🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

600 SEC

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

C140

Engine Code:

M120

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes 600 SEC (C140) was the flagship coupe of its era, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering, luxury, and performance. Targeted at affluent buyers seeking exclusive grand touring capabilities.

Competitors:

Competed with other ultra-luxury coupes of the early 1990s, such as the Bentley Continental R, Rolls-Royce Corniche, and potentially high-end offerings from BMW (8 Series).

Distinguishing Features:

V12 engine, opulent interior, advanced (for its time) technology, superior build quality, quiet and comfortable ride, sophisticated styling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive factory service and repair for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 600 SEC.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely several hundred pages, typical for a full service manual of this era.

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission controls, air intake and exhaust.

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Transfer Case (if applicable to specific 600 SEC models), Clutch System, Driveshaft, Axles (Front and Rear).

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (including Self-Leveling Suspension/ADS), Steering, Brakes (including Parking Brake), Wheels and Tires.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting (Headlamps, Exterior Lamps), Warning and Indicator Lamps, Wiper and Washer Systems.

Body And Interior:

Body Structure, Water Leakage and Corrosion Inspection, Door Hinges and Locks, Sunroof, Soft Top (if equipped), Hood Lubrication, Windshield Washer System, Mirrors, Safety Belts, Noise Encapsulation Panels, Paint Damage Inspection.

HVAC Systems:

Cooling and Heating System, Air Conditioning (Refrigerant Charge), Dust Filter, Active Charcoal Filter, Recirculating Air Filter.

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment, air filter replacement, V-belt inspection and adjustment, fuel filter replacement, coolant level and antifreeze check, clutch disk wear inspection, transmission fluid changes (manual, automatic, transfer case), brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid level check, windshield washer fluid level check, battery fluid level check.

Component Inspection:

Component condition, lines and hoses, suspension and body structure, water leakage and corrosion, intake and exhaust manifold seating, V-belts, poly V-belt, ball joints, brake pads and discs, brake lines, parking brake cable, steering play, fuel system condition, battery, warning and indicator lamps, safety belts, backrest lock operation.

Engine Repair:

Checking and adjusting idle speed, checking injection timing, replacing oxygen sensor, spark plug inspection and replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, checking and correcting fluid levels for manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, and clutch system.

Chassis Repair:

Rear axle oil change and level correction, front axle oil level correction, checking front axle ball joints, adjusting rear axle mount limiting stop, wheel inspection and rotation, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection, brake fluid replacement, parking brake adjustment, brake testing.

Body And Trim Procedures:

Removing and installing engine compartment lower panel, lubricating door hinges and locks, cleaning sunroof rails, lubricating folding side mirrors, lubricating hood, cleaning cassette deck tone head, cleaning antenna mast, windshield wiper blade replacement.

HVAC Procedures:

Checking cooling and heating system, checking and correcting AC refrigerant charge, replacing dust filter, active charcoal filter, and recirculating air filter.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail covering diagnostics, maintenance, adjustments, and repairs for all major vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Printability:

All pages are printable.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Search Functionality:

Fully bookmarked and searchable.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V12, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft per bank), 4 Valves per Cylinder

Displacement:

5987 cc (6.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

Approx. 394 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) @ 3800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch LH-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 12.7 Liters (13.4 Quarts)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

Typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil (check manual for specific MB approval numbers).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (722.6 family evolution may have been present, though 4-speed was common for earlier C140 variants)

Optional Transmission:

Not typically offered with a manual transmission.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with multiple shift modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

MB Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Specification 236.8, 236.10, or equivalent depending on specific transmission variant. Consult manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 5010 mm (197.2 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1885 mm (74.2 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1390 mm (54.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2050 kg (4519 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Ratings:

Official crash test ratings from this era are less standardized than today. Known for robust body structure and safety engineering inherent to Mercedes-Benz.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Structural Safety:

High-strength steel passenger cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound system (e.g., Becker or Bose), often with cassette player and tuner. CD changer integration was common.

Active Damping System:

Advanced Dynamic System (ADS) offering adjustable damping for ride comfort and handling.

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) for enhanced traction.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature regulation.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats.

Power Windows Locks:

Standard power windows, central locking, and remote keyless entry.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.

Transmission Service Interval:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 40,000 - 60,000 miles, or as recommended by the manual.

Coolant Replacement Interval:

Every 2-3 years or as specified in the manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 PLUS brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB Power Steering Fluid Specification 343.0 (typically a Pentosin CHF 11 S equivalent).

Common Wear Items:

Valve cover gaskets, serpentine (poly V) belt, fuel pump, ignition coils, electronic control units (ECUs), window regulators, catalytic converters (due to age), SRS (airbag) system components, ADS (active damping system) hydraulic components.

Maintenance Challenges:

The complexity of the V12 engine and advanced systems requires specialized knowledge and tools for proper diagnosis and repair. Access to certain components can be difficult.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability dating back to the late 19th century.

C140 Development:

The C140 coupe, launched in 1991, was a development from the R129 SL-Class roadster platform, aiming to create a larger, more luxurious coupe. The 600 SEC variant represented the ultimate expression of this model.

Production Period:

The C140 generation was produced from 1991 to 1999. The 600 SEC variant was available during the earlier part of this period.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

While specific awards are not commonly listed for individual model years of this era, the 600 SEC was universally praised by automotive press for its performance, luxury, and technological prowess as a leading grand tourer.