🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S500

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Reputation:

The W140 S-Class represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering and luxury for its era, known for its robust build quality, advanced technology, and uncompromising comfort.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF20), Audi A8 (D2), Jaguar XJ (XJ40/X300).

Standard Features:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, Bose premium audio system, power sunroof, advanced traction control (ASR), cruise control.

Optional Features:

Distronic (adaptive cruise control), heated rear seats, rear climate control, powered rear seats with memory, voice control (on later models), xenon headlights, parktronic parking assistance.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF likely, given common aftermarket manual distribution)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, intake and exhaust manifolds.

Engine Performance:

Engine management systems (ECU diagnostics, sensor testing), ignition system, fuel injection system (CIS-E or KE-Jetronic variants depending on specific S500), emission control systems.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (likely 722.6 '5G-TRONIC'), control unit diagnostics, hydraulic system, torque converter, internal components, fluid and filter service.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, springs, airmatic system (if equipped on certain S500 variants).

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering pump, hydraulic lines, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection, jacking and lifting points.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant handling, blower motor, HVAC ducting, cabin filter replacement.

Interior Appointments:

Seats, seat belts, airbags, dashboard assembly, instrument cluster, door panels, headliner, sound insulation.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) information, trouble code interpretation, scan tool usage for Mercedes-Benz proprietary systems (e.g., STAR Diagnosis for advanced issues if supported).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake fluid replacement, differential fluid change.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, inspection, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, causes and remedies for various malfunctions.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, electrical component resistance values, sensor readings, alignment data, fluid capacities and types.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams illustrating circuit layouts for all vehicle systems.

Depth Of Information:

Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, as well as complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - High likelihood for digital manuals.

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick access to specific information.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Reproducibility:

Printable pages for easy on-hand reference in a workshop environment.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; if physical, would typically be perfect bound or comb-bound.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format; original factory manuals would use durable, high-quality paper.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M119.980 / M119.982

Engine Type:

V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 32 valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Displacement:

4973 cc (5.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

315 hp @ 5600 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch LH-Jetronic electronic fuel injection (potentially KE-Jetronic on earlier W140 variants before facelift, but S500 1997 is definitively LH-Jetronic).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91+ octane recommended)

ECU:

ME (Motor Electronics) control unit.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.93, 2.40, 1.57, 1.00, 0.73 for typical 5G-TRONIC).

Transmission Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Refer to manual for exact specification.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

119.3 inches (3030 mm)

Length:

200.0 inches (5080 mm)

Width:

74.7 inches (1897 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Curb Weight:

4400 - 4600 lbs (approximate, depending on equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5700 lbs (approximate)

Trunk Volume:

18.0 cu ft (approximate)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

While specific NHTSA ratings for 1997 are not readily available in the typical format, the W140 was engineered with a strong emphasis on occupant protection for its time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was introduced later in the W140 generation but may not be standard on all 1997 S500 models. Check specific VIN or options.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional or standard depending on market and trim).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced body structure designed for high impact resistance.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose sound system with premium speakers and amplifier.

Navigation:

Optional Becker Traffic Pilot GPS navigation system.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic ultrasonic parking sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular telephone system.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC) or advanced THERMOTRONIC system with independent rear controls on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult the owner's manual or this service manual for precise intervals based on driving conditions.

Transmission Service:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for fluid and filter change. Refer to the manual for specific intervals and procedure.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Use MB-approved coolant.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 specifications.

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0, 326.0 (antifreeze/coolant, silicate-free).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus (high-performance brake fluid).

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant reservoir can become brittle and crack; head gasket leaks can occur; coolant leaks from hoses and thermostat housing.

Electrical System:

Can bus communication issues; vacuum leaks affecting central locking and door locks; ignition coil failures; blower motor resistor failure; biodegradable wiring insulation issues (on some specific wiring harnesses).

Suspension:

Hydraulic self-leveling suspension (if equipped) can develop leaks; strut mounts and bushings wear over time.

Transmission:

The 5G-TRONIC transmission is generally robust but can develop issues with the conductor plate or torque converter clutch if maintenance is neglected.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable, luxurious, and technologically advanced automobiles, particularly in the sedan segment.

W140 Introduction:

The W140 generation of the S-Class was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class. It was a complete redesign, showcasing significant advancements in technology and size.

W140 Facelift:

The W140 received a significant facelift for the 1995 model year, which included minor exterior styling changes (e.g., redesigned door handles, smaller panel gaps), updated interior features, and improved powertrain options.

Production Years:

1991-1998

Manufacturing Locations:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

The W140 S-Class consistently received high marks from automotive publications for its engineering, safety, and luxury, though its size and cost also drew criticism from some quarters.

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 1997 model year may not be prominently listed, the W140 chassis was engineered to meet and exceed the safety standards of its time, influencing future safety designs.