1997 Mercedes-Benz S420 Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz S420 is for the naturally aspirated V8 sedan. Its 4.2L engine runs double overhead cams on gasoline, it is fitted to a four-door body, and Base is the sole trim. Engine, driveline and chassis service for this sedan comes with procedures, specifications and torque values.

Engines covered

• 4.2L V8 — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sedan

Trims covered

• Base

Known issues on the 1997 S420. A front brake hose problem prompted a recall filed by NHTSA against certain 1997 W140-chassis models. With the steering wound fully to one side, the wheel could chafe the hose, and a damaged hose could lose fluid from the front brake circuit and stretch stopping distances. The remedy added a bracket to hold the hose clear. Two complaints were logged against the 1997 S-Class line, both electrical. Brake hydraulics and steering have procedures, specifications and torque values, and the electrical side is served by wiring diagrams and diagnostics.