Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and robust engineering.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ.
Luxury:
Opulent interior, superior ride quality, extensive comfort features.
Technology:
Advanced (for its time) features like dual-zone climate control, optional heated/ventilated seats, and early electronic driver aids.
Engineering:
Robust construction, refined powertrain, and Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality.
Heritage Contribution:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury for the mid-1990s, continuing the lineage of the S-Class as the flagship model.
Engine:
M119 V8 engine (5.0L), including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all components.
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3/722.4), including hydraulic and electronic control systems.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differential, axle components.
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering gear.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), A/C system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, seals, body repair procedures.
Comfort Features:
Power seats, power windows, central locking, cruise control, seat heating/cooling.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), fault codes, troubleshooting flowcharts.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems and components.
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhaul.
Diagnostics And Testing:
Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Depth:
Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electronic system diagnostics.
Configuration:
4.966L (303 cu in) 32-valve SOHC V8
Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
354 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.8.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 liters (11.1 US qts)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US qts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific MB-approval)
Crash Test Results:
Not widely available from independent agencies for this specific model year; based on Mercedes-Benz's robust engineering and safety philosophy of the era.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front pretensioners.
Body Structure:
High-strength steel body structure, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control system.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system (e.g., Becker or Bose options) with cassette and FM/AM radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system ( ছিল primitive by modern standards).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors (optional on some models).
Cellular Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and filter change).
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm specific type and MB approval).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S (verify specific requirement).
Wiring Harness:
Potential degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation (biodegradable insulation).
Coolant Leaks:
Common leak points include hose connections, thermostat housing, and water pump.
Climate Control Module:
Failure of the climate control unit or blower motor resistor.
Door Lock Actuators:
Vacuum-operated door lock system can experience actuator failures.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings and ball joints, especially after high mileage.
W140 Introduction:
The W140 generation was introduced in 1991 as a replacement for the W126 S-Class, setting new benchmarks for automotive luxury, technology, and safety.
W140 Significance:
Known for its substantial size, advanced features (like dual-pane windows for noise reduction), and sophisticated engineering, it was a bold statement of automotive luxury.
Production Years:
1991-1998 (W140 chassis)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Sindelfingen plant)
