Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Crossover/SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking a versatile, luxurious, and safe vehicle with SUV-like practicality and car-like driving dynamics.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX.
Distinguishing Features:
Unibody construction, car-like handling, spacious and flexible interior, optional third-row seating, advanced safety features, premium luxury appointments.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, accurate, and officially licensed repair and maintenance information, essential for owners and independent repair shops to maintain the vehicle's luxury and performance.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, emission controls.
Transmission:
7G-TRONIC (722.9) automatic transmission: overhaul, mechatronics, valve body, torque converter, fluid changes, diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, air suspension (AIRMATIC), shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
ABS, ESP, brake booster, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic lines, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods, power steering fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations and functions, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power accessories.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, sunroof, interior trim, bumper assemblies.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control module, refrigerant recharge, diagnostics.
Comfort Systems:
Power seats, heated seats, memory seats, power windows, central locking, keyless entry, remote control operation.
Infotainment:
Audio system, navigation system (COMAND), instrument cluster, control modules (e.g., SAM, EIS).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (A, B services), oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system fault finding.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Use of diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis/XENTRY), reading sensor data, actuating components.
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid types, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth Level:
Factory-level technical information covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code:
M272 (common for this model year)
Engine Type:
3.5L V6, naturally aspirated
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
ME 9.7 (or similar)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB 325.0/326.0)
Length:
199.7 inches (5072 mm)
Width:
77.0 inches (1956 mm)
Height:
67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Curb Weight:
4,872 lbs (2,210 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
6,459 lbs (2,930 kg) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
13.1 cubic feet (371 L) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
42.0 cubic feet (1189 L) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
83.1 cubic feet (2353 L) (approx.)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger, typical for models of this era, actual rating may vary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely a Top Safety Pick (or similar designation) for its era.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS), All-season traction control.
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (all rows), active front head restraints.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, often featuring a 6.5-inch color display, CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation.
Instrument Cluster:
Optics-based instrument cluster with central display for vehicle status and information.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional: DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), PARKTRONIC (parking sensors), Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function.
Connectivity Options:
Optional: Bluetooth hands-free communication, satellite radio (SiriusXM), auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS), typically around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Service A (approx. 10,000 miles/1 year), Service B (approx. 20,000 miles/2 years) and beyond for items like spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40, MB 229.5 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change (approx.)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 approved)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or MB approved equivalent.
Common Issues:
M272 engine balance shaft wear (affecting variable valve timing), oil cooler leaks, spark plug well issues, 7G-TRONIC transmission conductor plate failure, AIRMATIC suspension leaks/failures, door lock actuator problems.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU 831 z, Mahle OX 380 D (Verify for exact VIN)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C 30 120 (Verify for exact VIN)
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, a renowned German automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence, luxury, and innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
R Class Introduction:
The R-Class (W251) was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle, representing Mercedes-Benz's attempt to create a new 'Grand Sports Tourer' segment, blending features of an SUV, minivan, and wagon.
Model Production Years:
2006-2012 (North America), longer in other markets but phased out in many regions due to lower-than-expected sales.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
