🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

400 SE

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

W140

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz W140 chassis represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering for its era, targeting a discerning clientele seeking ultimate comfort, performance, and technological advancement. The 400 SE specifically offered a potent V8 engine in a refined sedan package.

Competitors:

Competed with other high-end luxury sedans of the early 1990s, such as the BMW 7 Series (E32/E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF10), and Jaguar XJ (XJ40).

Vehicle Features:

V8 engine, advanced (for its time) suspension and electronic systems (e.g., ABS, optional ASD/ADS/4MATIC), luxurious interior appointments, sophisticated sound insulation, and a commanding presence.

User Benefit:

Empowers owners to confidently perform repairs and maintenance, saving on professional labor costs and ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of their classic Mercedes-Benz.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Restoration

Estimated Pages:

Highly detailed, extensive coverage implies several hundred pages, specific count not provided in product description.

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF / WINRAR

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment/checking, injection timing adjustment/checking, fuel filter/prefilter replacement, air filter replacement, V-belt/poly V-belt inspection, intake/exhaust manifold seating, spark plug check/replacement, coolant level/antifreeze check, cooling system inspection, engine mount bolt retorque, engine stop adjustment.

Fuel System:

Fuel filter replacement, fuel prefilter replacement, injection timing, fuel system condition check.

Cooling System:

Coolant level and antifreeze protection check, cooling and heating system inspection, coolant replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch disk wear inspection, manual transmission oil change, manual transmission oil level check/correction.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, automatic transmission fluid level check/correction.

Drivetrain:

Transfer case fluid change/level check, front axle oil change/level check, rear axle oil change/level check, rear axle mount limiting stop adjustment, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection.

Suspension:

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

Steering:

Steering play check, steering bolts retightening, power steering fluid level check.

Brakes:

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

Electrical System:

Wiring schematics, warning and indicator lamps check.

Body And Chassis:

Body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, wheel inspection/rotation, tire inspection/pressure correction, wheel bolts tightening, lower engine compartment panel removal/installation, door hinge lubrication, door lock lubrication, hood lubrication, safety belts inspection, backrest lock operation check, lower noise encapsulation panel removal/installation, body paint damage check.

Climate Control:

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

Lighting:

Headlamp and exterior lamp inspection.

Wipers Washers:

Windshield and headlamp wiper and washer inspection, windshield wiper blade replacement, windshield washer fluid level check/correction.

Convertible Top:

Hydraulic top fluid level check/correction, soft top locking tabs check.

Diagnostic Procedures:

All diagnostic procedures covered in great detail.

General Maintenance:

Oil change, filter changes, fluid level checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, coolant service, brake fluid service, tire pressure adjustment, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting guidance for all systems.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and rebuilding, covering all major topics.

Restoration:

Procedures suitable for refurbishing and restoring the vehicle.

Inspection Checks:

Component condition, lines and hoses, suspension, body structure, water leakage, corrosion, ball joints, drive shaft flexible coupling, brake system, steering, fuel system, battery, lamps, drains, safety belts, backrest lock, paint damage.

Depth:

Professional technician level coverage, including detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF / WINRAR

Quality:

High detail, likely scanned from original factory manuals. Quality of diagrams and schematics is crucial and typically good for factory-sourced documents.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper:

Not applicable (digital format)

Os Compatibility:

Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8/Linux/MAC, iOS/Android compatible devices.

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, naturally aspirated

Engine Code:

M119 (likely M119 E42 for the 4.2L variant)

Displacement:

4.2 Liters (4196 cc)

Horsepower Hp:

Approx. 275-280 HP (DIN) @ 5700 RPM (specific to engine variant)

Torque Lb Ft:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft (Nm) @ 3800 RPM (specific to engine variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection (likely a later variant with electronic control)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Valvetrain:

SOHC or DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder (depending on specific M119 variant, likely DOHC for this generation)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Type:

Not typically offered with manual transmission in this variant.

Transmission Control:

Electronic control unit (ECU) for shift points and operation.

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approx. 5113 mm (201.3 in)

Width Mm:

Approx. 1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height Mm:

Approx. 1484 mm (58.4 in)

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approximately 2500 kg (5511 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Info:

While specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for 1992 models are not as readily available as modern vehicles, the W140 was engineered with a robust safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones, and advanced restraint systems for its time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) likely available, and the 'ASD' system refers to Automatic Slip Differential, enhancing traction.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag as standard, passenger airbag often optional or introduced later in the production run for the W140 series.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts and advanced restraint systems.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium audio systems, often from Becker, with cassette players. CD changers might have been optional. Features include antenna mast cleaning.

Chassis Systems:

Features like ADS (Active Dampening System), ASD (Automatic Slip Differential), and 4MATIC (all-wheel drive) were available and are detailed in the manual for fluid level and inspection.

Features:

Limited by modern standards; focus was on vehicle control and comfort features. This manual covers manual lubrication of folding side mirrors, a luxury feature of the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, but consult the manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions. This manual will detail the exact procedure.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Mercedes-Benz often recommended 'lifetime' fluids for their transmissions, but regular checks and changes (e.g., every 60,000-100,000 km or 3-5 years) are highly advisable for longevity. This manual will provide specific guidance.

Engine Oil:

Likely API SJ or higher, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil. Manual will specify exact MB-approval.

Coolant:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate) mixed with distilled water, typically a 50/50 ratio.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus (low viscosity) brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB-Approval 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB-Approval 236.6 or 236.8 (Dexron II/III compatible, but specific MB approval is crucial).

Common Problems:

Early W140 models faced criticism for their size and weight. Common issues can include biodegradable wiring harnesses (requiring replacement), SRS system faults, climate control module issues, vacuum leaks, and the complexity of the electronic systems. Water ingress into modules can be an issue if drains are blocked. The hydraulic suspension (ADS) can be prone to leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile. The W140 was conceived to be a flagship model, continuing this legacy.

W140 Generation:

The W140 generation replaced the W126 S-Class and was produced from 1991 to 1998. It was a significant departure in styling and technology, aiming to redefine automotive luxury. The 400 SE was one of the initial engine offerings.

Production Period:

1991-1998 (W140 generation)

Manufacturing Plant:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 1992 400 SE might not be widely documented as separate entities, the S-Class (W140) was recognized for its pioneering technology, safety, and luxury, setting benchmarks for the segment.