Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Coupe
Key Competitors:
BMW 8 Series (E31), Lexus SC 400, Jaguar XJS
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information essential for owners and independent workshops to maintain the complex systems of the C140 CL Class.
Vehicle Appeal:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury for its era, offering potent V8 and V12 engines, advanced technology, and distinctive styling.
Model Years Covered:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Region Applicability:
Global (as factory service manual)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific number not provided, but described as 'very detailed')
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and typical market)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (ME/KE Jetronic, Bosch Motronic), starter, alternator, battery, sensors, actuators
Transmission Manual:
Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch system, gear shift mechanism
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul (e.g., 722.3, 722.6), valve body, torque converter, electronic control unit (ETC)
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, steering rack, power steering pump, steering column
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake discs, pads, calipers, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, power seats, sunroof, climate control system (HVAC), instrument cluster, central locking, mirrors, audio system wiring
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, structural components, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control module
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon problems, fault code retrieval and interpretation (where applicable), component testing
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair for all major vehicle systems
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive guides for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, covering basic servicing to full engine and transmission rebuilds, with in-depth diagnostic procedures.
Engine Options:
4.2L V8 (M119), 5.0L V8 (M119), 6.0L V12 (M120)
V8 4.2L Horsepower:
Approx. 275-280 hp (varies by market and specific variant)
V8 5.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 315-322 hp (varies by market and specific variant)
V12 6.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 389-408 hp (varies by market and specific variant)
V8 4.2L Torque:
Approx. 280-285 lb-ft
V8 5.0L Torque:
Approx. 354-359 lb-ft
V12 6.0L Torque:
Approx. 420-428 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic or Motronic)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke 4.2L:
92.0 mm x 78.9 mm
Bore X Stroke 5.0L:
96.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Bore X Stroke 6.0L:
89.0 mm x 80.2 mm
Crash Safety:
Designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards of the era, including crumple zones and robust chassis. Official ratings from independent bodies may be limited for this vintage.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Not typically standard on early models, but introduced on later iterations of electronic stability control systems.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (optional on some models)
Seatbelts:
Automatic front seatbelt tensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to the manual for specific intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as per manual's severe service schedule. Critical for longevity of the automatic transmissions.
Coolant Change Interval:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), using approved Mercedes-Benz coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or 229.3 specifications (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate). Check manual for exact viscosity and approval.
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved antifreeze/coolant concentrate (e.g., G05 or equivalent, typically silicate-free blue/green).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus (check manual)
Wiring Harness Degradation:
Common in older Mercedes models due to insulation breakdown, leading to electrical gremlins. Manual will detail diagnostic procedures.
Interior Component Wear:
Wear on leather, plastic trim, and headliner common due to age. Manual covers interior trim removal and repair.
Hydraulic Suspension Issues:
Certain models may have self-leveling suspension components that can degrade over time. Manual will detail these systems.
Engine M119 Oil Cooler Seals:
Potential for oil leaks from the oil cooler seals. Manual provides specific replacement procedures.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the late 19th century.
C140 Introduction:
The C140 was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the C126 SEC class, initially featuring the V8 and V12 engines. It was positioned as a more muscular and technologically advanced grand tourer.
Updates During Production:
Facelifted in 1994 (model year 1995) with updated front and rear styling, improved aerodynamics, and the introduction of the 5.0L V8 and updated V12 engines. The 5-speed automatic transmission was phased in.
Production Period:
1992-1998
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
