🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500 SEL

Model Code:

W140

Production Years Covered:

1992, 1993

Chassis Code:

W140

Body Style:

Sedan

Engine Code Primary:

M119 E50

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to maintain and repair their W140 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL, including independent repair shops and dedicated enthusiasts.

Competitors 1992 1993:

BMW 750iL (E32), Lexus LS400 (XF10), Cadillac DeVille

Vehicle Highlights:

Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering for its era, known for advanced technology, luxurious comfort, and robust build quality.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential, factory-correct information for accurate diagnosis and repair, crucial for preserving the integrity and value of this classic luxury vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL (W140)

Secondary Coverage:

Includes specific service and repair procedures applicable to 1992 and 1993 model years.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M119 5.0L V8 Engine (24-valve DOHC), including fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication, and internal component overhaul.

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3xx series), including diagnosis, repair, adjustment, and fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, including differential, driveshaft, and axle components.

Suspension:

Front and Rear Independent Suspension, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and anti-roll bars.

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering system, including pump, hoses, steering gear, and alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), front and rear disc brakes, including hydraulic components, brake pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horns, power windows, power seats, central locking, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control (ACC), including AC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and heater core.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, dashboard components, and interior trim.

Fuel System:

Multi-point fuel injection (CIS-E or KE-Jetronic variations), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulation.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipes.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures for major assemblies (engine, transmission), brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.

Adjustment:

Idle speed adjustment, throttle linkage adjustment, parking brake adjustment.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) system interpretation, specific sensor testing, actuator testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and schematics.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Engine Code:

M119.960

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 Valves per Cylinder

Horsepower:

322 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

347 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EPI) with Electronic Air Flow Meter

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

90 Liters (23.8 US Gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

722.3xx Series

Features:

Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled shift points.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 (ATF Dexron III equivalent or higher)

Fluid Capacity Approx:

11.0 Liters (for complete refill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5123 mm (201.7 in)

Width:

1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

1487 mm (58.5 in)

Wheelbase:

3040 mm (119.7 in)

Curb Weight:

1920 kg (4233 lbs) approx.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

2530 kg (5578 lbs) approx.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standard Compliance:

Designed to meet or exceed contemporary global automotive safety standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver's airbag (standard for this period), Passenger airbag not standard on early W140 models, but became available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel body structure with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Early integrated sound system with AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional CD changer.

Display:

Analog gauges, central information display in instrument cluster for vehicle status.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Optional parking sensors (though primitive by modern standards).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or advanced telematics common in modern vehicles).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (recommendation based on typical service schedules).

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to manual for specific intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc. (often around 50,000-100,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact specification based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

MB Spec 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, often blue or green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB Spec 236.3 (ATF Dexron II or III)

Common Wear Items:

Age-related degradation of wiring insulation (specifically the grey insulation), vacuum lines, SRS components, door seals, and headliner fabric.

Engine Specific Issues:

Potential for timing chain stretch over very high mileage (though M119 is robust), MAF sensor issues, ignition coil failure.

Transmission Specific Issues:

Solenoid issues, torque converter lock-up problems, hydraulic pressure leaks.

Electrical System Issues:

Window regulator failures, central locking system faults, CAN-bus issues (though less prevalent in early W140 than later models), fuse box degradation.

Suspension Issues:

Worn control arm bushings, shock absorber leaks, self-leveling suspension issues (if equipped on specific variants, though less common on 500SEL), hydraulic leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability 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 forward.

W140 Design Philosophy:

Designed for ultimate comfort, refinement, and technological innovation, often perceived as over-engineered by modern standards.

500 Sel Positioning:

The 500 SEL was positioned as a high-performance, flagship model within the W140 lineup, offering substantial power and luxury features.

Production Location:

Germany (primarily Sindelfingen plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1992-1993 500 SEL are not widely documented in the same way as consumer awards today, the W140 chassis as a whole was recognized for its engineering advancements and luxury leadership at its launch. It set benchmarks for safety, aerodynamics, and cabin refinement.