Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan (S-Class)
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops specializing in luxury European vehicles, automotive technicians
Competitors 1994:
BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF10), Cadillac DeVille
Vehicle Positioning:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury for its era
Manual Value:
Provides essential, factory-level information for maintaining the complex systems of the W140 S600
Engine:
M120 V12 engine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul
Transmission:
722.6 (5G-Tronic) automatic transmission service, repair, and diagnostics
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake pad/rotor replacement, fluid flush
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, linkage, diagnostics
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch, flush and fill procedures
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, diagnostics
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust pipes, O2 sensors, emissions control
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control panel, blower motor, refrigerant handling
Body And Interior:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment, trim components, body panel repair guidance
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms, pre-tensioners
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II (or equivalent for the era) fault code interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Overhaul:
Detailed engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Replacement:
Component replacement instructions (e.g., spark plugs, belts, sensors, pumps)
Adjustments:
Specific adjustments for steering, suspension, and engine components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced electronic diagnostics
Configuration:
V12, 60 valves (4 per cylinder)
Displacement:
5987 cc (6.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 80.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
389 hp @ 5200 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
420 lb-ft (569 Nm) @ 3800 rpm (SAE Net)
0-60 Mph:
Approximately 6.1 seconds
Top Speed:
Electronically limited to 155 mph
Induction:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 electronic fuel injection with Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Fuel Pump Type:
Dual electric fuel pumps
Fuel Injector Type:
High-impedance, electronically controlled injectors
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in a manner directly comparable to modern standards, but designed to high safety standards
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – introduced on some W140 models
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) standard
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Premium sound system, often with Nakamichi or Bose branding, with cassette tape and AM/FM radio. CD changer was often optional.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system with CRT display and CD-ROM based maps.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filtration.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with electronic throttle actuation.
Parking Assist:
Optional parktronic sensors (rear only on early models).
Telematics:
Early Mercedes-Benz telematic systems like Tele Aid were available on later W140 models, but not standard on the 1994 S600.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, refer to manual for specific condition-based service (CBS) indicators.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 mile services; includes spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission service.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic, meeting MB 229.5 specification. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant:
MB Spec 325.0 (Glysantin G05 or equivalent HOAT coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 specification, MB Spec 331.0
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Common Problems Engine:
Coil pack failure (V12), spark plug well issues, ignition module failures, timing chain guides (though less common on M120 than M119).
Common Problems Transmission:
Torque converter seal leaks, valve body issues, transmission control module (TCM) glitches.
Common Problems Electrical:
Wire harness degradation (particularly insulation), SRS warning lamp, window regulator failures, climate control module issues, CAN bus communication problems.
Common Problems Suspension:
Hydraulic self-leveling suspension issues (active suspension), strut mount wear, ball joint wear.
Common Problems HVAC:
Blower motor resistor failure, AC compressor clutch issues, evaporator core leaks, vacuum actuator failures.
