Segment:
Luxury Crossover/MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Families seeking luxury, space, and versatility with premium brand appeal.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX
Vehicle Features:
Spacious interior, optional third-row seating, advanced safety features, premium materials, all-wheel drive (4MATIC) as standard on many models.
Value:
Provides authorized diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, and specifications, enabling accurate and efficient maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on dealership service.
Primary Coverage:
North America
Regional Variations:
Details may vary slightly for non-USDM models.
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (as it's software, providing an exact static page count is less relevant than its comprehensive digital nature. Assume equivalent to multiple large print volumes.)
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (likely digital download/online access)
File Format:
Proprietary Software/Database (searchable, interactive diagrams)
Print Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Completeness:
Official, OEM-level detail
Powertrain:
Engine (M272), Transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS - 722.9), Drivetrain (AWD/4MATIC)
Chassis:
Suspension (AirMATIC, Independent Front/Rear), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (ABS, ESP, Brake Assist, Disc Brakes F/R)
Electrical:
Full Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Infotainment System, CAN Bus Communication
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Seats, HVAC System, Climate Control, Safety Restraints (SRS - Airbags, Seatbelts), Panoramic Sunroof
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair Diagnostics:
Engine Diagnostics, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Troubleshooting, HVAC System Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams for Fault Finding
Component Replacement:
Engine Components, Transmission Assemblies, Axles, Suspension Arms, Shock Absorbers, Brake Calipers, Fuel Pump, Alternator, Starter Motor
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics, and bodywork procedures)
Searchability:
High (searchable text, indexed content)
Diagrams Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographic illustrations
Accessibility:
Instant digital access, no waiting for physical delivery
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.9 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Secondary Air Injection System, Catalytic Converters, EVAP System
Length:
199.9 inches (5078 mm)
Width:
77.0 inches (1955 mm)
Height:
67.2 inches (1707 mm)
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches (3215 mm)
Seating Capacity:
6 or 7 passengers (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 14.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 40.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 81.5 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,750 - 4,900 lbs (2155 - 2223 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,173 lbs (2800 kg)
Towing Capacity:
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) (when properly equipped)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not explicitly rated for 2008 by NHTSA in a single aggregate score; individual tests available.
IIHS Rating:
Good (Top Pick for 2008 in its class for frontal offset and side impact tests)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Skid Regulation)
Stability Control:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (front and rear), Curtain Airbags (window bags), Optional front-seat side-impact airbags, optional rear-seat side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters, active head restraints
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, ISOFIX mounting points
Head Unit:
COMMAND APS (with optional navigation)
Audio System:
Standard premium sound system, optional Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input, optional Bluetooth integration, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control).
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination, LED Daytime Running Lights (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator).
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual for specific interval for 722.9 transmission).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (based on OEM recommendations for M272 engine).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 236.3 (typically a Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant)
M272 Engine Issue:
Timing chain tensioner wear, balancing shaft sprocket wear (leading to timing issues and DTCs like P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019).
Transmission Issue:
Valve body issues, conductor plate failures in the 722.9 transmission, leading to shifting problems or no communication.
Suspension Issue:
AirMatic suspension compressor failures, air strut leaks, sensor failures.
Electrical Issue:
Issues with the teleaid module, window regulators, door lock actuators, and various sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors).
Mercedes Benz Heritage:
Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and innovation in the automotive industry.
R Class Introduction:
The R-Class was introduced globally in 2005 as a 'Grand Sports Tourer,' a segment created by Mercedes-Benz to blend SUV, minivan, and wagon characteristics.
W251 Generation:
The W251 is the first generation of the R-Class. The 2008 model year represents a refinement of this initial platform.
Market Reception:
The R-Class had a unique market position and faced challenges differentiating itself from traditional SUVs and minivans, impacting sales volumes.
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years:
2006-2012 (for the W251 platform)