Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and build quality.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi V8, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ.
Vehicle Features:
Spacious interior, powerful V8 engine, advanced suspension systems (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC), high-quality materials, sophisticated styling.
Confidence Building:
Enables owners to perform repairs and maintenance with 100% confidence.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, valve clearance adjustment, oil/filter changes, fuel system, cooling system, intake/exhaust manifolds, spark plugs, oxygen sensor
Transmission:
Manual transmission oil change, automatic transmission fluid/filter change, clutch system inspection/fluid correction, transfer case fluid change
Drivetrain:
Front axle oil level, ball joint inspection, rear axle oil change/level, drive shaft flexible coupling
Suspension:
Suspension and body structure inspection, level control (ADS, ASD, 4MATIC), self-leveling suspension inspection
Brakes:
Brake fluid level, brake lines, brake pads/discs, parking brake adjustment, brake fluid replacement, brake test
Steering:
Power steering fluid, steering play, steering bolt retightening
Electrical:
Wiring schematics, warning/indicator lamps
Body And Chassis:
Water leakage/corrosion inspection, wheel inspection/tightening, door hinges/locks lubrication, hydraulic top fluid, sunroof rails, soft top locking tabs, hood lubrication, noise encapsulation panels, paint damage inspection
HVAC:
AC refrigerant charge, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement
Fuel System:
Fuel filter replacement, fuel prefilter replacement, fuel system condition check
Maintenance:
Oil and filter change, valve clearance adjustment, air filter replacement, V-belt inspection, spark plug replacement, coolant level check, brake fluid replacement, tire pressure correction
Repair:
Engine component repair, fuel system repair, cooling system repair, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive troubleshooting for all covered systems
Restoration:
Procedures for refurbishing and restoring vehicle components
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications for repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Audience:
Professional technicians and mechanics, DIY enthusiasts
Displacement:
4.2 Liters (4196 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 275 hp @ 5700 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (US Spec)
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Valve Adjustment:
Hydraulic lifters, typically does not require periodic adjustment unless issues arise.
Spark Plugs:
Specifications for correct type and gap provided in manual.
NHTSA Rating:
Information not readily available for this specific year/model from common databases; manufacturer specifications provided within the manual.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asd:
Optional Acceleration Skid Control (ASD) system available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional in early W140 models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seatbelts, height-adjustable.
Audio System:
Premium sound system, cassette player, optional CD changer. Analog radio tuner.
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Skid Control (ASD).
Suspension Control:
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) and Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) for enhanced ride comfort and handling.
Features:
Limited by 1993 standards; features such as power adjustable steering column, power seats with memory, cruise control.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually. (Refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions).
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change typically recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or similar synthetic meeting MB 229.1/229.3 specifications for later revisions).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Glysantin G05) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of insulation on wiring harnesses (particularly the EZL ignition module and ABS sensors) can be a common issue due to age.
Hydraulics:
Leaks in self-leveling suspension and ADS (Adaptive Damping System) hydraulic lines and accumulators are potential concerns.
Door Seals:
Water ingress can occur due to aging door seals and clogged drainage channels.
Climate Control:
Problems with the dual-zone climate control system, including blower motor issues or vacuum leaks, can arise.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
W140 Introduction:
The W140 chassis was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, setting new benchmarks in automotive technology and luxury.
400 Sel Positioning:
The 400 SEL, powered by the M119 V8 engine, was positioned as a powerful and refined model within the W140 lineup.
Production Period:
1991-1998 (W140 chassis)
