🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S500

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

W140

Engine Code:

M119

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1996 S500 represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering for its era, competing with other high-end sedans from brands like BMW (7 Series) and Lexus (LS Series). This manual targets owners and independent repair shops seeking professional-grade information.

Competition:

Competed directly against the BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400, and Cadillac DeVille. The S500 was known for its robust engineering, comfort, and advanced (for the time) technology.

Features:

The W140 S-Class was a technological showcase, featuring advanced safety systems, luxurious appointments, and a powerful V8 engine. This manual reflects the complexity and sophistication of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostic, and maintenance procedures for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W140 chassis).

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely digital format like PDF or proprietary software)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the M119 5.0L V8 engine, including maintenance, diagnosis, repair of fuel injection, ignition system, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the 722.6 5-speed automatic transmission (electronic controlled), including adjustments, diagnostics, and overhaul.

Suspension Steering:

Comprehensive coverage of the independent suspension system (front and rear), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and the recirculating ball steering system.

Brakes:

Detailed information on the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), brake fluid specifications, caliper service, rotor replacement, and hydraulic system diagnostics.

Electrical Electronics:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, power windows, seats, mirrors, climate control, SRS (airbag) system, and ECU diagnosis.

Body Chassis:

Information on body panel repair, door mechanisms, locks, hinges, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable), and chassis component maintenance.

Climate Control:

Diagnosis and repair of the automatic climate control system (Thermotronic), including AC compressor, refrigerant, HVAC blower, and sensor troubleshooting.

Driver Assistance:

Details on systems like cruise control, traction control (ASR), and potentially early forms of electronic stability control if equipped.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including fault code interpretation and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for major vehicle systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical diagnosis and repair.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, and other critical technical data for accurate repairs.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis systems) and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Depth:

Expert-level technical depth, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital software, likely searchable and potentially with interactive diagrams. May be delivered as PDF, executable, or web-based access.

Quality:

High-resolution digital content ensuring clarity of diagrams, text, and images. Printable pages if delivered in PDF format.

Binding:

N/A (Software format)

Paper:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine:

M119 V8 SOHC (4-valve per cylinder)

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 315 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Injection System:

Bosch LH-Jetronic electronic fuel injection with mass airflow sensor (MAF).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

722.6xx 5-Speed Automatic (NAG - Neue Automatik Getriebe)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (All 1996 S500 models featured the 5-speed automatic)

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled with multiple shift modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport) and adaptive learning.

Fluid Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Shell ATF 134 or equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

119.7 inches (3040 mm)

Length:

201.3 inches (5113 mm)

Width:

73.6 inches (1869 mm)

Height:

58.1 inches (1476 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4400 - 4600 lbs (2000 - 2100 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

NHTSA ratings for this era are not always directly comparable. However, the W140 was engineered with a very robust safety cell and advanced passive safety features for its time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Asr:

Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags may have been optional or standard depending on market and specific options.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning front seatbelts, inertia reel seatbelts for all occupants.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel safety cage construction.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

High-quality factory stereo systems, often with cassette and CD changer options. Some may have optional navigation systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional parking sensors (Parktronic) were introduced later in the W140's lifecycle, but likely not standard on 1996 models. The manual would cover any integrated systems.

Connectivity:

Limited connectivity by modern standards. Primarily features for integrated communication systems if optioned (e.g., car phone pre-wiring).

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power mirrors, power seats with memory, power tilt/telescoping steering column, heated seats, soft-close doors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the Flexible Service System (FSS) on later models, though manual typically states fixed intervals.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Mercedes-Benz recommended fluid and filter change approximately every 40,000-60,000 miles (60,000-100,000 km), though often considered 'lifetime' by some consumers, professional maintenance is advised.

Engine Oil Spec:

MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (e.g., 10W-40, 5W-40 synthetic depending on climate). Refer to manual for precise viscosity recommendations.

Coolant Spec:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically blue/green).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4

Engine M119 Common:

Timing chain tensioner wear (can lead to chain stretching), distributorless ignition system (DIS) coil pack failure, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and crank seals, vacuum hose deterioration.

Transmission 722 6 Common:

Conductor plate failure (causing shifting issues), O-ring leaks, electronically controlled module (TCM) issues, neutral safety switch problems.

Electronics Common:

Window regulators and motors, door lock actuators, climate control blower motor resistor, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors, MAF sensor), CAN bus communication issues.

Suspension Common:

Hydraulic self-leveling suspension component wear (e.g., accumulators, pumps), front suspension bushings and ball joint wear, strut mount failure.

Cooling System Common:

Plastic coolant reservoir cracks, water pump seal leaks, thermostat housing leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building high-quality, durable, and technologically advanced luxury vehicles. The S-Class lineage represents the flagship sedan of the brand.

W140 Introduction:

The W140 chassis S-Class was introduced in 1991 and represented a significant advancement over its predecessor (W126). It was larger, heavier, and more technologically sophisticated, aiming to set new benchmarks in automotive engineering and luxury.

W140 Facelift:

The 1996 model year incorporates a significant facelift which included updated styling, revised powertrain management, and enhancements to electronic systems. This manual specifically covers post-facelift models.

Production Years:

1991-1998 (W140 chassis)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Sindelfingen Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Prestigious Awards:

While specific awards for the 1996 model year are hard to pinpoint generically, the W140 S-Class was widely recognized as a benchmark for automotive luxury, engineering, and safety by numerous automotive publications globally during its production run.

Safety Engineering:

Consistently rated highly for its structural integrity and occupant protection by safety organizations of the time, influencing future safety design standards.