Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan (and Coupe)
Brand Heritage Association:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury during its production era.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (E32/E38), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs on dealership servicing.
Manual Ease Of Use:
Designed for clarity with step-by-step instructions and visual aids, making complex tasks accessible.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnosis, overhaul, repair of all engine variants including M119 (V8) and M120 (V12).
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, fuel injection systems (KE-Jetronic, HFM), ignition systems, emissions control.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.4, 722.6) repair, overhaul, diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, driveshafts, differentials.
Braking System:
ABS, ASR, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, lighting, starter, alternator, battery systems, comfort electronics.
HVAC System:
Climate control system operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body And Interior:
Panel replacement, door mechanisms, glass, seat adjustments, trim removal.
Comfort Features:
Power seats, windows, mirrors, sunroof, door locks, central locking.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for various systems.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Transmission Overhaul:
Comprehensive procedures for automatic transmission disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of circuits, sensors, actuators, and control modules with wiring diagrams.
Bodywork Repair:
Dent repair, panel alignment, rust prevention and repair techniques.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Compatibility:
All PC & MAC Computers, Tablets, Smartphones (requires Adobe Reader).
Searchability:
Likely searchable if text-based PDF, enabling quick access to information.
Printability:
Printable by the page, chapter, or entire document.
Image Clarity:
High quality, described as 'easy to follow step-by-step instructions & pictures'.
Digital Format:
N/A (Downloadable)
Digital Format:
N/A (Downloadable)
Displacement V8:
4.2L (4196 cc) and 5.0L (4973 cc)
Configuration V8:
4.2L: V8, 32 valves (4 valves per cylinder), DOHC. 5.0L: V8, 32 valves, DOHC.
Performance 420Sel:
Approx. 275-280 hp @ 5700-5800 rpm, 295-315 lb-ft @ 3800-4000 rpm.
Performance 500Sel:
Approx. 322-326 hp @ 5500-5600 rpm, 354-359 lb-ft @ 3900-4000 rpm.
Displacement V12:
6.0L (5987 cc)
Configuration V12:
V12, 48 valves (4 valves per cylinder), DOHC.
Performance 600Sel:
Approx. 402 hp @ 5200 rpm, 428 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm.
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch HFM, earlier models may use KE-Jetronic).
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (722.3, 722.4) on earlier V8 models, 5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic') introduced later, standard on V12 models and later V8s.
Type:
N/A (Typically automatic only for this model range).
Gear Selection:
Standard P-R-N-D-3-2 or P-R-N-D-4-3 with electronic controls.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.6 (e.g., Shell ATF 3403 M-115, Mobil ATF 220/3309, Pentosin ATF1).
Length:
Approx. 5113 mm (201.3 in) for standard wheelbase, 5213 mm (205.2 in) for long wheelbase (SEL).
Width:
Approx. 1886 mm (74.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)
Length:
Approx. 4960 mm (195.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1387 mm (54.6 in)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 1900-2200 kg (4189-4850 lbs) depending on engine and wheelbase.
NHTSA Ratings:
Not independently rated by NHTSA in the modern sense, but built to high safety standards of the era.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) available on most models.
Braking Assistance:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard by mid-production; side airbags may have been optional or standard on later models.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner seat belts for front occupants.
Audio System:
High-quality sound systems, often from Becker or Bose, with CD changers available.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system (early generation).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (introduced later in the W140 lifecycle).
Communication Systems:
Pre-wiring for early cellular telephones.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, later models featured advanced multi-zone systems.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and specific model year/engine.
Major Service Points:
Spark plugs (often iridium, longer life), transmission service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change.
Engine Oil V8 V12:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 5W-40). Check manual for specific viscosity grade based on climate.
Coolant:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue/green concentrate, mix 50/50 with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (MB Spec 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).
Electronics:
Spark plug well seals (M119), MAF sensor issues, headlight leveling system, vacuum leaks in various systems, SAM unit failures.
Mechanical:
Head gasket leaks (less common but possible), thermostat issues, catalytic converter failure, timing chain guides (M119).
HVAC:
Blower motor resistor failure, pneumatic actuators for climate control, refrigerant leaks.
Suspension Steering:
Hydropneumatic suspension leaks (e.g., front struts), worn ball joints and tie rod ends.
Body:
Door handle microswitches failing, central locking pump issues, window regulator problems.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a marque synonymous with luxury, engineering, and automotive innovation.
Predecessor:
W126 S-Class.
Production Years:
1991-1999 (for W140 sedan and C140 coupe).
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (various Mercedes-Benz plants).
Notable Features Introduction:
Dual pane windows for reduced noise, CAN bus technology introduction, advanced electronics, power closing doors/trunk.
