🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S65 AMG

Year:

2008

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG (W221 generation) represents the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and advanced technology in the executive sedan segment. It competes with ultra-luxury performance sedans from brands like Bentley and high-performance variants from BMW (M) and Audi (RS).

Key Features:

Hand-built twin-turbocharged V12 engine, active suspension, advanced safety systems, premium interior materials, and a focus on effortless power delivery.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely digital download)

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostics, maintenance, and technical specifications for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.

Engine Variants Covered:

Specifically covers the 6.0L M275 V12 Twin-Turbo engine as equipped in the S65 AMG.

Trim Levels Covered:

Exclusively covers the S65 AMG high-performance variant, detailing its unique components and specifications.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (V12 twin-turbo), transmission (5-speed AMG Speedshift), drivetrain (rear-wheel drive), suspension (Active Body Control - ABC), steering, brakes (high-performance AMG system), electrical system (including CAN bus communication, ECU diagnostics), fuel system, exhaust system, climate control, body and chassis, interior trim, safety systems.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, engine repair (including component replacement, timing, cylinder head service), transmission repair and overhaul, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical troubleshooting (wiring diagrams, component testing), climate control system service, bodywork and exterior trim repair, interior component repair, wheel alignment, and safety system calibration.

Technical Depth:

Extensive technical depth, covering everything from basic user maintenance checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and specialized AMG system repairs. Includes detailed torque specifications, component tolerances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with troubleshooting trees, and step-by-step repair instructions with illustrations or diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Quality:

High-resolution digital files, likely searchable PDF format, allowing for quick text searches of technical information, part numbers, and procedures. Optimized for clear viewing of diagrams and illustrations.

Print Quality:

Printable pages, enabling users to print specific sections or the entire manual for offline use or workshop reference. Designed for clarity when printed.

Manual Completeness:

Officially licensed, indicating it is a comprehensive and authoritative source of information, likely mirroring or exceeding the factory service manual in scope for the specific model year and variant.

Search Functionality:

Software-based manual implies robust search capabilities, allowing users to find specific information quickly using keywords, part numbers, or system names.

Software Features:

Likely includes interactive diagrams, cross-referencing, and potentially video clips or animations for complex procedures (though this is an assumption based on modern manual software).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M275 (later iterations of the M275/M279 series)

Engine Type:

6.0L V12 Twin-Turbocharged SOHC (4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower:

603 hp @ 4,300-5,600 rpm (electronically limited to 603 hp for a period)

Torque:

738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) @ 2,300-4,300 rpm (electronically limited to 738 lb-ft)

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with twin turbochargers and intercoolers

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled with twin radiators and engine oil cooler

Engine Control Unit ECU:

Bosch ME 2.8 (or similar advanced Siemens/Bosch ECU)

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system with individual coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils for each cylinder

Emission Standard:

Euro 4 / EPA Tier 2 Bin 5

Emission Control Devices:

Catalytic converters (likely two banks of three catalytic converters), oxygen sensors, secondary air injection system (potentially)

Oil Type Specification:

API SN or higher, ACEA A3/B4, approved for MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 9.5 liters (10.0 US quarts)

Engine Layout:

V12, 60-degree bank angle

Turbocharger System:

Twin-turbocharged with intercooling, utilizing KKK K27 or similar turbochargers

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed AMG Speedshift Plus Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Lock-up torque converter, torque-sensitive shifting, manual shift mode (AMG Speedshift function), electronic control

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (or specified equivalent by Mercedes-Benz)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 liters (check manual for exact capacity during service)

Transmission Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.70, Reverse: 3.11 (approximate, verify with manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

3,165 mm (124.6 in)

Length:

5,077 mm (199.9 in)

Width:

1,871 mm (73.7 in)

Height:

1,454 mm (57.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,160 kg (4,762 lbs)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 510 liters (18.0 cu ft)

Wheelbase Spec:

3,165 mm (124.6 in)

Front Tire Size:

255/40 R19

Rear Tire Size:

275/40 R19

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 112 mm

Wheel Offset:

Front: ET 36, Rear: ET 43 (typical for AMG 19-inch wheels, verify with manual)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not explicitly rated for this specific AMG variant by NHTSA in 2008, but standard S-Class typically received high marks.

Passive Safety Features:

Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain, knee), advanced seatbelt systems with pre-tensioners and force limiters, Active Body Control (ABC) for stability

Seat Belt Pretensioners:

Standard on all seating positions with belt force limiters

Active Safety Features:

ABS, Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Active Lighting System (ALS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Distronic PLUS (optional)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) with integrated radio, CD/DVD changer, navigation system, and optional SiriusXM satellite radio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional Distronic PLUS adaptive cruise control, Parktronic parking assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, voice control system (Linguatronic).

Convenience Features:

Keyless-Go, power adjustable seats with memory and lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof (optional).

Active Body Control:

5th generation Active Body Control (ABC) system with automatic level control, load compensation, and adaptive damping characteristics.

Headlight Type:

Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and cornering function

Instrument Cluster:

AMG-specific instrument cluster with unique gauges and digital displays, including speedometer calibrated to 200 mph (or 320 km/h) and AMG performance readouts.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, though the manual will provide exact intervals based on driving conditions (Assyst Plus system).

Major Service Interval:

Scheduled inspections for spark plugs, filters, fluids, and potentially drive belts around 30,000 - 50,000 miles, depending on specific service packages.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or similar based on color/specification, typically a blue-green silicate-containing formula, verify with manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB-Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or specified Mercedes-Benz hydraulic fluid

Transmission Fluid Viscosity:

As specified by MB 236.14, typically a multi-viscosity fluid designed for high performance automatic transmissions.

Differential Fluid Type:

High-quality gear oil meeting API GL-5 specifications with specific friction modifiers if required for LSD (verify with manual)

Common Issues:

Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic leaks/failures, ignition coil failures, turbocharger issues (though less common than on some other AMG models), transmission solenoid issues, electronic module failures. The V12 requires meticulous maintenance to prevent major issues.

Abc System Maintenance:

Regular flushing and replacement of ABC hydraulic fluid is crucial to prevent pump and actuator failures. The manual will detail the specific procedure and fluid requirements.

Engine Oil Filter Part Number:

Likely a Mercedes-Benz OE filter, such as A2751840125 (verify with manual)

Engine Air Filter Part Number:

Likely a pair of Mercedes-Benz OE filters, such as A2750900001 (verify with manual)

Spark Plug Type:

Platinum or Iridium type, typically NGK or Beru for Mercedes-Benz applications. Specific part numbers like BKR7EKC-N or similar (verify with manual)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Model Evolution:

The S-Class has been Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan since its inception. The W221 generation (2006-2013) represented a significant redesign, incorporating advanced safety, comfort, and driver assistance technologies. The S65 AMG variant sits at the top of this lineup, offering extreme performance from its V12 engine.

Production Years:

W221 S-Class: 2006-2013; S65 AMG (W221): 2006-2013

Manufacturing Plant:

Sindelfingen Plant, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognitions:

While the 2008 S65 AMG itself may not have specific awards, the W221 S-Class generation was widely lauded for its technological advancements, safety features, and luxury appointments, receiving numerous accolades from automotive publications and organizations during its production run.