🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500SEC

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

C140

Engine Code:

M119 (E50)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC represented the pinnacle of luxury coupe engineering and performance for its era, targeting affluent buyers seeking sophisticated design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort. This manual caters to owners and independent repair facilities specializing in high-end European vehicles.

Competition:

Competed with other luxury coupes like the BMW 8 Series (E31), Jaguar XJS, and higher-end offerings from Lexus (SC400) and Porsche (928). The 500SEC was noted for its refined V8 power, elegant styling, and robust build quality.

Vehicle Features:

Powerful M119 V8 engine, robust chassis, advanced (for the time) safety features, luxurious interior appointments, exceptional ride quality, and timeless design.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Engine Management, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain, Brakes (ABS), Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, Climate Control, Bodywork, Interior, Body Electronics, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of V8 engine components, including cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing chain/guides, and lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Detailed procedures for fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank servicing, and EFI system diagnostics.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil testing, spark plug replacement, distributor servicing (if applicable to specific variant, though M119 is distributorless with coil-on-plug or waste spark), ignition timing adjustment (if applicable).

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), sensors (e.g., MAF, O2, crankshaft position, camshaft position), actuators, and emissions control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, coolant flushing and refilling, heater core diagnosis, and troubleshooting of overheating issues.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter inspection, muffler and exhaust pipe replacement, exhaust hanger repair, and oxygen sensor replacement.

Transmission:

Servicing of the 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 or 722.4), including fluid and filter changes, torque converter inspection, valve body diagnosis, and electronic control unit interactions.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, and axle shaft inspection and repair. Rear axle bearing service.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake overhaul, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush and bleeding, ABS system diagnosis and repair (including hydraulic unit and sensors).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (e.g., control arms, ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers/struts), spring replacement, and wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system service, steering gear box adjustment and repair, steering column components, and power steering fluid replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and functions, relay testing, battery servicing, alternator and starter motor testing/replacement, lighting systems, and dashboard instrumentation.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system servicing (refrigerant charging, leak detection, compressor replacement), heating system, blower motor, HVAC controls, and recirculation flap diagnostics.

Bodywork:

Door panel removal, window regulator repair, mirror replacement, bumper repair and alignment, hood and trunk latch servicing, and body panel alignment.

Body Electronics:

Central locking system, power seat adjustments, power mirror operation, sunroof operation, and related control modules.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance procedures, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid and filter change.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical, electrical, and body components.

Diagnostics:

Detailed procedures for using diagnostic tools, reading fault codes (OBD-I era), and interpreting sensor data.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and specialized tool requirements.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely a proprietary software application or a collection of searchable PDF documents. Optimized for digital access.

Quality:

Digital format allows for high-resolution diagrams and clear text. Printable pages.

Binding:

Not applicable (Software format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder (M119 E50)

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 322 hp @ 5500 rpm (DIN)

Torque:

Approx. 354 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (DIN)

Induction:

Bosch KE-Jetronic (Jetronic with Electronic Control) Multi-Point Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine functions.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (likely 722.3 or 722.4 series)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up for improved efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4970 mm (195.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1890 mm (74.4 in)

Height:

Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2300 kg (5070 lbs)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2800 mm (110.2 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

As a 1993 vehicle, official NHTSA/IIHS crash ratings as we know them today were not as prevalent. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were built to very high safety standards for their time.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR - often standard or optional depending on exact configuration).

Passive Safety:

Reinforced chassis, crumple zones, driver and passenger airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, padded interior surfaces.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Premium sound system (e.g., Becker Grand Prix), cassette player, analog climate control displays, optional CD changer.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, electrically adjustable steering column with memory, heated seats, cruise control.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems. No integrated Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Recommended service every 40,000-60,000 miles, including filter replacement.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic blend or full synthetic (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on climate).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB 236.1 or MB 236.7 (e.g., Dexron III compatible fluid).

Coolant Spec:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent based on phosphate-free and silicate-free formulation).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4.

Common Problems:

Timing chain guides and tensioner wear (M119 engine), fuel distributor issues (KE-Jetronic), wiring harness degradation, window regulator failures, door seal deterioration, ABS sensor failures, catalytic converter failure, radiator support bushings.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU 715/1x, Bosch 0 986 452 007, Mahle OX 38 D (verify with exact VIN).

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C35140/1, Bosch 1 457 429 731 (verify with exact VIN).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile itself. The SEC designation represents their flagship luxury coupes.

Evolution:

The 500SEC (C140) succeeded the highly acclaimed W126 SEC coupe. It was a completely redesigned platform, larger and more luxurious, and introduced new technologies. It was later superseded by the C215 CL-Class.

Production Years:

1992-1998

Production Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 1993 model year may not be widely publicized, the W140 S-Class platform (from which the C140 coupe is derived) was recognized for its technological advancements and luxury. The 500SEC was considered a benchmark in the luxury grand tourer segment.