🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

400 SEL

Year:

1993

Generation:

W140 (First Generation)

Model Code:

W140.032 (Likely designation for 400 SEL)

👋 Introduction

Luxury Sedan:

The Mercedes-Benz 400 SEL of 1993 represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering in its segment, competing with other high-end sedans of the era.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Audi V8 Quattro.

Engineering Excellence:

Known for its robust engineering, advanced technology for its time, and exceptionally comfortable ride.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400 SEL.

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, component inspection, and preventative maintenance.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes-Benz service manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF/WINRAR)

Compatibility:

Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, rebuilding (valve clearance, injection timing, mounts).

Engine Fuel And Ignition:

Fuel filter replacement, prefilter, injection system checks and adjustments, spark plug service.

Cooling And Heating:

Coolant level and antifreeze checks, cooling system inspection, coolant replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission oil change and level checking/correction.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, fluid level checking/correction.

Drivetrain Transfer Case:

Transfer case fluid change and level checking/correction.

Drivetrain Axles:

Front and rear axle oil changes, level checking/correction, ball joint inspection.

Suspension:

Suspension and body structure inspection, self-leveling suspension inspection, Level Control (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC) fluid level.

Brakes:

Brake fluid level, lines inspection, pads and disk thickness, disk cleaning, parking brake adjustment, fluid replacement, brake test.

Steering:

Power steering fluid level, steering play check, steering bolt retightening.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection and pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.

Exhaust System:

Intake & exhaust manifold seating, exhaust flange and connection retightening.

Electrical System:

Battery fluid level, warning and indicator lamps check, spark plug checks.

Body And Chassis:

Water leakage and corrosion inspection, door hinge and lock lubrication, lower noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, paint damage checks.

Climate Control:

Dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement, AC refrigerant charge check.

Accessories And Features:

Hydraulic top fluid level check, sunroof rail cleaning/greasing, soft top locking tab check, windshield wiper/washer inspection and blade replacement, folding side mirror lubrication, hood lubrication, safety belt inspection, backrest lock check.

Body Panels And Trim:

Engine compartment lower panel removal/installation.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks like oil and filter changes, belt checks, fluid level checks, filter replacements.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Methods for determining the cause of vehicle-related problems.

Repair And Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and assembly of components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and system diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF/WINRAR

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for physical reference.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 Gasoline Engine

Engine Code:

M119 (Likely 4.2L variant, e.g., M119.971)

Displacement:

4.2 Liters (4196 cc)

Horsepower:

Approximately 279 hp (208 kW) @ 5700 rpm (subject to market variation)

Torque:

Approximately 390 Nm (288 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm (subject to market variation)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic or similar)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 91+)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3xx series, e.g., 722.366)

Optional Transmission:

No manual transmission option for the 400 SEL model.

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled transmission with multiple shift modes (e.g., Economy/Sport).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 5113 mm (201.3 in)

Width:

Approximately 1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

Approximately 1487 mm (58.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1800-1900 kg (3968-4189 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings from this period are less standardized, the W140 was designed with significant emphasis on occupant safety, featuring a very robust body structure.

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) was often standard or optional on performance models like the 400 SEL.

Electronic Stability:

ASD (Automatic Slip Differential) was a common feature, enhancing stability during acceleration and cornering.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag was standard; passenger airbag became more common towards the mid-90s.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts were likely standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

High-quality factory cassette stereo system, often with an optional CD changer and premium sound options (e.g., Bose).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Telematics:

Early analog cellular phone integration may have been available as an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter service recommended every 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 10W-40 synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact MB approval).

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 spec automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 220, Pentosin ATF 1).

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (typically silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based, MB 325.0).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Wiring Harness Degradation:

Early W140 models, particularly those with early biodegradable insulation on wiring harnesses, could experience insulation breakdown, leading to electrical issues. (This manual would detail checks and repairs).

Hydropneumatic Suspension Leaks:

Age-related leaks in the self-leveling suspension system (Level Control/ADS) can occur, affecting ride height and comfort.

Window Regulator Failures:

Power window regulators, particularly the vacuum-operated system in some earlier W140s, could be prone to failure.

Door Lock Actuator Issues:

The central locking system, often vacuum-assisted, can develop leaks or actuator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering, luxury, and durability dating back to the early 20th century.

W140 Development:

The W140 S-Class was a revolutionary redesign, introducing numerous technological innovations and setting new benchmarks in safety and comfort, though it was also famously expensive to develop and produce.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Luxury Benchmark:

While specific awards for the 1993 model year are scarce, the W140 S-Class was widely recognized for establishing new industry standards in luxury, safety, and comfort, influencing subsequent luxury vehicle designs.