Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz W140 represented the pinnacle of luxury, engineering, and technology for its era, setting new benchmarks for large sedans.
Competitors:
Competed against flagship luxury sedans from BMW (E38 7 Series), Lexus (LS 400), Jaguar (XJ), and Audi (V8/A8).
Design Philosophy:
Characterized by its imposing size, robust construction, advanced features, and focus on driver comfort and safety.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.
Year Coverage:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Model Variants Covered:
All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (likely several thousand pages, not specified but implied by 'complete workshop')
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, ignition, engine management systems (DME/ME, etc.)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.4, 722.5, 722.6 depending on year/engine) repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, self-leveling suspension (SLS) if applicable
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gearbox/rack, hydraulic components
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power accessories (windows, locks, seats, mirrors), control modules (ECU, ABS, SRS, etc.)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis components
Safety Systems:
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, diagnostic procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific test procedures for various systems
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), scheduled service intervals, lubrication points
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, and component reconditioning procedures
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults
Diagnostics Tools:
Information on specific diagnostic tools and equipment required (e.g., scan tools, pressure gauges)
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Engine Family:
M119 (V8) and M120 (V12)
Engine Options V8:
4.2L (4196 cc) M119.970, 5.0L (4973 cc) M119.970/M119.980, 5.5L (5473 cc) M119.970 (later models)
Engine Options V12:
6.0L (5987 cc) M120.980
V8 Power Range:
Approx. 275-322 hp (varies by displacement and market)
V8 Torque Range:
Approx. 390-470 Nm (varies by displacement)
V12 Power:
Approx. 408 hp
V12 Torque:
Approx. 580 Nm
Injection System:
Bosch LH-Jetronic or ME-Motronic electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Historical Ratings:
While formal crash test ratings were less standardized in the early to mid-90s compared to today, the W140 was engineered with a strong focus on occupant protection, featuring a very robust chassis and advanced passive safety features for its time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models
Asr:
Optional or standard ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) on later models
Esp Availability:
Not typically available on W140; ESC (Electronic Stability Control) became prevalent in later generations.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags became optional on later models.
Body Construction:
High-strength steel chassis with crumple zones for enhanced impact absorption.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts
Infotainment System:
Early models featured basic analog/digital radio, cassette player, and optional CD changer. Later models saw the introduction of the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, though often as an option.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation systems, often with separate displays or integrated into early COMAND units.
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking sensors (Parktronic) became available on later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed car phone systems, often with rudimentary hands-free integration.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC) with dual-zone capability.
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats, optional orthopedic/massaging seats.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power-adjustable and heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and specific engine variant.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plug replacement, transmission service, coolant flush) at intervals of 50,000-100,000 km (30,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.5 (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-40, 0W-40 synthetic, depending on temperature and specific engine requirements).
Coolant Specification:
MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or similar silicate-free formula), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 specification brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Can include biodegradable wiring insulation degradation, SRS system faults (seat occupancy sensors, clock springs), vacuum leak issues, SLS hydraulic leaks, evaporator core leaks (HVAC), and sticky door locks (vacuum operated).
Maintenance Cost Considerations:
Due to its complexity and luxury positioning, maintenance and repair costs can be higher than average. This manual is crucial for managing these costs.
