🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

600 SEL

Model Code:

W140

Generation Code:

W140

Engine Code Primary:

M120 E60

Chassis Code Primary:

W140.076

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan (S-Class)

Prestige:

Flagship model representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury in its era.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series (E32/E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF10), Jaguar XJ (XJ40/X300).

Engine Power:

Smooth and powerful V12 engine.

Luxury Appointments:

Exceptional interior craftsmanship, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated technology for its time.

Build Quality:

Renowned for its robust construction and durability.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1992, 1993

Models Covered:

600 SEL

Specific Variants:

All variants for model years 1992-1993

Estimated Page Count:

Refer to individual year manuals for exact counts, typically extensive for flagship models.

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.6 depending on specific build date), clutch system.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, flexible couplings, transfer case (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front suspension, rear suspension, self-leveling suspension (SLS), ADS (Active Damping System), 4MATIC (if applicable).

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid, pads, discs, lines, hoses.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, linkages.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, control units.

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, soft top (if applicable), corrosion inspection, water leakage.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), climate control system, refrigerant charge, filters.

Inspections:

Component condition, lines and hoses, suspension, body structure, water leakage, corrosion, V-belts, drive shaft flexible couplings, tire pressure, safety belts, backrest lock, paint damage.

Engine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment/checking, idle speed adjustment/checking, injection timing adjustment/checking, fuel filter replacement, air filter replacement, spark plug service, coolant level/antifreeze check, engine mount re-torque.

Transmission Maintenance:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, manual transmission oil change, transfer case fluid change, clutch system fluid check/correction.

Brake Procedures:

Brake fluid replacement, brake test, parking brake adjustment/check, brake pad/disc inspection.

Suspension Steering Procedures:

Level control fluid level, ADS/4MATIC fluid level, self-leveling suspension inspection, front/rear axle oil level check, ball joint inspection, wheel bolt tightening.

Body And Interior Procedures:

Lubrication of door hinges/locks/hood, hydraulic top fluid level, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, windshield washer fluid level, antenna mast cleaning, headlamp/exterior lamp inspection, wiper/washer inspection.

HVAC Procedures:

Dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement, AC refrigerant charge check.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance and inspections to advanced diagnostics and component replacement. Includes detailed troubleshooting guides and repair procedures.

Diagnostic Capability:

Covers diagnostic procedures for various systems, including hints for identifying common faults.

Repair Complexity:

Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding:

Not applicable (digital download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

Quality:

Real files, not scans

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V12

Displacement:

5,987 cc (6.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

Horsepower:

402 hp (300 kW) @ 5200 RPM

Torque:

428 lb-ft (580 Nm) @ 3800 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M1.3 Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (722.370 for early models, potentially 722.6 5-speed later in '93 or '94)

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was not offered on the 600 SEL.

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled transmission for smoother shifts and optimal performance.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 (e.g., Dexron III equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5120 mm (201.6 in)

Width:

1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

1487 mm (58.5 in)

Wheelbase:

3139 mm (123.6 in)

Curb Weight:

2050 - 2150 kg (4519 - 4740 lbs)

Gross Weight Rating:

Approx. 2600 kg (5732 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet rigorous safety standards of its era, including advanced crumple zones and structural integrity.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control often standard.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags were standard.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts for front occupants.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel body structure for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

High-quality factory cassette and radio system, often with CD changer integration.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available, typically with monochrome CRT display.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Optional parktronic parking sensors (rear only initially).

OBD Ii:

Pre-dates widespread OBD-II compliance, often uses proprietary diagnostic connectors and systems.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front and rear seats with memory functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage and specific model year recommendations.

Transmission Service Interval:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change recommended every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or as per manual.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate and specific oil)

Coolant Specification:

MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Wiring Harness:

Potential degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation (biodegradable insulation) causing electrical gremlins.

Cooling System:

Plastic components in the cooling system (e.g., coolant reservoir, expansion tank, thermostat housing) can become brittle and crack.

Door Pouches:

The elastic on the door storage pouches can degrade and sag.

Hydraulic Suspension Components:

Leaking self-leveling suspension (SLS) accumulators or lines can occur with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

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

W140 Introduction:

The W140 generation S-Class was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, representing a significant leap in technology and size.

W140 Significance:

Known for its imposing presence, advanced features (like CAN-bus integration, double-paned glass), and powerful engines, including the flagship V12.

Production Years:

1991-1998

Manufacturing Locations:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Widely praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, comfort, and performance upon release, despite some criticism of its size and styling.

Safety Ratings Era:

Reflected Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety, which was industry-leading at the time.