🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S500

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

W140

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (1991-1998)

Engine Code Common:

M119.970

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Demographic:

Affluent individuals seeking ultimate comfort, prestige, and advanced engineering.

Key Competitors 1995:

BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF20), Audi A8 (D2), Cadillac DeVille

Defining Characteristics:

Legendary build quality, sophisticated technology for its era, spacious and opulent interior, powerful V8 engine, and smooth ride.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Bodywork, Emissions Control, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Body Electrical, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of the M119 V8 engine, including assembly, disassembly, component testing, and specifications. Transmission repair for the 4G-TRONIC (722.3 or 722.4) automatic transmission.

Chassis:

Comprehensive repair procedures for the independent multi-link suspension, power steering system, and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Electrical:

Extensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for the KE-Jetronic fuel injection and ignition systems, climate control, power accessories, lighting, and body control modules.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, and general inspection procedures.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying common faults and malfunctions, including symptom analysis and component testing.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for virtually all mechanical and electrical systems.

Depth Of Information:

Professional level, suitable for experienced technicians, covering detailed specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, and advanced diagnostic techniques.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Quality:

High-resolution PDF, often with searchable text for easy navigation and printing. May include scanned pages from original factory manuals.

Printable Pages:

Designed for printing, allowing users to create physical copies of specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Recommendation:

When printed, recommended binding is a sturdy three-ring binder or professional coil binding for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type Recommendation:

For printed copies, durable, slightly heavier weight paper (e.g., 24 lb bond) is recommended for longevity in a garage setting.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Engine Displacement:

4973 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower SAE Net:

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque SAE Net:

347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (with Lambda control)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Control Unit:

ECU (specific Bosch unit for M119 engine)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)

Transmission Codes:

722.3 or 722.4

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.7 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (e.g., Mobil ATF 220, Pentosin ATF 1)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:

7.5 - 9.5 Liters (depending on torque converter drain)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5163 mm (203.3 in)

Width:

1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

1487 mm (58.5 in)

Wheelbase:

3140 mm (123.6 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1990 kg (4387 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

2500 kg (5511 lbs)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 1020 mm (40.2 in)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 1070 mm (42.1 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Notes:

While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this specific 1995 model year are not readily available in a standardized format comparable to modern tests, the W140 chassis was engineered with advanced safety features for its time, including a very robust body structure.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated discs front and rear.

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control system

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants

Body Structure:

High-strength steel safety cage construction

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system (e.g., Becker or Bose) with cassette player and AM/FM radio. Optional CD changer.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (often a bulky, CRT-based unit).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC)

Power Seats:

Fully electric multi-way adjustable front seats with memory for driver and passenger.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Features like power mirrors, windows, and door locks are standard electronic conveniences.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Recommended every 50,000 - 80,000 km (30,000 - 50,000 miles) or as per specific driving conditions.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 50,000 km (30,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG, ACEA A2 or A3 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 5W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent, typically a silicate-free HOAT coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Wiring Harness Degradation:

Aging insulation on engine wiring harnesses (particularly Biodegradable insulation issues prevalent on some models of this era) can lead to shorts and sensor failures.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump seals and thermostat housings are also common wear items.

Suspension Components:

Hydraulic suspension accumulators (ABC) and valve blocks can develop leaks or fail. Lower control arm bushings and ball joints are also common wear items.

Door Lock Actuators:

Vacuum-operated door lock actuators can fail, leading to non-functioning locks.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Maf:

The MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, impacting engine performance and fuel economy.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU 833/1x, Bosch 0 986 452 035

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C 35183, Bosch 1 987 429 138

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, particularly with its S-Class line.

S Class Lineage:

The W140 S-Class succeeded the W126 S-Class and was a significant evolution, introducing more technology and size, aimed at reinforcing Mercedes-Benz's position at the pinnacle of the automotive world.

Production Period W140:

1991-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editorial Awards Context:

While specific 'awards' for a 1995 model year are not typically tracked in modern databases, the W140 S-Class was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its luxury, build quality, and technological advancements, solidifying its position as a segment leader.

Reliability Perception:

While initially complex and expensive to repair, when properly maintained, the M119 engine and W140 chassis are known for their robust engineering. Reliability can be dependent on previous maintenance history and addressing common wear items proactively.