Market Position:
Flagship luxury sedan of its era, representing Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of engineering and comfort. Competed with BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Jaguar XJ.
Competitive Analysis:
The W140 S-Class was renowned for its robust build quality, advanced technology for the time, and substantial road presence. It prioritized ride comfort and isolation over sportiness compared to some rivals.
Key Features:
Supple ride, exceptional build quality, extensive standard features including dual-zone climate control, heated seats, power everything, and advanced (for the time) safety systems.
Coverage Areas:
Complete Service and Repair
Page Count:
Extensive (Software format, not a fixed page count)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software/Digital Download
Software Requirements:
May require a specific operating system version or browser compatibility (user should verify before purchase).
Systems Covered:
Engine (M119), Transmission (722.6 5-speed automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Electrical System (CAN Bus), Climate Control (Klima-Automatik), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Bodywork, Interior, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelt Pretensioners), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Body And Interior:
Includes details on body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, interior trim, and the soft-close door system.
Cooling System:
Detailed diagrams and procedures for radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and cooling fan replacement.
Exhaust System:
Information on catalytic converter replacement, muffler and exhaust pipe servicing.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed procedures for servicing shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and power steering system components.
Climate Control:
Includes diagnosis and repair of the automatic climate control system, including HVAC blower motor, refrigerant system, actuators, and control modules.
Procedures Included:
Scheduled Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnosis, Component Removal and Installation, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Specifications, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Procedures, Fluid Specifications and Capacities, Torque Specifications, Electrical Component Testing, Software Updates (if applicable to the era)
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing common electrical faults, engine performance issues, and climate control problems using diagnostic codes and procedures.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing key components such as alternators, starter motors, fuel injectors, and ignition coils.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners, engine component clearances, and suspension alignment specifications.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, ranging from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major overhauls and complex diagnostics. Covers factory-level repair information.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing complex electrical issues.
Diagnostic Tools:
May reference or explain the use of factory diagnostic tools such as the STAR DIAGNOSTIC system (or its equivalent for the era) for advanced troubleshooting.
Engine Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4977 cc)
Engine Configuration:
V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 32 Valves
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, M119 E50
Bore X Stroke:
96.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
0 60 Mph Acceleration:
Approximately 6.5 - 7.0 seconds
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (ME2.0)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition (two ignition coils per cylinder bank), dual spark plugs per cylinder.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in the modern sense for this year, but designed to very high safety standards.
IIHS Crash Test:
Not explicitly rated by IIHS in the modern sense for this year.
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control), optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP - introduced later in the W140 generation)
Passive Features:
Dual front airbags, front side airbags (optional), seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced body structure, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Major Service Interval:
Typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months for oil changes and basic checks. More extensive services (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs) at higher mileage intervals specified in the manual (e.g., 30,000, 60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.0 Liters (approx. 8.5 US Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (e.g., Febi Bilstein ATF or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, G05 formulation recommended)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
8.0 Liters (approx. 8.5 US Quarts) for dry fill; check with dipstick after operation for refill capacity.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 specification (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual for rear axle)
Known Issues:
Water ingress into EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch), vacuum line deterioration, cooling fan clutch failure, biodegradable wiring insulation issues (depending on original manufacturing date), ABS/ASR sensor failures, fuel pump relay issues, door handle actuator problems, sagging headliner.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety, dating back to the early automotive pioneers.
Model Evolution:
The W140 generation succeeded the W126 S-Class and was a complete redesign, significantly larger and more technologically advanced. It introduced features like dual-pane glass, Xenon headlamps (optional), and CAN bus electronics. It was later facelifted in 1996 with minor styling and powertrain updates.
Production Years:
1991-1998 (W140 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany
