🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Model Variants:

S320, S420, S500

Chassis Code:

W140

Year:

1995

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140) represented the pinnacle of luxury, engineering, and automotive technology for its time, positioning it as a flagship luxury sedan competing with other high-end marques.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with vehicles like the BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400, and Jaguar XJ.

Key Features:

Exceptional ride comfort, advanced safety features for the era, powerful yet refined engines, extensive sound insulation, and a plethora of luxury amenities.

Manual Value Proposition:

This owner's manual is an indispensable resource for any owner of a 1995 Mercedes-Benz S320, S420, or S500 (W140), providing essential knowledge for safe operation, optimal utilization of features, and basic maintenance, thereby preserving the vehicle's value and driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, care, emergency procedures, controls, instruments, comfort systems, driving techniques.

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Seats, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), instruments, warning lamps, controls, monitor system, climate control (heater/air conditioner), audio system, phone system, voice recognition, starting procedures, driving dynamics, emergency equipment, vehicle care and appearance, basic maintenance, consumer information.

Procedures Included:

Pre-driving checks and adjustments, operating various vehicle systems, responding to emergency situations, cleaning and maintaining vehicle exterior and interior, basic DIY maintenance tasks.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information covering all essential functions, adjustments, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Compatibility:

PDF (requires Adobe PDF Reader)

Platform Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Searchability:

Searchable PDF text content

Printability:

Printable document

Page Count:

Not explicitly stated, but typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era is 300-500 pages.

Illustration Quality:

Illustrated table of contents indicates presence of diagrams and illustrations for clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.2 L M104 Inline-6

Displacement Cu In:

195.3

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque:

232 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Engine Code:

M104.941

Primary Engine:

4.2 L M119 V8

Displacement Cu In:

256.2

Horsepower:

275 hp @ 5,700 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Engine Code:

M119.971

Primary Engine:

5.0 L M119 V8

Displacement Cu In:

303.1

Horsepower:

315 hp @ 5,750 rpm

Torque:

347 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Engine Code:

M119.970

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6xx series on some later W140 models, but 4-speed 722.3xx/722.4xx series likely for '95 variants)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 1995 model year W140; Automatic was standard across the board.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., MB 236.1, MB 236.2, MB 236.3, MB 236.7 depending on transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase In:

119.7

Length In:

200.0

Width In:

74.7

Height In:

57.7

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 4,300 - 4,600 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Cargo Volume Cu Ft:

Approx. 19.7 cu ft

🛡️ Safety Features

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags (SRS), front and rear seat belts, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, side-impact protection beams.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) on some models.

Ratings:

As with most vehicles of this era, official NHTSA/IIHS ratings may not be as comprehensive or standardized as modern vehicles. The W140 was engineered with a strong emphasis on occupant safety.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD changer, power antenna, premium sound system (e.g., Bose), and the Audio 30/40 series head units. The manual will detail operation of these specific units.

Comfort Systems:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats with memory, heated seats, power-adjustable steering column, power windows, central locking, cruise control, sunroof, heated windshield washer system.

Driver Assistance:

Cruise Control, Automatic Climate Control, and the aforementioned ABS/ASR. The W140 also featured a sophisticated door closing assist and power trunk closer.

Advanced Features:

Parktronic (parking assist system) was introduced on later W140 models, though may not be standard on all '95 variants. The manual covers the operational aspects of the vehicle's advanced systems for the time.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Mercedes-Benz typically recommended flexible service intervals based on the 'Service A' and 'Service B' system, often indicated by the car's onboard computer or a 'Service Due' message. Generally, oil changes every 7,500-10,000 miles, with major services every 30,000 miles. Specific intervals for spark plugs, transmission service, and coolant replacement should be consulted in the manual or service documentation.

Engine Oil Spec:

Refer to manual for specific MB approval (e.g., MB 229.1 for API SG/SH or higher).

Coolant Spec:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (typically ethylene glycol-based concentrate with corrosion inhibitors, e.g., MB 325.0).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Known Issues:

Common issues can include: failing "soft-touch" interior plastics, biodegrading wiring insulation (especially on earlier M119 engines), coolant leaks from plastic manifold/reservoirs, vacuum line deterioration, potential issues with the ADS (Active Damping System), MAF sensor failures, and occasional EIS (electronic ignition switch) problems.

Oil Filter Part Numbers:

Varies by engine, common part numbers include: Mann-Filter W108/3, Hengst H15WKI, Bosch 3312 (cross-reference required for specific engine).

Air Filter Part Numbers:

Varies by engine, common part numbers include: Mann-Filter C35174/1, Hengst E177L (cross-reference required for specific engine).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, with the S-Class lineage tracing back to the post-war era as its flagship sedan.

Model Evolution:

The W140 generation (1991-1998) succeeded the W126 S-Class. It was a significant redesign, characterized by its larger size, increased technological features, and robust construction. It was a transitional model towards more advanced automotive electronics and safety systems.

Production Years:

1991-1998 (for W140 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1995 model might be scarce in readily available records, the W140 generation was consistently recognized for its technological advancements, safety engineering, and luxury appointments by automotive journalists and publications globally.

Ratings:

The W140 was widely acclaimed for its build quality and engineering prowess, setting high benchmarks for luxury sedans of its time.