🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 500 SEL Model Code: W140 Production Years Covered: 1992, 1993 Chassis Code: W140 Body Style: Sedan Codes Engine Code Primary: M119 E50 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Target Audience: Owners seeking to maintain and repair their W140 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL, including independent repair shops and dedicated enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1992 1993: BMW 750iL (E32), Lexus LS400 (XF10), Cadillac DeVille Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering for its era, known for advanced technology, luxurious comfort, and robust build quality. Manual Value Proposition: Provides essential, factory-correct information for accurate diagnosis and repair, crucial for preserving the integrity and value of this classic luxury vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL (W140) Secondary Coverage: Includes specific service and repair procedures applicable to 1992 and 1993 model years. Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M119 5.0L V8 Engine (24-valve DOHC), including fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication, and internal component overhaul. Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3xx series), including diagnosis, repair, adjustment, and fluid service. Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive system, including differential, driveshaft, and axle components. Suspension: Front and Rear Independent Suspension, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and anti-roll bars. Steering: Hydraulic Power Steering system, including pump, hoses, steering gear, and alignment procedures. Brakes: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), front and rear disc brakes, including hydraulic components, brake pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures. Electrical: Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horns, power windows, power seats, central locking, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (ACC), including AC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and heater core. Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, dashboard components, and interior trim. Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection (CIS-E or KE-Jetronic variations), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulation. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipes. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues. Repair: Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures for major assemblies (engine, transmission), brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement. Adjustment: Idle speed adjustment, throttle linkage adjustment, parking brake adjustment. Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD) system interpretation, specific sensor testing, actuator testing. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchable Text: Yes Printable: Yes Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and schematics. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Code: M119.960 Displacement: 5.0 Liters (4973 cc) Bore X Stroke: 96.5 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 Valves per Cylinder Performance Horsepower: 322 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.) Torque: 347 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EPI) with Electronic Air Flow Meter Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane) Fuel Tank Capacity: 90 Liters (23.8 US Gallons) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Model: 722.3xx Series Features Features: Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled shift points. Fluid Specifications Fluid Type: MB 236.1 (ATF Dexron III equivalent or higher) Fluid Capacities Fluid Capacity Approx: 11.0 Liters (for complete refill) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 5123 mm (201.7 in) Width: 1886 mm (74.3 in) Height: 1487 mm (58.5 in) Wheelbase: 3040 mm (119.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1920 kg (4233 lbs) approx. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: 2530 kg (5578 lbs) approx. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Standard Compliance: Designed to meet or exceed contemporary global automotive safety standards. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag (standard for this period), Passenger airbag not standard on early W140 models, but became available. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants. Body Structure: High-strength steel body structure with crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Early integrated sound system with AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional CD changer. Display: Analog gauges, central information display in instrument cluster for vehicle status. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Parking Assistance: Optional parking sensors (though primitive by modern standards). Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or advanced telematics common in modern vehicles). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (recommendation based on typical service schedules). Major Service Intervals: Refer to manual for specific intervals for spark plugs, transmission...
Owners seeking to maintain and repair their W140 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL, including independent repair shops and dedicated enthusiasts.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors 1992 1993:
BMW 750iL (E32), Lexus LS400 (XF10), Cadillac DeVille
Key Features
Vehicle Highlights:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering for its era, known for advanced technology, luxurious comfort, and robust build quality.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-correct information for accurate diagnosis and repair, crucial for preserving the integrity and value of this classic luxury vehicle.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL (W140)
Secondary Coverage:
Includes specific service and repair procedures applicable to 1992 and 1993 model years.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
M119 5.0L V8 Engine (24-valve DOHC), including fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication, and internal component overhaul.
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3xx series), including diagnosis, repair, adjustment, and fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, including differential, driveshaft, and axle components.
Suspension:
Front and Rear Independent Suspension, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and anti-roll bars.
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering system, including pump, hoses, steering gear, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), front and rear disc brakes, including hydraulic components, brake pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horns, power windows, power seats, central locking, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC), including AC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and heater core.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, dashboard components, and interior trim.
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (CIS-E or KE-Jetronic variations), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipes.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures for major assemblies (engine, transmission), brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
On-board diagnostics (OBD) system interpretation, specific sensor testing, actuator testing.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Yes
Printable:
Yes
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and schematics.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Code:
M119.960
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4973 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 Valves per Cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
347 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EPI) with Electronic Air Flow Meter
Window regulator failures, central locking system faults, CAN-bus issues (though less prevalent in early W140 than later models), fuse box degradation.
Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, shock absorber leaks, self-leveling suspension issues (if equipped on specific variants, though less common on 500SEL), hydraulic leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability dating back to the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
W140 Introduction:
The W140 chassis was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class, representing a significant technological leap forward.
W140 Design Philosophy:
Designed for ultimate comfort, refinement, and technological innovation, often perceived as over-engineered by modern standards.
500 Sel Positioning:
The 500 SEL was positioned as a high-performance, flagship model within the W140 lineup, offering substantial power and luxury features.
Production
Production Location:
Germany (primarily Sindelfingen plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards And Accolades:
While specific awards for the 1992-1993 500 SEL are not widely documented in the same way as consumer awards today, the W140 chassis as a whole was recognized for its engineering advancements and luxury leadership at its launch. It set benchmarks for safety, aerodynamics, and cabin refinement.