🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Model Designation:

S320

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

W140

Engine Code:

M104.990

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Luxury Car Owners, Professional Mechanics, DIY Enthusiasts

Competitors 1999:

BMW 7 Series (E38), Audi A8 (D2), Lexus LS 400 (XF20)

Body Style:

4-Door Sedan

Value Proposition:

Cost-effective alternative to expensive OEM paper manuals, empowering users to perform repairs and save money.

User Friendliness:

Suitable for all skill levels, from novice to expert.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring Schematics, Part Layouts, Part Numbers, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

>1000

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (Multiple Sections)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.2L Inline 6-Cylinder (M104)

Engine Management:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Ignition System, Engine Control Unit (ECU)

Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Suspension:

Independent Front and Rear, Automatic Self-Leveling Suspension (ASR)

Brakes:

Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering

Electrical:

Complete Vehicle Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control System (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC)

Body And Chassis:

Body Panel Removal/Installation, Doors, Windows, Sealing

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement

Repair:

Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Service/Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis/Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures

Technical Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Pressures, Clearances

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed Electrical Schematics for All Systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced Diagnostics, including use of specialized tools and procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Adobe Acrobat PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text Content

Printability:

Printable Pages for Convenience

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS

Required Software:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Inline 6-Cylinder

Displacement:

3199 cc (3.2 Liters)

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

232 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Coolant Type:

MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05)

Oil Type:

Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., MB 229.1 specification)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (1.76 Gallons) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic

Model Code:

722.6 (W5A 3.0/3.2)

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled gear shifts

Fluid Specification:

MB Approved ATF Specification (e.g., 236.10 or 236.12)

Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (Pan Drop) / 10.0 Liters (Overhaul)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5103 mm (200.9 inches)

Width:

1886 mm (74.2 inches)

Height:

1421 mm (55.9 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:

4-Star

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:

4-Star

ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) - Standard

Airbags:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Airbags

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning Seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose Premium Sound System (Optional), AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player, CD Changer (Optional)

Navigation:

Becker Traffic Pilot (Optional)

Cruise Control:

Standard, electronically controlled

Parking Assistance:

Front and Rear Parking Sensors (Optional on some models)

Tel System:

Integrated Telecommunication System (Optional)

Memory Seats:

Standard, with multiple positions

Power Features:

Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power adjustable steering column

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, with flexible service intervals indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators on the dashboard.

Transmission Service Interval:

Check manufacturer recommendations; often around 60,000-100,000 miles for fluid and filter change.

Coolant Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent MB approved fluid

Common Problems:

Ignition module failure, ABS/ESP sensor issues, Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) failure, Water pump leaks, Window regulator failures, Door lock actuator issues, Vacuum leaks, Biodegradable wiring harness (on earlier W140 models, less common on facelifted models).

Preventative Maintenance:

Regularly inspect and replace vacuum hoses, check electrical connections, monitor coolant levels, ensure proper lubrication of door hinges and mechanisms.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Luxury, Engineering Excellence, Innovation

W140 Generation:

Second Generation S-Class (1991-1998, with facelifted 1996-1998 models, and a carryover 1999 model year for some markets due to the next generation W220 introduction)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (Sindelfingen Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Carmagazine Best Luxury Sedan:

W140 S-Class often cited as a benchmark for luxury and engineering during its era.

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good (for models with airbags)