🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W140 S-Class

Generation Designation:

W140

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan (Standard Wheelbase), Sedan (Long Wheelbase - SEL)

Chassis Code:

W140

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and comfort for its era

Brand Positioning:

Flagship model, known for its advanced technology, opulent interior, and robust construction

Primary Competitors:

BMW 7 Series (E32/E38), Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille, Jaguar XJ, Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

Defining Characteristics:

Double-glazed windows for exceptional quietness, advanced electronic climate control, sophisticated suspension systems (optional active suspension), powerful V8 and V12 engines, extensive use of advanced materials

Manual Benefit:

Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the complex systems of the W140, ensuring longevity and optimal performance

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Engine Variants Covered:

All engine variants offered during the specified model years (e.g., M104 3.2L I6, M119 4.2L V8, M119 5.0L V8, M120 6.0L V12)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels within the W140 range

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically thousands of pages for a complete workshop manual covering multiple engine options and years)

Type:

Digital Workshop Service & Repair Manual

Language:

Likely English (based on typical product descriptions for this market, though not explicitly stated)

File Format:

ISO (DVD Image)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, engine management (ECU/DME)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.4, 722.6), torque converter, driveshafts, differential, rear axle

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (including optional ABC or hydropneumatic systems if applicable), steering system, wheel alignment

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control (ASR), brake rotor and pad replacement, brake fluid specifications

Electrical Electronics:

Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, body control modules (BCM)

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)

Body Interior:

Interior trim, dashboard, seats, safety restraints (airbags), climate control system, audio system

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific diagnostic procedures

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhauls, electrical component repair

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step fault finding for various systems, including electrical diagnostics and sensor testing

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, integrated wiring diagrams for all major systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting

Component Disassembly Reassembly:

Detailed instructions for removing, servicing, and reinstalling virtually every component of the vehicle

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level workshop manual, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers

Detail Level:

Includes detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings, enhancing accuracy and safety

Illustration Quality:

Features detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos, including enlarged insets for intricate parts

📊 Manual Specifications

Compression:

ISO file format, requires disc imaging software for access or mounting

File Size:

> 1.3GB

Digital Quality:

High quality, complete, and intact digital reproduction, free from missing or corrupt pages/sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

M104

Engine Displacement 1:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Engine Configuration 1:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Horsepower 1:

Approx. 228 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine Torque 1:

Approx. 229 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Engine Code 2:

M119

Engine Displacement 2:

4.2 Liters (4196 cc) / 5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Engine Configuration 2:

V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Horsepower 2:

Approx. 275 hp (4.2L) / 322 hp (5.0L) @ 5500 rpm

Engine Torque 2:

Approx. 295 lb-ft (4.2L) / 354 lb-ft (5.0L) @ 3900 rpm

Engine Code 3:

M120

Engine Displacement 3:

6.0 Liters (5987 cc)

Engine Configuration 3:

V12, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Horsepower 3:

Approx. 389 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine Torque 3:

Approx. 420 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Acceleration 0 60Mph Typical:

6.3 seconds (5.0L V8) to 5.5 seconds (6.0L V12)

Injection System:

Bosch KE-Jetronic (early models) or Bosch ME-Motronic (later models), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) for V8 and V12

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (722.3/722.4) on earlier models and base engines

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Automatic (722.6 'NAG' - New Automatic Gearbox) on later models and higher-performance engines (V8 and V12)

Transmission Control:

Electronic transmission control (ETC) on later 722.6 units

Fluid Type:

Mercon V or equivalent for 722.3/722.4, ATF LT 71141 or equivalent for 722.6 (specific specifications detailed in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length Standard Wheelbase:

Approx. 197.6 inches

Length Long Wheelbase:

Approx. 204.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 73.6 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.4 inches

Curb Weight Typical:

Approx. 4300-4800 lbs (depending on engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

Limited official NHTSA/IIHS data available for this era, though generally considered very safe for its time due to robust construction.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Asr:

Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control system

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard), side airbags available on later models

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems often featuring cassette players, CD changers (optional), and advanced speaker configurations.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system (early generation, often requiring map discs).

Cruise Control:

Standard Tempomat cruise control, often electronically controlled.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking sensors (late models).

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone system (early analogue or digital).

System Type:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (Thermotronic) with micro-filter and cabin air sensors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific intervals based on engine and driving conditions)

Major Service Interval:

Around 30,000 miles (e.g., spark plugs, fuel filter, coolant flush)

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.1, API SJ or higher (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate)

Coolant Specification:

MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, blue color)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Wiring Harnesses:

Biodegradable insulation on some wiring harnesses (especially 1992-1995 models) can degrade, requiring replacement.

Cooling System:

Plastic components (like coolant reservoirs, expansion tanks, and intake manifold runners) can become brittle and crack.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms can fail.

Door Panels:

Sagging door panels due to adhesive failure is common.

Electronics:

Various electronic modules and sensors can be prone to failure over time due to age and heat.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Germany

Brand Reputation:

Renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, durability, and technological innovation

Predecessor:

W126 S-Class

Successor:

W220 S-Class

Production Years Global:

1991-1998 (model years 1992-1999)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards might be scarce due to its market segment and era, the W140 was widely recognized for its benchmark-setting comfort, quietness, and technological advancements, influencing subsequent luxury sedan designs.