🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500 SEC

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

C140

Engine Code:

M119.970

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.

Competitors:

BMW 8 Series, Lexus SC400, Jaguar XJS

Design:

Sleek, aerodynamic coupe styling with pillarless windows, signature Mercedes-Benz design language.

Performance:

Powerful V8 engine, refined handling, high-speed cruising capability.

Luxury:

Premium interior materials, advanced features for the era, exceptional build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Rebuild, Restoration

Secondary Coverage:

Electrical Systems, Bodywork, Chassis, HVAC, Emission Controls

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete disassembly, assembly, timing, fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic/HPE), ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emission controls

Transmission:

4-speed automatic (722.3xx series), torque converter, valve body, electronic control unit (ECU), fluid service, seal replacement

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front independent (double wishbone), rear independent (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, leveling system (optional), steering components, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, hydraulic system, parking brake

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering, steering column adjustments, power steering pump and hoses

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control electronics, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Bodywork:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, convertible top (if applicable), glass replacement, interior trim

Climate Control:

Manual and automatic climate control system, R134a refrigerant (post-conversion) or R12 (original), compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, HVAC control unit

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator, injectors

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing procedures, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., OBD-I scanner)

Repair:

Engine component repair (pistons, valves, bearings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair

Rebuilds:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential rebuild

Restoration:

Detailed instructions for restoring various components and systems, historical accuracy guidance

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printable:

Printable pages for easy workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

V8, 32-valve (4 valves per cylinder), SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft per bank)

Displacement:

4973 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

98.5 mm x 82.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower Net:

326 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Net:

470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm

Type:

Bosch KE-Jetronic/HPE (Hot-Wire-Controlled Electronic Fuel Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium, 91 octane or higher)

Type:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EZL)

Type:

Water-cooled, with thermostatic control and fan clutch.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic (4G-TRONIC)

Model:

722.3xx series (specific variant for M119 engine)

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled with selectable modes (e.g., Sport/Economy)

Fluid Type:

MB 236.7 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Capacity Approx:

8.5 Liters (dry fill), 5.0 Liters (drain and fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4960 mm (195.3 in)

Width:

1850 mm (72.8 in)

Height:

1408 mm (55.4 in)

Wheelbase:

2885 mm (113.6 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 2260 kg (4982 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ancap Rating:

Not rated (vehicles from this era typically not subjected to modern crash testing standards)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioner seatbelts with force limiters.

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional Bose sound system, premium Becker audio units.

Navigation:

Early optional navigation systems (e.g., Becker Map Pilot) available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Memory Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with memory function.

Communication:

Optional car phone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific interval based on driving conditions).

Transmission Service:

Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 36 months, including filter replacement. (Highly recommended for longevity).

Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 36 months.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24 months, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plugs:

Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) for standard plugs; check manual for specific type and interval.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, ACEA A2-96, or MB 229.1 approved synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil, viscosity 0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40 or 15W-40 depending on climate.

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (with filter change)

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0 Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Specification 236.3 Power Steering Fluid (usually Dexron II compatible)

Cooling System:

Degradation of plastic coolant pipes, thermostat housing leaks, water pump seals can fail.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring harness degradation (especially insulation), SRS (airbag) sensor issues, vacuum line leaks affecting central locking and other systems.

Suspension:

Front suspension bushings wear, rear self-leveling suspension (if equipped) can develop leaks.

Engine:

Timing chain guides (M119.970 is generally robust but maintenance is key), oil cooler seals, distributor seals.

Transmission:

Valve body issues, torque converter leaks, transmission cooler leaks can occur with age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury in premium automobiles.

Predecessor:

W126 S-Class Coupe (which was based on the W126 S-Class sedan).

Generation C140 Introduction:

Introduced in 1991 as a successor to the SEC line, the C140 represented a significant leap in size, technology, and presence.

C140 Variants:

Initially launched as the 500 SEC and 600 SEC (V12). The 1993 model year saw the continuation of these powerful models.

Production Period:

1991-1998 (for the C140 chassis)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 1993 model might not be widely documented, the C140 SEC series was consistently praised for its engineering, performance, and luxurious appointments, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's position in the ultra-luxury coupe market.