Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was positioned as a luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or crossover, blending SUV versatility with minivan practicality and luxury sedan comfort. The R500 specifically represented the higher-performance, V8-powered variant in the lineup.
Competitors:
Competed against other luxury SUVs and crossovers with three-row seating, such as the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX L, and Volvo XC90. Its unique MPV-like silhouette set it apart from more traditional SUV designs.
Vehicle Features:
Spacious interior with three rows of seating, powerful V8 engine, available all-wheel drive (4MATIC), advanced safety features, premium comfort and luxury appointments, and a unique blend of utility and refinement.
Engine Coverage:
Detailed repair and maintenance for the M273 V8 engine.
Transmission Coverage:
Service, repair, and diagnostics for the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, steering, braking systems, and wheel/tire information.
Electrical Coverage:
Complete electrical system diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all onboard systems.
Body Coverage:
Body repairs, interior trim, climate control, and exterior components.
Estimated Pages:
Thousands of pages (typical for comprehensive dealer-level software).
Type:
Official Mercedes-Benz Service and Repair Manual Software (Electronic).
Format:
Software (likely executable application, possibly PDF within software).
Powertrain:
Engine, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, transmission, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS/ESP components), wheel bearings, drive axles.
Electrical And Electronics:
Body Control Module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), gateway module, lighting systems (interior and exterior), infotainment, navigation, climate control systems, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, seats, mirrors), safety systems (airbags, seatbelt pretensioners).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation, component testing, troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement, and bodywork.
Special Procedures:
Air suspension calibration, electronic parking brake service, CAN-bus diagnostics, SRS system component replacement and reset, key programming (if applicable to the software's scope).
Depth:
Comprehensive dealer-level technical information, covering routine maintenance to complete vehicle overhaul and advanced diagnostics. Includes wiring diagrams, component locations, specifications, and torque values.
Format:
Proprietary executable software, potentially requiring specific operating system compatibility (e.g., Windows XP or later).
Quality:
Digital format with high-resolution diagrams and text.
Type:
Not applicable (software).
Type:
Not applicable (software).
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Rating:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for relevant model years/tests).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS).
Braking Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (covering all three rows), optional rear side airbags.
Seat Features:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters, active front head restraints (optional).
Infotainment System:
COMMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation System) with integrated radio, CD player, navigation, and optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Display Type:
Central color LCD screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC), optional rearview camera.
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth phone interface, optional SiriusXM satellite radio.
Climate Control:
Multi-zone automatic climate control.
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated front seats standard, optional heated rear seats and ventilated front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to specific service indicators).
Major Service Interval:
Typically around 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000 miles, involving comprehensive inspections, fluid changes (transmission, coolant, brake), and filter replacements.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 certified synthetic oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (blue/green coolant).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus.
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake manifold leaks, potential timing chain wear at high mileage.
Common Problems Transmission:
Harsh shifting, solenoid issues, torque converter problems, requiring transmission fluid and filter service.
Common Problems Suspension:
Air suspension leaks (air springs, lines, compressor), worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends.
Common Problems Electrical:
HVAC blower motor failures, tailgate latch malfunctions, CAN-bus communication errors, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors).
Heritage Summary:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovations dating back to the late 19th century. The R-Class represented an expansion into a less traditional segment for the brand.
R Class Introduction:
The R-Class (W251) debuted in 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle, representing Mercedes-Benz's first attempt at a true luxury crossover/MPV. It was built on a unibody platform shared with other Mercedes-Benz models.
R500 Positioning:
The R500 was the initial flagship engine for the R-Class in many markets, offering the powerful V8 engine and all-wheel drive as standard or a prominent option, emphasizing performance and luxury within the range.
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
