Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (E32), Lexus LS 400 (XF10), Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ (XJ40)
Prestige:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan of the era, known for its robust build quality and advanced technology.
Comfort And Luxury:
Extensive use of high-quality materials, spacious interior, sophisticated climate control, and advanced comfort features for its time.
Engineering:
Engineered with a focus on durability and smooth performance, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's reputation for engineering excellence.
Differentiation:
Offered a blend of solid engineering, advanced safety features, and a more understated luxury compared to some competitors.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400SEL
Specific Systems:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical, climate control, body, interior
Estimated Pages:
High, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valvetrain, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system (HFM/EZK), fuel injection system (HFS), starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams
Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (722.3xx series), torque converter, hydraulic controls, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axles, CV joints
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake discs, calipers, pads, lines, fluid specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkage, fluid specifications
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, self-leveling rear suspension (SLS)
Electrical System:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system, lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, power seats, central locking, fuse box layout, relay assignments
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system (ACC), HVAC components, refrigerant, diagnostic procedures
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, safety belts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval (if applicable to software)
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension parts, brake components)
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve adjustment (if applicable), idle speed, throttle linkage adjustments
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, alignment specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems
Depth:
In-depth, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic information and procedures for electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors
Engine Type:
V8, 32-valve (4 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
4.2 liters (4196 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Horsepower:
279 hp (208 kW) @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch HFM (Hot Film Mass Airflow) sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
ECM:
ME Motor Elektronik (MME) or similar Bosch Engine Control Module
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Oil Type:
API SJ, ACEA A3/B3 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40, or equivalent MB approved oils)
Oil Capacity:
8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change (approx.)
Crash Test Results:
No standardized global ratings available for this era; designed to meet stringent European and US safety standards of the time.
ABS:
Standard Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) - Electronic Traction Control
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/available later in the generation
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning front seat belts, three-point rear seat belts
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection bars
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, often with cassette player and external CD changer option.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (APS - Auto Pilot System) available on later models or as an aftermarket addition.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronically controlled cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking assistance sensors (Parktronic precursors).
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated cellular phone system.
Power Seats:
Standard multi-way power adjustable front seats with memory function.
Dual Zone Climate Control:
Standard or optional dual-zone automatic climate control (ACC) with advanced air filtration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles), especially for the robust 722.3 transmission.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, MB approved specification (e.g., MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz MB 236.3 (ATF Dexron II, or equivalent approved fluid)
Wiring Harness Degradation:
Common issue with older Mercedes-Benz models, particularly insulation breakdown on wiring harnesses, leading to electrical faults.
Window Regulator Failure:
Plastic components in window regulators can become brittle and fail.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Climate Control Actuators:
Vacuum or electric actuators controlling air distribution can fail, leading to HVAC issues.
Self Leveling Suspension Leaks:
Spheres or hydraulic lines in the SLS can develop leaks, causing the rear to sag.
Door Lock Actuators:
Central locking vacuum actuators can fail over time.
Mercedes Benz Philosophy:
Long-standing reputation for engineering, durability, safety, and luxury.
W140 Introduction:
Introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, setting new benchmarks in automotive technology and luxury.
400Sel Positioning:
The 400SEL was positioned as the V8 entry into the W140 S-Class lineup, offering a balance of performance and refinement.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Sindelfingen plant)
Production Years:
W140 generation: 1991-1998; 400SEL specific variants varied