1996 Mercedes-Benz S500 S600 W140 Owners Manual

Regular price: $16.99
Sale price: $16.99
Regular price
Unit price: per

🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: S-Class Model Variant: S500 / S600 Chassis Code: W140 Model Year: 1996 Market: North America (implied by English language) 👋 Introduction Market Position...

29 people are viewing this right now

Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 316929

Tags: 1996 Car Cars Mercedes Mercedes-benz S500 S600 W140

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Model Variant:

S500 / S600

Chassis Code:

Model Year:

Market:

North America (implied by English language)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Positioning:

Represents the pinnacle of luxury and engineering from Mercedes-Benz in the mid-1990s, targeting discerning clientele seeking comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Competed with other flagship luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS400, and Jaguar XJ.

Key Features

Vehicle Highlights:

The W140 S-Class was renowned for its robust build quality, sophisticated engineering, advanced safety features for its time, and exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin.

Manual Value Proposition:

An indispensable resource for owners to understand and operate their complex W140 S-Class, ensuring proper care and maximizing the vehicle's longevity and functionality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Systems Covered:

Comprehensive coverage of all vehicle systems for the 1996 S500 and S600 models.

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for this era and model complexity).

Manual Type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), differential, drive shafts.

Chassis And Suspension:

Braking system (ABS), steering system, suspension components, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, fuses, wiring harnesses, electronic control units (ECUs) basics.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control (automatic climate control), seats and adjustments, power windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, audio system, navigation (if equipped), phone system (if equipped), voice recognition.

Safety Systems:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - airbags, seat belt operation and adjustments, child restraint systems.

Procedures Included

Operation And Controls:

Detailed explanation of all dashboard instruments, controls, switches, and indicators.

Pre Driving Checks:

Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, visual inspections, starting procedures.

Driving Techniques:

Guidance on optimal driving techniques for the S-Class, including braking and acceleration.

Emergency Procedures:

Instructions for handling emergencies such as breakdowns, flat tires, jump-starting, and accident response.

Appearance And Care:

Recommendations for vehicle cleaning, washing, waxing, interior care, and paint protection.

Do It Yourself Maintenance:

Basic maintenance tasks that an owner can perform, such as checking/replacing wiper blades, topping up fluids, tire pressure adjustments.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Focuses on owner-level understanding, operation, and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content, assuming it's not a scanned image without OCR.

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac.

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader.

Print Quality

Quality:

Digital download quality; printable to original manual standards.

Binding Type

Original Binding:

Perfect bound (typical for factory owner's manuals).

Paper Type

Original Paper:

High-quality glossy paper (typical for luxury vehicle manuals).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine S500

Engine Code:

Configuration:

4.966 cc (5.0 L) SOHC V8

Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic M-L (Multi-Point Fuel Injection)

Engine Management:

Electronic Ignition and Fuel Injection

Primary Engine S600

Engine Code:

Configuration:

5987 cc (6.0 L) DOHC V12

Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 77.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

389 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

420 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic M-L (Multi-Point Fuel Injection)

Engine Management:

Electronic Ignition and Fuel Injection

🔧 Transmission

Standard S500

Type:

4-speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)

Standard S600

Type:

4-speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)

Features

Transmission Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Fluid Specifications

Fluid Type:

MB 236.2 or Dexron III (ATF).

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

5163 mm (203.3 in)

Width:

1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

1474 mm (58.0 in)

Wheelbase

Wheelbase:

3139 mm (123.6 in)

Weights

Curb Weight S500:

Approx. 1950 kg (4300 lbs)

Curb Weight S600:

Approx. 2090 kg (4600 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Rating 1996:

NHTSA data for this specific model and year may not be readily available in a standardized format comparable to modern ratings. However, Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety extensively.

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation on some models).

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System).

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners.

Door Impact Beams:

Reinforced door structures.

Headrests:

Active head restraints (optional on some models).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system, often with cassette and CD changer integration.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (CNS - Command Navigation System) introduced in later W140 models, though base W140s may not have it.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional front and rear parking assist sensors (Parktronic).

Connectivity

Phone System:

Optional integrated car phone system.

Comfort Features

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature and air distribution settings.

Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats, and optional orthopedic/ventilated seats.

Windows And Mirrors:

Power windows, power mirrors with heating, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals General

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators.

Major Service Interval:

Significant services typically occur at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, and 100,000-mile intervals, involving checks and replacements of various fluids, filters, belts, and components.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) depending on climate. Refer to manual for precise MB specifications (e.g., MB 229.1).

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB 325.0/326.0) with a 50/50 mix of distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (ATF Dexron II).

Known Issues

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant reservoir cracking, failing water pump seals, and hose degradation over time.

Electronics:

Distributorless ignition components (coil packs, crank sensors), SAM units, and window regulators can be prone to failure.

Suspension:

Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension (optional) can develop leaks in accumulators or struts.

Door Locks:

Vacuum-operated central locking system can have leaking lines or pump failures.

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade, leading to increased vibration.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury automobiles since its inception.

Model Evolution

W140 Introduction:

The W140 chassis was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, representing a significant leap in size, technology, and luxury.

W140 Facelift:

The 1996 model year represents a mid-cycle facelift (introduced in 1995) for the W140, which included updated styling cues and further technological enhancements.

Production

Production Years:

W140 production ran from 1991 to 1998.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Historical Acclaim:

The W140 generation of the S-Class consistently received accolades from automotive journalists and industry experts for its comfort, safety, and technological advancements upon its release.