Mercedes-Benz history · 1991–1998
Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class history: the first Mercedes V12
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Mercedes-Benz W 140 S-Class debuted at the Geneva show in March 1991 and was built until 1998. It brought the first Mercedes-Benz production V12 in the 600 SE and 600 SEL — 32,517 600 SELs were built to March 1994 — plus double-glazed side windows and, from 1995, ESP on the S 600.
W 140 S-Class history
Eight 140-series saloons were introduced at Geneva in March 1991, with production starting a month later. A long-wheelbase variant again added 100 mm of rear legroom.
The 600 SE and 600 SEL carried the first twelve-cylinder engine in a Mercedes-Benz production car, the brand's most powerful car engine at that point. The W 140 also introduced double-glazed side windows, soft-close doors and trunk, and guide rods that extended from the rear wings to help reversing.
In June 1993 the names changed to the new system: the 500 SE became the S 500 and the 600 SEL the S 600 long. ESP arrived as standard on the S 600 in 1995. The 220 series replaced the W 140 in 1998.[1],[3],[4]
Years and production numbers
Key variants
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Twelve-cylinder engine (600 SE / 600 SEL) | From launch |
| Double-glazed side windows | From launch |
| ESP | Standard on S 600 from 1995; optional on S 420 and S 500 |
| PARKTRONIC | S 600 from 1995, optional on others |
| Xenon headlamps with dynamic range control | Optional from 1996 |
| LINGUATRONIC voice control | First voice-controlled car phone in series production |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The 300 SD (US export from October 1991) used a 3.5-liter turbodiesel six and became the first diesel S-Class sold in Germany in 1992.
- From June 1993 the long-wheelbase V12 saloon was called the S 600 long; the boot-lid badge has since shown only class and displacement.
What changed, year by year
- 1991Launch; 600 SEL V12.
- 1992300 SE 2.8 and 300 SD added.
- 1993New names (S 320, S 500, S 600).
- 1995ESP standard and PARKTRONIC on the S 600.
- 1998Replaced by the W 220.
What to check before you buy one
- Check the engine wiring harness (a known age issue on 1990s Mercedes) and the soft-close door and trunk system.
- On V12 cars, budget for ignition and cooling-system maintenance and check for oil leaks.
- Confirm the self-leveling suspension works and the double-glazed windows are not fogged.
- Compare against the S-Class known-issues list and confirm the exact model and options with the build record.
Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Mercedes-Benz S-Class known issues page.
How to verify the factory options of any W 140 S-Class
The data card confirms a genuine 600 SEL/S 600 and lists its factory options — rear-seat comfort packages, double glazing, orthopedic seats, phone preparation.
W 140 S-Class data card by VIN
CarWhere decodes the Mercedes-Benz data card — the factory option codes, paint and upholstery a specific car was built with — from licensed VIN-level build data, when it exists for that VIN.
Free availability check first · $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists for the VIN · no subscription
Frequently asked questions
What years is the W140 S-Class?
It debuted at Geneva in March 1991 and was built until 1998, when the 220 series replaced it.
Was the W140 the first V12 Mercedes?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz says the 140 series was the first Mercedes production car with a twelve-cylinder engine, in the 600 SE and 600 SEL.
How many 600SEL were made?
Mercedes-Benz Classic lists 32,517 600 SELs (S 600 long from June 1993) produced up to March 1994.
What is the difference between a 600SEL and S600?
Only the name, in most cases: from June 1993 Mercedes changed its naming, so the 600 SEL became the S 600 long.
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Sources
Production figures and dates come from Mercedes-Benz Group, Mercedes-Benz Classic and Mercedes-Benz USA material wherever available; auction figures are public results from the auction house. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- 140 series S-Class saloons, 1991–1994 — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- 600 SEL; from 06.1993: S 600 long wheelbase (W 140) — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- 126 series S-Class saloons, 1985–1992 — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- Generations of Innovation: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG or Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, AMG and the model names are trademarks of their owner.