🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500 SEL

Model Code:

W140

Years Covered:

1992-1993

Engine Code:

M119

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent consumers seeking comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology for its era.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency, spacious interior, and advanced technological integration.

Distinguishing Features:

Solid build quality, refined ride, powerful V8 engine, advanced safety features for the time, sophisticated styling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Overhaul

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Manual Completeness:

Comprehensive, covering all factory service procedures.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable Pages:

Yes

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (KE-Jetronic/LH-Jetronic).

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (4-speed 722.3/4, 5-speed 722.6 variants), hydraulic control, electronic control unit, overhaul procedures, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, rear axle assembly, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (double wishbone, coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bar), rear suspension (multi-link independent, coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bar), hydraulic self-leveling system (optional).

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gearbox, steering column, steering linkages, hydraulic power steering pump.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake booster, master cylinder, hydraulic lines, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), horn, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, diagnostic connector (OBD-I).

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seating, HVAC system, power windows, power seats, sunroof, central locking, remote keyless entry (early systems).

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (ACC), HVAC unit, blower motor, refrigerant system, diagnostic procedures.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code retrieval and interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, mechanical component diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine rebuild, cylinder head gasket replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.

Rebuilding:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components such as engine, transmission, and brake systems.

Installation:

Procedures for installing new or replacement parts, including torque specifications and alignment guidelines.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Extremely detailed, covering from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using specialized Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools (e.g., HHT - Handheld Tester) and procedures for interpreting diagnostic data.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank

Displacement:

4973 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 85.0 mm

Horsepower:

322 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

354 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic or LH-Jetronic multi-point fuel injection (depending on exact model year and market)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Engine Control Unit:

Bosch Motronic (ECU)

Recommended Oil Grade:

SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (API SJ or higher)

Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Glysantin G05 or equivalent (Blue/Green)

Spark Plug Type:

Bosch W7DC or equivalent (check manual for exact part number)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (722.3xx series) or 5-speed Automatic (722.6xx series)

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was not offered on the 500 SEL.

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shifting programs, torque converter lock-up clutch.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., MB 236.1)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (for dry fill, varies with model)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5113 mm (201.3 in)

Width:

1886 mm (74.3 in)

Height:

1447 mm (57.0 in)

Wheelbase:

3040 mm (119.7 in)

Curb Weight:

1930 - 2000 kg (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

2500 kg (approx.)

Front Headroom:

N/A (estimated generous)

Rear Legroom:

N/A (estimated generous)

Trunk Volume:

500 Liters (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Rating:

Not directly tested by modern standards, but generally considered very safe for its era due to robust construction.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags were optional or standard depending on the specific production date and market.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all occupants.

Body Construction:

High-strength steel unibody construction with significant energy-absorbing crumple zones.

Side Impact Protection:

Reinforced door beams and A/B pillars.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems often from Becker or Bose, with cassette player and AM/FM radio. CD changer was an option.

Navigation:

Early navigation systems were optional and primitive by today's standards.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronically controlled cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (a very early implementation).

Telephony:

Optional integrated car phone.

Power Features:

Extensive power features including seats, windows, mirrors, steering column, and often door locks/closers.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact schedule).

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to manual for specific interval milestones (e.g., 60,000 km, 100,000 km) involving more extensive checks and replacements.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 or CHF 11S (check manual for specific variant)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water with appropriate washer fluid additive.

Cooling System:

Potential for coolant leaks from hoses, expansion tank, and water pump. 'O-ring' issues on coolant pipes.

Wiring Harness:

Biodegradable insulation on some wiring harnesses can degrade over time, leading to electrical gremlins. Specifically, the engine wiring harness (Barnacle) is a common concern.

Interior Electronics:

Vacuum-operated central locking system issues, power seat actuator failures, climate control module problems.

Suspension:

Wear in front end components (ball joints, tie rods), failure of self-leveling system components (if equipped).

Ignition System:

Distributor cap and rotor wear, ignition coil failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.

Predecessor:

W126 S-Class

Successor:

W220 S-Class

Introduction Year:

1991 (W140 generation)

Design Era:

The W140 marked a significant departure with its larger, more imposing size and advanced technology, often referred to as 'The Hammer of God' due to its engineering and weight.

Production Years For Model:

1991-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific 'awards' are difficult to pinpoint for individual model years, the W140 generation was recognized for its engineering prowess, comfort, and safety advancements within the luxury segment.

Reliability Perception:

Perceived as highly reliable when properly maintained, though complex systems can require specialized knowledge and parts.