Brand Image W140:
Flagship luxury sedan representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and comfort in its era.
Competitors W140:
BMW 7 Series (E32/E38), Lexus LS 400 (XF10), Jaguar XJ (XJ40/XJ8).
W140 Highlights:
Dual-pane acoustic glass, advanced climate control, advanced suspension options, powerful V8 and V12 engines, robust build quality, extensive safety features.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M119, M120 V8/V12, OM603/OM605/OM606 Diesel), fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (722.3, 722.4, 722.6), manual transmission (limited availability on W140), clutch systems.
Chassis:
Suspension (including self-leveling suspension, hydropneumatic front axle), steering, brakes (ABS, ASR, SBC), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, comfort features, power accessories, CAN bus systems (later models), diagnostic procedures.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, climate control (THERMOTRONIC, THERMATIC), sound insulation, interior trim, safety equipment (airbags, seatbelt pretensioners).
Maintenance Tasks:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery maintenance.
Repair Operations:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repair, climate control system servicing.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific test procedures for various systems, electronic diagnosis using STAR Diagnostic System (SDS) concepts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced electronic diagnostics, component testing, sensor signal analysis, system-specific fault isolation.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures with torque specifications and assembly tolerances.
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable text (OCR optimized where applicable).
Printability:
Printable pages, suitable for printing and binding into a physical manual.
Binding Recommendation:
Suitable for three-ring binder or professional coil binding.
Paper Recommendation:
Suggests printing on durable, high-quality paper for workshop use.
Engine Codes Covered:
M119 (4.2L, 5.0L, 5.5L V8), M120 (6.0L V12), OM603 (3.0L 6-cylinder Diesel), OM605 (2.5L 5-cylinder Diesel), OM606 (3.0L 6-cylinder Diesel, Turbo Diesel).
M119 500Sel Power:
Approx. 322 hp @ 5500 rpm
M120 600Sel Torque:
Approx. 428 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Om606 Turbo Power:
Approx. 177 hp @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic (M119, M120), Bosch EDC (Diesel).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane 91+), Diesel Fuel (for Diesel variants).
W140 Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (722.3, 722.4)
W140 Optional Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC') - introduced later in the W140 lifecycle.
Transmission Control:
Electronic transmission control (later models), hydraulic control (earlier models).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB Specification 236.1 or 236.2 (for 722.3/722.4), MB Specification 236.14 (for 722.6).
Safety Standard W140:
Designed to meet high global safety standards of the early to mid-1990s.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) available on later models.
Airbag Systems:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available on later models.
Body Structure:
High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System W140:
Premium sound systems by Becker or Bose, often with cassette players and CD changers.
Navigation:
Early GPS navigation systems were available as options on later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard TEMPOMAT cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
PARKTRONIC parking assist system introduced as an option later in production.
Phone System:
Optional integrated car phone systems (analog).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Major Service Points:
Spark plug replacement (e.g., 60,000 miles for iridium), transmission fluid and filter change (e.g., 40,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.1, 229.3, 229.5 (or equivalent API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4) - consult owner's manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40).
Coolant Spec:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant).
W140 Common Problems:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor failure, ignition coil failure, vacuum leak issues, biodegradable wiring insulation breakdown, SRS system warning lights, climate control flap actuator failure, window regulator issues, door lock actuator failure, distributor o-ring leaks (M119).
W140 Diesel Issues:
Glow plug system, injection pump seals, turbocharger issues (OM606 TD).