Technical Manual

Any idea where I can get a manual for a 1994/S-500?

Sam

[Doug Wilson]

I went to Amazon.com and order some books to help me on my 450 SL. I am sure regular MB books would be better, however these have helped. On the other hand, the best info I have gotten has been right here from others.

Thank you for the info. I contacted MBUSA and all they can offer for this model/year is the microfilms. I also checked Chilton and Haynes, but no luck. I will check Amazon.com, do you have any idea who the publisher is.

[Gilly]

I don't know if/when MB will ever sell a "single-source" technical manual for a 140 chassis. The info is really spread out in different areas, even in the dealer shops. The area where the most info can be found is in the WIS computer. (Workstation Information System). This is done on a subscription service and is PC based.
But even WIS doesn't have everything for it. Other good sources are the DM's (diagnostic manuals) but these are sorted by systems, not by chassis number, so would be buying lots and lots of info that won't pertain to your car.
There are electrical diagram books (ETM, Electrical Troubleshooting Manual) which are chassis-specific.
I would think that shortly (if it hasn't happened already) that the aftermarket would provide a few good manuals for the 140 chassis.

Gilly

[ILUVMILS]

Hi Sam, you didn't say why you wanted a manual. If it's for DIY stuff most MB books won't help you. The diagnostic manuals are good, but only if you have the test equipment to go along with them. The MB microfiche is great! They include work instructions to disassemble and re-assemble the entire darn car! The intro manuals only cover the differences compared to the prior model year, so their use is limited. The microfiche is expensive too, and includes way more than you need to care for your own vehicle. This forum is a great source of information and most DIY jobs can be done with the advice of the folks who post here.

I'm attempting to replace some parts in the rear suspension (the back of the car is going up and down like a boat) and few other things; the heated seat and power steering are not working very well either. Do you think the microfiche would help me?

[Doug Wilson]

The books I got are kind of a various models type. One is by Haynes and covers the 350 & 450 series 1971 thru 1980. The other is from Chilton and again covers older models, 1974 thru 1984. I sure would guess either of these would have the newer models as well, however maybe not.

[Gilly]

For the replacement of parts of the suspension, yes, the fiches will help with that (you need a fiche reader as well, I believe these can be found at used office equipment places or are available new, just enter "fiche reader" in your web browser).
You'll need the fiches for 140 chassis steel spring suspension or hydropneumatic suspension.
Heated seats would best be tested with a DM (diagnostic manual), it would be in the B&A section (Body and Accesories), I am unsure which exact B&A volume it would require. It could possibly be diagnosed by a skilled tech with just the ETM.
On th e power steering, other than leaking at either the steering gear box or pump reservoir, or possibly the pump itself, it rarely bothers. What is the power steering problem? Any actual replacement job would be in the steering microfiche, but I don't believe there is a great source for a diagnostic approach. Let us know what it's doing and maybe we can help.

Gilly

Thank you very much for the help; the problem with the steering is the noise and resistance when it's cold or not moving. It feels as it does not want to turn.

[Gilly]

The car is low on power steering fluid. Topping it off will cure it temporarily.
The usual problem is the short hose that connects the reservoir to the actual pump, it is hard to see it. OR the power steering gear box could be leaking.
Try topping it off and see if it cures the problem.

Gilly

[h_shek]

hi there...

Just exactly where is the power steering fluid container. I could not find it. I can find the brake fluid, the engine dip stick, the trans dip stick, the coolant container and the washer fluid container. BUT NO LUCK FOR POWER STEERING.

Any advice?

Thanks

[Gilly]

Hi
I did a quick search of your posts to find what model 140 you have, with no luck. The only one that's dufficult to find is the V12, as it is hidden under the cover on the top center of the motor, that small plastic cover that I believe the MB star is on.
If it is an older 6 or V8, it's under that large round metal lid with the large black plastic knob securing it. If it's newer, it had a black plastic reservoir with a fairly large cap with the dipstick attached under the cap. It should show where everything is in the owners manual.

Gilly

[h_shek]

gilly:

Thanks so much for your reply.

I am sorry I didn't note down my car details, silly me! It is an early model 140, (92 model) with 300 engine. I think they call it the 104 engine?

If I understand it correctly, the power steering thing is under the big round thing next to the engine. I think it is the air filter housing right? Do I take off the thing or just look and look and look under the tight space there?

By the way, my operation manual did not say anything about the power steering container! Wired!!!

Thanks again for your help. Cheers

[Kestas]

I think this is what it looks like under the hood of your car. There's an arrow that points to the power steering fluid reservoir. Unscrew completely the black knob on top and remove the lid to check the fluid level.

This picture was borrowed from e-Bay.

[h_shek]

amazing...

thanks!