air filter

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, fuel system condition checks

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant pump, thermostat, coolant level, antifreeze protection, cooling system service

Drivetrain:

Drive shafts, flexible couplings, transfer case fluid service (if applicable), front and rear axle oil checks

Rear Suspension:

Multi-link independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, trailing arms, bushings, differential fluid service

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, V-belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, tire pressure correction

Intermediate Maintenance:

Valve clearance check and adjustment, idle speed adjustment, injection timing check and adjustment, drive belt tensioning, fluid level checks for all systems

Brake Maintenance:

Brake fluid replacement, brake pad and disc inspection, parking brake adjustment, brake testing

Suspension Steering Maintenance:

Ball joint inspection, wheel alignment checks, steering play adjustments, lubrication of suspension components

Engine Repair:

Cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, timing chain/belt service, engine mount bolt re-torquing

Transmission Repair:

Complete transmission overhaul (both manual and automatic), clutch replacement, torque converter replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, testing sensors and actuators, component replacement

Bodywork Repair:

Door hinge lubrication, door lock lubrication, sunroof rail cleaning and greasing, soft top component checks, windshield wiper blade replacement

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system servicing, filter replacement, diagnosis of HVAC system faults

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level repair procedures, diagnostics, specifications, and troubleshooting for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Capability:

Includes information for diagnosing common and complex issues, likely referencing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable for the era.

Special Tools:

References specific Mercedes-Benz special tools required for certain procedures, such as ball joint inspection using special tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Printability:

All pages printable

Accuracy:

Real files, not scans, ensuring high fidelity

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M119

Configuration:

4.2L (4196 cc) V8

Horsepower:

Approx. 275-280 hp @ 5700 rpm (exact figures may vary by market and specific version)

Torque:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft (400-407 Nm) @ 3900-4000 rpm (exact figures may vary)

Injection Type:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Type:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 2 valves per cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4G-TRONIC)

Type:

No manual transmission option was available for the 400 SE in this year.

Electronic Control:

Features electronic control for smoother shifts and improved efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 5,113 mm (201.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,487 mm (58.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 3,081 mm (121.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,980 kg (4,365 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Modern crash test data for this specific model year is limited as testing protocols were different. However, the W140 was engineered with a strong emphasis on occupant safety for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) might be available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver airbag was standard. Passenger airbag became more common in later model years or as an option.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Designed with a robust safety cell and crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system, likely with cassette player and AM/FM radio. Options for CD changer may exist.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Suspension Tech:

Optional electronically controlled suspension (ADS - Adaptive Damping System) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive available on some variants.

Door Locks Windows:

Central locking system with vacuum operation; power windows.

Lighting:

Halogen headlamps, power-adjustable exterior mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific details.

Major Service Interval:

Major services (e.g., spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid) usually recommended around 30,000 - 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-40) and API service classification. Often requires MB-specific approval.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Mixture ratio typically 50/50 with distilled water. MB-approved coolant is recommended.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.1 specification or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III, though MB-specific is preferred).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Problems:

Window regulator failures, mass air flow sensor issues, vacuum leak issues, biodegradable wiring insulation (on later models, less common on '92), door lock vacuum actuators, crankcase vent system clogging, potential ABS/ASR system faults, cooling fan clutch failure.

Maintenance Importance:

Due to the complexity and advanced engineering, adhering to a strict maintenance schedule outlined in the manual is crucial for long-term reliability.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles dating back to the early 20th century.

W140 Introduction:

The W140 chassis replaced the W126 S-Class. It was a significant departure, larger, more technologically advanced, and more robustly built, though initially controversial for its size and styling.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Germany.

Production Years:

W140 production ran from 1991 to 1998.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 1992 model are not widely publicized, the W140 S-Class was recognized for its engineering prowess, comfort, and safety features, setting benchmarks in the luxury sedan segment.