93' 500SEL Vs. 94' S500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kustom81 · #1 03-03-2006, 03:01 PM

I have a 1994 S500 W/170k miles on it. I just bought a 1993 500SEL w/136k miles on it, to fool around with. I have been through some of the normal problems on my S500, most of the problems I fixed with the help of this awesome forum. Everything seems to work well on the 93' 500SEL, and it is actually in better shape than my S500. The 93' seems to ride harder and more stiff than my 94'. Was there any diffences between the two years in suspension, or anything else, or was it just badging? Is there any normal problems I can expect on the 93' that was not typical with the later years?

Thanks

mbdoc · #2 03-03-2006, 04:22 PM

The cars are identical...suspension wise & almost all other systems as well.

If the 93 seems stiff then don't wait too long to replace the leveling system accumulators.

kustom81 · #3 03-04-2006, 09:09 AM

Thanks M.B. Doc, I thought so. Is there a quick way to inspect the accumulators by sight, or any other way?

Thanks

A. Rosich · #4 03-04-2006, 03:02 PM

The best way to test the accumulators is to find a speed bump and drive over it a little faster than required. If the rear of the car "jumps" and shakes hard the chassis, it is time for new accumulators.

I think '93 and '94 U.S. version W140s are identical. In Germany and for the rest of the world markets, a few things were updated depending on production date.

Middle of the year 94s saw the transition between analog and digitial odometers. The issue for the problematic self-closing trunk, minor changes concerning electrics (bulbs and computers), model designation between 500SE/E to S 500, introduction of new exterior colors, the delete of some interior colors and a major update for the six cylinder M104 were also addressed at this time for Germany and worldwide markets.

Late 1994 saw the introduction of the facelifted line, middle 1995 the electronically controlled 5-speed auto and for late 1995 the M119 (V8) engine was highly improved.

kustom81 · #5 03-05-2006, 10:05 AM

Thanks A. Rosich,
I will check the accumulators out. Does anyone know if I have self-leveling on either car. My 93 500SEL nor my 94 S500 have the shock absorber dash light, or switch. I am not sure what that means since I don't have an owners manual.

Peter Guenther · #6 03-05-2006, 11:05 AM

The all had self leveling rear suspension, there was an option for dampenining which had a switch on the console for soft normal firm. The front shocks had valves which controlled fluid flow internally, the rears were in line I think

A. Rosich · #7 03-06-2006, 10:18 AM

Self-levelling rear axle was standard on all U.S. S 500 W140s. Worldwide markets had it standard only on S 600 models.

The ADS (Adaptive Damping System) was available under code No. 217 and it regulated both front and rear axles. I think the U.S. S 600 had it standard. This is the system that provides the dash switch for comfort and sport settings.