Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Era:
The 'Technological Showcase' of its time
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF20), Audi V8/A8 (D11/D2), Jaguar XJ (XJ40/X300)
Defining Characteristics:
Exceptional build quality, advanced technology for its era, spacious and opulent interior, powerful V8 and V12 engines
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking supreme comfort, advanced engineering, and prestige
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic), driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including hydropneumatic/level control systems), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Engine electrical, body electrical, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, CAN bus systems (where applicable for later models)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), interior trim, security systems
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I and early OBD-II)
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Installation:
Installation procedures for replacement parts and accessories
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Depth:
Professional quality, in-depth coverage suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Engine Codes And Variants:
M119 (4.2L V8, 5.0L V8), M120 (6.0L V12)
M119 Engine Specs:
4.2L (4196cc) DOHC V8, 32 valves, ~275-280 hp, ~295-300 lb-ft torque (varies by year/market); 5.0L (4973cc) DOHC V8, 32 valves, ~315-322 hp, ~347-354 lb-ft torque
M120 Engine Specs:
6.0L (5987cc) DOHC V12, 48 valves, ~389-394 hp, ~420-428 lb-ft torque
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Crash Test Performance:
Designed to exceed contemporary safety standards, featuring robust body structure and advanced safety systems for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts
Audio System:
High-fidelity audio systems (e.g., Bose optional), cassette and CD players
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (early generation)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional parking sensors (early forms)
Communication:
Early cellular phone integration (optional)
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine)
Major Service:
Spark plugs, transmission fluid/filter, coolant, brake fluid service intervals vary by model and mileage (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles)
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic (check manual for exact specs and viscosity)
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.81 (for 722.6 transmissions), ATF (for 722.3/722.5 transmissions) - Refer to manual for precise specification
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate (e.g., G48) mixed with distilled water
Wiring Harnesses:
Biodegradable insulation on wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to electrical faults.
Vacuum System:
Vacuum leaks from aged hoses can affect various systems, including central locking and idle control.
Door Locks:
Central locking vacuum pump failures or leaks.
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, front strut mounts, and rear self-leveling suspension components.
Electronics:
Age-related failures in electronic control units (ECUs), climate control modules, and power window regulators.
Legacy Of Luxury:
The W140 continues Mercedes-Benz's long-standing tradition of producing supremely engineered and luxurious automobiles.
Development Context:
Conceived as a successor to the W126 S-Class, the W140 represented a significant leap in size, technology, and safety, often referred to as the 'Sonderklasse' (Special Class).
Production Years:
1991-1998 (for model year 1992-1999 worldwide)
Production Locations:
Germany
