MERCEDES-BENZ W140 and C140: From the 300SE 2.8 to the CL600 and the Tuners

MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS W140 AND C140 COUPÉ Complete Model History, Engineering, AMG and Specialist Variants, and a Detailed 20+ Page Buyer’s Guide A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz W140 can deliver a level of solidity, refinement and long-distance comfort that remains exceptional even today. A neglected example, however, can quickly require costly repairs to its electronics, climate control, suspension, wiring and pneumatic systems. This book combines the complete history and technical development of the W140 S-Class and C140 Coupé with a detailed buyer’s guide covering the mechanical, electrical and structural areas that should be examined before purchase. Introduced in 1991, the W140 was developed to set new standards in comfort, safety and engineering. Its sound-insulating double glazing, advanced suspension and braking systems, extensive electronic equipment and available M120 V12 made it one of the most technically ambitious luxury cars of its era. The C140 Coupé, introduced in 1992, combined the same engineering with a more exclusive grand-touring character. This large-format, full-color reference covers the complete model history, engines, transmissions, technical development, model updates, AMG variants, specialist conversions, production data and originality. More than 140 recent color photographs complement a detailed buyer’s guide extending over more than 20 pages. The book covers: • COMPLETE MODEL HISTORY From the early 300SE/SEL, 400SE/SEL, 500SE/SEL and 600SE/SEL to the later S280, S320, S420, S500 and S600, including diesel and long-wheelbase sedans. The complete C140 range is also covered, from the 500SEC and 600SEC through the S-Class Coupés to the later CL420, CL500 and CL600. • ENGINES, ENGINEERING AND MODEL UPDATES Inline-six, turbodiesel, V8 and V12 engines, four- and five-speed automatic transmissions, suspension, steering, braking systems, ESP, Brake Assist, double glazing, climate control, Parktronic and the principal technical changes introduced during production. • AMG, COACHBUILDERS AND RARE CONVERSIONS AMG-developed models and conversions by Brabus, RENNtech, Duchatelet and other specialists, together with unusual luxury, performance and coachbuilt interpretations of the W140 and C140. • REFERENCE AND ORIGINALITY INFORMATION VIN decoding, data cards, production figures, factory options, paint and upholstery codes, model identification and important production changes provide useful reference material for owners, restorers and collectors. • DETAILED 20+ PAGE BUYER’S GUIDE Bodywork and previous repairs, engines, transmissions, suspension, electronics, climate control, wiring harnesses, pneumatic central locking and closing-assist systems, service history, originality and other areas where age or neglected maintenance can lead to substantial repair costs. Unlike a conventional buyer’s guide, this book also presents the complete history and technical development of the W140 and C140. Unlike a general model history, it provides practical guidance for inspecting, purchasing and owning these complex flagship models. Whether you are considering purchasing a W140 or C140, already own one, or simply appreciate this remarkable S-Class generation, this carefully researched and richly illustrated book offers a comprehensive guide to its history, engineering and many variations. The W140 represents an era when technical perfection was regarded not as excess, but as an achievable goal. Bernd S. Koehling has been involved with classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles since the 1970s and is the author of more than 25 books on the marque. Additional photographs and sample pages from the book appear farther down this product page.