Mercedes-Benz S-Class III

Photo: Navigator84 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class III (1991–1998): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 24 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: W140, V140

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	5,110–5,220 mm RDW	–	–
Width	1,880–1,890 mm RDW	–	–
Height	1,450–1,480 mm RDW	–	–
Wheelbase	2,950–3,140 mm RDW	–	–
Front track	1,603–1,611 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,576–1,584 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,850–2,200 kg RDW	–	1,510–1,890 kg
Mass in running order	1,950–2,300 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	2,550–2,720 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	2,100 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	750 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	4–5 RDW	–	–
Doors	2–4 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	396–453 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,633–3,171 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	206–274 km/h RDW	–	–
Torque	270–570 Nm ASTRA	–	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 235/60R16, 255/45R18, 225/60R16

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Wikipedia (en, de), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	82.6% (80.9–84.3)	69.2%	1,877

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Suspension	32.7%	41.6%
Brakes	32.0%	36.4%
Noise, emissions and leaks	25.4%	17.1%
Tyres	17.9%	31.2%
Lights and electrics	15.7%	28.8%
Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers)	13.4%	11.8%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

94 complaints for model years 1993–1998. 1 crash · 6 fires · 1 injury · 1 death

Electrical system 71

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 24 versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class III

Show all 24 versions

United States 12 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1994–1999(FFS) · (FFS), EMS 2MODE · EMS 2MODE CLKUP	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1996–1999(GUZZLER) (FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS 2MODE · EMS 2MODE CLKUP	4.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1998–1999EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16–18 MPG (13.1–14.7 L/100 km) EPA	307–345 g/km
1998–1999EMS 2MODE CLKUP	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA	425 g/km
1996–1997(GUZZLER) (FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS 2MODE	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1996–1997(GUZZLER) (FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS 2MODE	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1997(GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS 2MODE	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1996(GUZZLER) (FFS)	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1994–1995(DSL,TRBO) (NO-CAT)	3.5 L	Diesel	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA	301 g/km
1994–1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)	4.2 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	15–16 MPG (14.7–15.7 L/100 km) EPA	345–368 g/km
1994–1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)	5.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14–15 MPG (15.7–16.8 L/100 km) EPA	368–394 g/km
1994–1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)	6.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA	425 g/km

Canada 12 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1996–1999Full-size	4.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.4–14.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	331–340 g/km
1996–1999Full-size	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	15.1 L/100 km 5-cycle	347 g/km
1996–1999Full-size	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	17.2–17.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	396–403 g/km
1995–1998Full-size	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.0–13.3 L/100 km 5-cycle	299–306 g/km
1996–1997Compact	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.7–14.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	338–340 g/km
1996–1997Compact	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	16.9–17.1 L/100 km 5-cycle	389–393 g/km
1995Full-size	3.5 L	Diesel	4-speed automatic	11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	297 g/km
1995Full-size	4.2 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	15.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	345 g/km
1995Full-size	5.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	15.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	359 g/km
1995Compact	5.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	15.3 L/100 km 5-cycle	352 g/km
1995Full-size	6.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	18.3 L/100 km 5-cycle	421 g/km
1995Compact	6.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	17.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	412 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.