Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan (Flagship Model)
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking ultimate comfort, performance, and prestige
Competitors 1995:
BMW 750iL, Lexus LS400, Cadillac DeVille
V12 Engine:
Smooth, powerful V12 engine offering refined performance.
Advanced Technology:
Pioneering use of CAN-bus (Controller Area Network) for communication between ECUs, advanced climate control, and optional features.
Ride Comfort:
Exceptional ride quality due to sophisticated suspension and sound deadening.
Build Quality:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality and durability.
Engine:
M120 V12 Engine (Naturally Aspirated)
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4G-TRONIC)
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Hydropneumatic Self-Leveling Rear Suspension, Independent Front Suspension
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Ventilated Disc Brakes Front and Rear
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System Schematics, Ignition System, Lighting, Power Accessories, Climate Control Electronics
Body And Chassis:
Body Panel Repair, Frame Specifications, Door Mechanisms, Window Regulators, Convertible Top (if applicable, though S600 is sedan)
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), HVAC System Components and Diagnosis
Comfort And Convenience:
Power Seats, Sunroof, Central Locking, Power Mirrors, Seat Memory Systems
Maintenance:
Routine Service Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I compliant)
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuilding Procedures, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement
Adjustment:
Valve Adjustments, Carburetor/Fuel Injection Calibration (if applicable), Brake System Adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed Electrical Schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
V12, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 Valves per Cylinder
Displacement:
5987 cc (6.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 78.9 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Hp:
389 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
420 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch LH-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECUs:
Dual Engine Control Units (ECU) for V12 operation
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 12.0 Liters (3.17 Gallons) - Refer to manual for exact capacity
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic with Electronic Control (4G-TRONIC)
Transmission Code:
722.6 (Early variant, often shared with other Mercedes models)
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz ATF Dexron III or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact MB part number)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts) for torque converter fill (Refer to manual for accurate fill procedure and capacity)
Nirvan Impact Ratings:
While official NHTSA ratings for this specific year and model might be scarce, W140 chassis is known for robust construction. Refer to manual for specific structural integrity information.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) or Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning Seatbelts with Force Limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell construction.
Audio System:
Bose Premium Sound System (optional) with Nakamichi or Becker head units.
Navigation:
Optional Becker Traffic Pilot navigation system (early GPS technology).
Cruise Control:
Standard Electronic Cruise Control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parking Assist System (rear parking sensors).
Communications:
Optional integrated car phone system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles) (refer to manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) for V12 (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting MB 229.1 Specification (Refer to manual for exact specification and viscosity range).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 or equivalent, typically a blue-green color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid (Refer to manual for specific DOT rating and MB approval).
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of insulation on wiring harnesses (especially engine bay) due to age, potentially leading to intermittent electrical faults. Manual provides diagrams to trace and repair.
Vacuum Lines:
Cracking and leaks in vacuum hoses affecting various systems (e.g., climate control, central locking, engine performance). Manual details vacuum line routing and testing.
Hydropneumatic Suspension:
Potential leaks in suspension accumulators or lines, leading to saggy rear end. Manual covers diagnosis and repair of these components.
Cooling System:
Corrosion of the aluminum engine block and radiator can lead to coolant leaks. Proper coolant maintenance is critical. Manual provides coolant flush and replacement procedures.
Door Lock Actuators:
Failure of vacuum-operated door lock actuators is a common issue. Manual helps in diagnosing and replacing these units.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the early 20th century.
W140 Introduction:
The W140 chassis was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, representing a significant technological leap and a bolder design.
S600 Positioning:
The S600 was the flagship model of the W140 range, featuring the most powerful engine and the highest level of luxury appointments.
Production Period W140:
1991-1998
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
