Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan.
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and superior performance.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Audi V8, Jaguar XJ.
Vehicle Design:
The W140 generation represented a significant shift towards larger dimensions, advanced electronics, and enhanced safety.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for understanding the complex systems of the W140 S-Class, ensuring proper operation and maintenance.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard instruments, warning lights, and control functions.
Comfort And Convenience:
Operation of climate control (heater, air conditioner), audio system, power windows, seats, mirrors, and sunroof.
Safety Systems:
Coverage of seats, seat belts, and the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – airbags.
Driving Operation:
Starting procedures, driving techniques, transmission operation, and pre-driving checks.
Emergency Procedures:
Guidance for handling emergencies, including roadside assistance and basic troubleshooting.
Vehicle Care And Appearance:
Recommendations for washing, waxing, interior cleaning, and maintaining the vehicle's appearance.
Maintenance And Diy:
Information on routine maintenance tasks that can be performed by the owner.
Technical Information:
Consumer-relevant technical data and specifications.
Pre Driving Checks:
Step-by-step instructions for pre-drive inspections.
Driving Adjustments:
Guidance on adjusting seats, mirrors, and steering wheel for optimal driving position.
Climate Control Operation:
Detailed instructions for using the automatic climate control system.
Audio System Operation:
Instructions for operating the factory-installed audio system.
Emergency Tool Usage:
Information on the location and use of emergency tools, spare tire, and jack (if applicable).
Fluid Level Checks:
Guidance on checking essential fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid).
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Information on recommended tire pressures.
Light Bulb Replacement:
Basic instructions for replacing certain exterior and interior light bulbs.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for everyday use, operation, and basic maintenance.
S500 Engine:
M119 V8 (4.966 L / 303 cu in)
S600 Engine:
M120 V12 (5.987 L / 365 cu in)
S500 Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5600 rpm
S500 Torque:
354 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
S600 Horsepower:
389 hp @ 5200 rpm
S600 Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 12.0 Liters (3.2 US gal)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US qt)
NHTSA Ratings 1994:
Vehicle safety standards were different; specific NHTSA ratings for this year are not directly comparable to modern standards.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Structural Integrity:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell design, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (Becker/Mercedes-Benz Navigation System), typically early monochrome screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (early version).
Phone System:
Optional integrated car phone system (analog).
Voice Recognition:
Mentioned in description, indicating early voice command functionality for select systems.
Heated Seats:
Optional heated front and rear seats.
Memory Seats:
Optional driver's seat and steering column memory function.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Interval:
Major services often scheduled around 50,000-100,000 km (30,000-60,000 miles) for comprehensive checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ or ACEA A3/B3 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended for V8/V12).
Coolant Specification:
MB-Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, silicate-free).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.3 (ATF DEXRON II).
Common W140 Issues:
Wiring harness degradation (especially insulation), vacuum line leaks, biodegrading engine mounts, SBC hydraulic system complexity (though less prevalent in early models), crank position sensor failures, cooling system component wear (hoses, water pump).
Oil Filter S500:
Mann-Filter: HU 718/5x, Mahle: OX 346/1D (Examples, always verify with VIN).
Air Filter S500:
Mann-Filter: C 34200/1, Mahle: LX 887 (Examples, always verify with VIN).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
A long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.
W140 Introduction:
Introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, marking a significant technological and dimensional leap.
W140 Features:
Known for its imposing presence, advanced features like CAN bus, dual-pane acoustic glass, and optional features like heated windshield and automatic climate control.
Production Period:
1991-1998.
Manufacturing Plants:
Mainly Sindelfingen, Germany.
