Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan, high-performance variant
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and potent performance in a sedan.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (745i/760i), Audi A8, Lexus LS 430, Jaguar XJ.
Performance Focus:
AMG-tuned V8 engine, sport-tuned suspension and braking, distinctive AMG styling.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated COMAND infotainment system, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system fundamentals, transmission operation.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system (including ABC - Active Body Control basics), wheel and tire care.
Electrical:
Lighting system, battery care, fuse box locations and identification, basic electrical system warnings.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control system (including automatic climate control), power seats, windows, mirrors, door locks, sunroof, interior lighting.
Infotainment And Controls:
Audio system operation, COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system basics, navigation system overview, instrument cluster functions, steering wheel controls.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seat belt usage, child seat installation, central locking, anti-theft alarm system, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking, operating various vehicle features.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation, basic cleaning and care, recommended service intervals overview.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lamps and messages, basic on-road troubleshooting (e.g., flat tire).
Depth:
Designed for the owner, focusing on operation, care, and basic maintenance. Does not provide detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual.
Engine Type:
5.4L V8 Supercharged (M113 ML55)
Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2750-4000 rpm
Induction:
Supercharged, Intercooled
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (approx.)
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder
Length:
199.5 inches (5067 mm)
Width:
73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
57.4 inches (1458 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.7 inches (2965 mm)
Curb Weight:
4,530 lbs (2055 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
5,842 lbs (2650 kg) (approx.)
Trunk Volume:
16.0 cubic feet (450 L) (approx.)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for comparable S-Class models of this era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable S-Class models of this era)
ABS:
Yes, with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS)
Traction Control:
Yes, ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Yes, ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) standard, adaptive damping.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear where applicable).
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning and force-limiting seat belts, rear seat belt reminders.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for rear seats.
System Name:
COMAND 2.0 or 2.5 with Navigation
Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, optional cassette, navigation system with map data (CD-ROM based), external CD changer input.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with 10-12 speakers.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) was an optional feature.
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors).
Bluetooth:
Optional, often through a Mercedes-Benz hands-free communication system.
Keyless Entry:
Remote keyless entry, KEYLESS-GO optional for keyless start and entry.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (typical for this model, refer to manual for exact schedule).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to flexible service schedule (Service A, Service B, etc.) based on driving conditions and mileage, typically starting around 15,000-20,000 miles for initial checks.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (MB Approval 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 liters (approx. 9 US quarts)
Coolant:
MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, silicate-free)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 236.3 (Hydraulic oil) or Pentosin CHF 11S
Abc Suspension:
Potential for strut leaks, pump failure, fluid leaks, and sensor issues. Requires specialized knowledge for repair.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can degrade over time, leading to misfires and reduced performance.
Supercharger Tensioner Pulley:
Can fail, leading to noise and potential belt damage.
Door Lock Actuators:
Common failure point, leading to non-functional door locks.
Esp Module:
Can sometimes exhibit faults or require recalibration.
Front Tire Size:
245/40 R18
Rear Tire Size:
265/35 R18
Front Brakes:
Vented Discs, 380mm diameter
Rear Brakes:
Vented Discs, 360mm diameter
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, a division of DaimlerChrysler AG at the time of production.
Legacy:
Reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and performance dating back to the early 20th century.
W220 Generation:
Introduced in 1998 (as a 1999 model), representing a significant technological advancement over the W140 S-Class.
S55 Amg Positioning:
High-performance variant of the S-Class, developed by Mercedes-AMG GmbH, focusing on blending executive luxury with potent V8 power.
Production Years:
2001-2006 (for W220 S55 AMG)
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive media for its blend of luxury, performance, and technological innovation.
Safety Awards:
While specific awards for the S55 AMG are less common, the S-Class platform upon which it is based consistently received high safety accolades.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with relevant emissions standards for the 2003 model year (e.g., EPA, CARB in relevant markets).
