1. History about Mercedes W140

2. Numbers of units produced

3. Mercedes W140 engines

4. Years and models of Mercedes W140

History about Mercedes W140

Which Mercedes W140 to buy? The Mercedes-Benz W140, codenamed “Sonnenblume” (meaning “sunflower” in German), is a prestigious luxury car series produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. It made its debut in 1991 as the successor to the W126 S-Class model. The W140 was the flagship model of Mercedes-Benz during the 1990s and represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering and luxury at the time.

The W140 was designed with a focus on safety, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. It introduced several innovative features, including double-glazed windows for improved insulation and reduced noise levels, electrically operated rear sunshades, and adaptive damping suspension, known as ADS (Adaptive Damping System), which provided a smooth ride by adjusting shock absorber settings.

One of the most notable aspects of the W140 was its commitment to safety. It was one of the first production cars to offer an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard, enhancing vehicle stability during cornering. Additionally, it featured front and side airbags, as well as a reinforced body structure to improve crash protection.

The W140 series was available in various body styles, including the short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) versions, providing ample space and comfort for rear passengers. The interior was lavishly appointed with high-quality materials, such as fine leather, genuine wood trim, and extensive use of advanced electronics for various functions.

Despite its impressive engineering and luxurious features, the W140 faced some criticism for its size and weight, which impacted fuel efficiency and agility. Towards the end of its production, it became apparent that consumer preferences were shifting towards more efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles, leading to the development of lighter and more streamlined luxury cars in the subsequent S-Class generations.

The W140 was eventually succeeded by the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class in 1998, marking the beginning of a new era in Mercedes-Benz’s luxury car lineup. Nevertheless, the W140 remains an iconic and influential model in the history of the S-Class, representing a time when Mercedes-Benz set new benchmarks for automotive engineering and luxury refinement.

Numbers of units produced

During its production run from 1991 to 1998, the Mercedes-Benz W140 series saw an estimated total production of around 406,532 units. This figure includes various models and body styles that were part of the W140 lineup.

Mercedes W140 engines

The Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class series offered a range of engines to cater to different markets and performance requirements. The available engines included:
a) Inline-6 Gasoline Engines:

• 3.0-liter M104 engine: This engine was available in the early W140 models, such as the S280. It produced around 190 horsepower and offered a smooth and efficient driving experience.
• 3.2-liter M104 engine: This engine was used in later W140 models, such as the S320. It delivered approximately 228 horsepower, providing improved performance compared to the 3.0-liter variant.

b) V8 Gasoline Engines:

• 4.2-liter M119 engine: This V8 engine powered models like the S420. It produced around 275 horsepower and provided a refined driving experience with a good balance of power and efficiency.
• 5.0-liter M119 engine: The 5.0-liter V8 engine was used in models like the S500, delivering approximately 315 horsepower. It offered enhanced performance compared to the 4.2-liter version, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

c) V12 Gasoline Engines:

• 6.0-liter M120 engine: The W140 featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine in models like the S600. This powerful engine produced around 394 horsepower, providing exceptional acceleration and a luxurious driving experience.

Please note that the availability of specific engines could vary based on the model year, regional markets, and customer preferences. Mercedes-Benz constantly updated and improved its engine offerings throughout the production run of the W140 series, ensuring a wide range of choices to meet the demands of its discerning clientele.

Years and models of Mercedes W140

The Mercedes-Benz W140 series was produced from 1991 to 1998 and comprised several models within the S-Class lineup. Some of the notable models include:

S280 (1993-1998)

S300 (1991-1993)

S320 (1993-1998)

S350 (1994-1998)

S420 (1993-1998)

S500 (1993-1998)

S600 (1993-1998)

S 73 AMG (1998) – A high-performance version with a 7.3-liter V12 engine.

Each of these models had various configurations and optional features available to meet the demands of different markets worldwide.

Are you already a proud owner of a Mercedes W140? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/pl/kategoria-produktu/mercedes-benz-pl/w140-pl

Photos sources: forums.vwvortex.com, flickriver.com