🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S600

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

W140

Engine Code Primary:

M120

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1997 Mercedes-Benz S600 (W140) represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering from Mercedes-Benz in its era, competing with ultra-luxury sedans from brands like BMW (7 Series) and Rolls-Royce. This manual targets owners and independent specialists who require factory-level accuracy for maintenance and repair.

Competition:

This manual provides a crucial advantage for owners of the W140 S-Class, particularly the V12 S600, over generic repair manuals. It offers the precise, often complex, procedures and specifications developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers, essential for maintaining the sophisticated systems of this flagship vehicle.

Features:

Official factory licensing ensures accuracy and completeness. Digital format allows for easy searching, cross-referencing, and access to detailed diagrams and schematics. Covers the most complex aspects of the S600's V12 engine and advanced systems.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Diagnostic Procedures

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes-Benz service manuals of this era)

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely CD-ROM or digital download, searchable database)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

V12 engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic/Motional Electronic), ignition system (HDC), emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 - 5G-TRONIC for later W140 models, but '97 likely still had 722.5 or earlier variant), torque converter, shift control, transmission fluid, diagnosis

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (double wishbone), rear multi-link independent suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, hydraulic self-leveling suspension (optional/standard on S600)

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering gear, steering column, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, rotor/pad replacement, caliper overhaul, parking brake

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, body control module (BCM) functions

HVAC:

Automatic climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, diagnostic procedures

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, upholstery, interior trim, seat mechanisms, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - airbags

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., SDS - Star Diagnosis System)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes (engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement

Repair:

Engine tune-up, component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, fuel injectors), transmission service and repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, HVAC system repair

Troubleshooting:

System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical fault finding using wiring diagrams

Overhaul:

Engine component rebuilding procedures (e.g., cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic specifications, alignment data, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, including disassembly/assembly procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and specific tool requirements.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software format, potentially viewable with specific software or through a web-based interface.

Quality:

Digital, allowing for high-resolution viewing and printing of individual pages.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Software)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V12

Engine Code:

M120.980

Displacement:

5987 cc (6.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

389 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

420 lb-ft (568 Nm) @ 3800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic/Motional Electronic variations common for this era, specific to M120)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Cylinder Head Design:

Aluminum alloy, four valves per cylinder, dual spark plugs per cylinder

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system

Oil Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) with filter

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific MB 229.x specifications)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Model Code:

Likely 722.5 or similar variant (pre-7G-TRONIC models)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (All S600 models featured automatic transmission)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.3 or 236.6 (check manual for exact OE spec, typically Dexron IIE or equivalent for this era)

Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 8 quarts (7.5 liters) for complete fill, less for drain and fill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 5120 mm (201.6 in)

Width:

Approx. 1885 mm (74.2 in)

Height:

Approx. 1445 mm (56.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 3070 mm (120.9 in)

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 4500 - 4700 lbs (2040 - 2130 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

Approx. 5800 lbs (2630 kg)

Seating Capacity:

5

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

Approx. 17.7 cu ft (500 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in the modern sense, but built to rigorous German safety standards.

ABS:

Standard, Mercedes-Benz Electronic Traction System (ETS) or ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

Likely incorporated into traction control systems. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) became more prevalent in later years.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags (optional or standard depending on final configuration).

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning front seatbelts, automatic locking retractors (ALR).

Body Construction:

High-strength steel body structure, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound system (e.g., Bose or Becker), cassette player, optional CD changer.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (Becker or similar).

Cruise Control:

Standard, electronically controlled.

Parking Assist:

Optional Parktronic system (ultrasonic sensors).

Telematics:

Early telematics systems (e.g., cellular phone integration) may be present, depending on market and options.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls.

Seats:

Power-adjustable front and rear seats (often with memory functions), heated seats, orthopedic/massaging functions on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to manual for detailed service schedules (e.g., 30k, 60k, 100k miles) which include spark plugs, transmission service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush.

Engine Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent blue/green coolant concentrate)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific MB approval, e.g., 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.3 or 341.0 (hydraulic fluid)

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (check manual for specific MB approval)

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (hose failures, plastic components), vacuum line degradation, wiring harness issues (biodegradable insulation), sagging headliner, window regulator failures, ABC suspension issues (on later models, but W140 had hydraulic self-leveling), transmission control unit (TCU) issues.

Spark Plug Type:

Bosch FGR7 KQP+ or equivalent (8 per cylinder bank, 16 total - twin spark setup)

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter HU 713/1 (example, verify with VIN)

Air Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter C 35 145/1 (example, verify with VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety, established over a century of automotive innovation.

W140 Generation:

The W140 generation (1991-1998) represented a significant shift towards advanced technology and a more imposing presence compared to its predecessor, the W126 S-Class. It was known for its innovation but also for its substantial weight and complexity.

S600 Positioning:

The S600 was the flagship model within the W140 range, distinguished by its powerful V12 engine and extensive standard luxury features, setting the benchmark for large luxury sedans.

Production Years W140:

1991-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (Sindelfingen plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

The W140 S-Class was widely praised for its build quality, comfort, and technological advancements upon its release, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's position in the luxury segment. While specific awards for the '97 S600 are less documented than general praise, it represented the peak of automotive luxury engineering.