🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

600SEC

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

C140

Engine Code:

M120 (V12)

👋 Introduction

Description:

The Mercedes-Benz 600SEC (C140) was the flagship coupe of its era, representing the pinnacle of luxury, engineering, and performance for Mercedes-Benz. It was aimed at the ultra-luxury segment, competing with established names like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as well as other high-end coupes.

Competitors:

Rolls-Royce Corniche, Bentley Continental R, Aston Martin Virage Volante, BMW 8 Series (E31)

Design:

Sleek, pillarless coupe profile, elegant and imposing presence, focus on aerodynamic efficiency.

Powertrain:

The naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine was a defining feature, offering immense torque and smooth, effortless power delivery.

Luxury And Technology:

Lavish interior appointments, advanced (for the time) features like adaptive damping suspension, power-adjustable everything, and sophisticated climate control.

📋 Manual Details

Description:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Typ......

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Typical workshop manuals for this era and model range are 2000+ pages)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

V12 M120 Engine: Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic/Lambda), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emission controls, engine mechanicals (assembly, disassembly, torques, specifications)

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.3 series): Operation, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter, electronic control unit (ECU) interfaces

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive: Driveshaft, differential, axles, bearings

Suspension:

Independent front and rear suspension, adaptive damping system (ADS) diagnosis and repair, spring struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications, disc brake components (calipers, rotors, pads), parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, linkages, steering gear, hydraulic fluid specifications

Electrical:

Extensive wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse and relay assignments, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, seat adjustment, mirrors, climate control electronics, diagnostic port (OBD-I) access and basic troubleshooting

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system: Compressor, refrigerant type (R134a likely for early 1993 models, R12 for very early production but verify), condenser, evaporator, blower motor, control panel diagnosis and repair

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, convertible top (if applicable, though SEC is hardtop coupe), seat upholstery, headliner

Maintenance:

Routine service: Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, differential fluid change, transmission fluid and filter change

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), electrical system diagnosis

Repair:

Component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for all major systems: Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, HVAC

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, actuators, and mechanical systems

Specifications:

Torque values for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, tire pressures, alignment specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics and component-level repair

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, bookmarked chapters for easy navigation (typical for professional PDF manuals)

Recommendation:

Printable on standard office printers; ideal for professional printing for durability

Recommendation:

Spiral binding or professional comb binding recommended for workshop use for lay-flat readability

Recommendation:

Heavy-duty cardstock cover and durable paper recommended for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V12, Naturally Aspirated

Engine Code:

M120 E60

Displacement:

5987 cc (6.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

389 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

420 lb-ft (569 Nm) @ 3800 rpm

Induction:

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

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)

Engine Management:

ME 2.0 (Motor Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Model:

722.3xx (e.g., 722.370 for V12)

Control:

Electronically controlled with multiple shift modes (e.g., Economy/Sport)

Fluid Type:

MB 236.6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), e.g., Shell ATF 3403-M115 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5007 mm (197.1 in)

Width:

1889 mm (74.4 in)

Height:

1421 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2895 mm (114.0 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1980 kg (4365 lbs)

Gross Weight:

Approximately 2450 kg (5401 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Description:

While formal crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA or IIHS were less common and rigorous in the early 90s, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were built to very high safety standards, often exceeding contemporary requirements.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) - Traction Control System

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts, rear seatbelts

Body Construction:

High-strength steel body structure, crumple zones

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, fog lamps

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium factory audio system, often with cassette player and CD changer integration (optional). Bose sound systems were common.

Navigation:

Early generation GPS navigation systems were available as an option, typically with a small monochrome display integrated into the dashboard.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Adaptive Damping:

Optional Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allowing adjustable ride stiffness.

Description:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on internal vehicle systems. No native Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Basic telephone integration might have been an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 1 year (whichever comes first), using specified synthetic oil.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Fuel Filter:

Replace every 30,000 miles or as per manual recommendation.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 50,000-60,000 miles (long-life iridium or platinum recommended).

Transmission Fluid:

Change fluid and filter every 40,000-60,000 miles. Critical for longevity.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, using MB-approved coolant (e.g., G05).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change (check manual for exact capacity for M120)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SJ or higher, MB 229.3 spec)

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0/326.0, typically a silicate-free, long-life coolant (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Coolant Antifreeze G05).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Cooling System:

Leaking coolant pipes (especially plastic ones on some models), failing water pump, radiator degradation.

Electrical:

Wiring harness degradation (especially insulation), failing vacuum lines controlling various functions (central locking, climate control flaps), SAM unit issues (less prevalent on this early model, but precursor electronics can be complex).

Suspension:

Hydraulic suspension leaks (if equipped with ADS), worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends.

Engine M120:

Valve guide wear, potential camshaft wear (though generally robust), early ignition coil failures.

Interior:

Cracking leather, sagging headliner, malfunctioning power seat motors, brittle interior plastic components.

📚 Vehicle History

Description:

Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of automotive innovation and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile itself. The brand is synonymous with engineering excellence, safety, and prestige.

Predecessor:

The C140 coupe evolved from the S-Class sedan (W140) platform, but with a distinct, more coupe-focused design. It effectively replaced the R107 SL coupes as the premier luxury coupe offering.

Successor:

The C140 coupe's successor was the CL-Class (C215), introduced in 1999. The C140 represented a transition to a more modern design language and technology.

Production Years:

1992-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (Sindelfingen Plant)

Key Markets:

North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Description:

While specific awards for the 1993 600SEC might not be readily available in the same way modern cars receive them, it was universally recognized as a benchmark for automotive engineering, luxury, and V12 performance in its era. It was often lauded in automotive press for its exceptional refinement and build quality.