Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible
Competitors 1993:
Ferrari 456 GT, Aston Martin Virage Volante, Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (964), Jaguar XJS
Key Differentiators:
Superior build quality, advanced technology (for its era), powerful V12 engine, refined driving experience, iconic Mercedes-Benz luxury and prestige.
Vehicle Highlights:
V12 engine, automatic hardtop, advanced suspension systems (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC), opulent interior, exceptional build quality.
Engine:
Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment/checking, idle speed adjustment/checking, injection timing adjustment/checking, fuel filter/prefilter replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, V-belt inspection, manifold seating inspection, oxygen sensor replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, coolant level/antifreeze check, cooling and heating system inspection, coolant replacement, engine mount bolt retorque, engine stop adjustment.
Transmission:
Manual transmission oil change/level check, automatic transmission fluid and filter change/level check, transfer case fluid change/level check, clutch system fluid level check/inspection.
Suspension And Steering:
Suspension and body structure inspection, self-leveling suspension inspection, level control (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC) fluid level, front axle oil level check, front axle ball joint check, rear axle oil change/level check, rear axle mount limiting stop adjustment.
Brakes:
Brake fluid level check, brake lines inspection, brake pads and disc thickness inspection, brake discs inspection/cleaning, parking brake cable inspection, parking brake adjustment, brake fluid replacement, brake test, parking brake check.
Electrical And Lighting:
Wiring schematics, warning and indicator lamps check, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection.
Body And Chassis:
Water leakage and corrosion inspection, wheel inspection/rotation, tire inspection/pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection, throttle linkage inspection/lubrication, door hinge/lock lubrication, hydraulic top fluid level check, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, soft top locking tab check, windshield wiper/washer inspection, wiper blade replacement, lower noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, body paint damage inspection.
Climate Control:
Cooling and heating system inspection, coolant replacement, AC refrigerant charge check, dust filter replacement (heating/ventilation), active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel filter replacement, fuel prefilter replacement, fuel system condition check.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential, power steering, brake, hydraulic), filter replacements (oil, fuel, air, cabin), belt inspections, spark plug replacement, brake component checks.
Repair:
Complete step-by-step instructions for all major repair procedures across all covered systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems.
Rebuilding:
Procedures for rebuilding major components.
Refurbishment Restoration:
Guidance for bringing the vehicle back to original or improved condition.
Depth:
Extremely High (covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete rebuilds, including detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics).
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (often standard or optional), cassette deck with radio tuner.
Driver Aids:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC), cruise control, power adjustable seats with memory, ABS, ASR (optional/standard), ADS (Adaptive Damping System), ASD (Automatic Slip Differential).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on audio and communication (e.g., optional telephone).
Convertible Top System:
Fully automatic electro-hydraulic convertible top with heated rear glass and optional hardtop.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Interval Miles:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (consult manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 15W-50 Synthetic or equivalent meeting MB 229.1 specification (check manual for latest recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze/Coolant (Glycol-based, blue color) meeting MB 325.0 specification.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (FMVSS 116 DOT 4)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Common Problems:
Wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), biodegradable insulation on wire looms, hydraulic system leaks (especially roof hydraulics), MAF sensor issues, catalytic converter failure, distributor O-ring leaks, idle control valve issues.