Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking prestige, comfort, advanced technology, and performance.
Primary Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera (later models).
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated styling, extensive customization options.
Technology:
Advanced infotainment (COMAND system), electronic driver aids, advanced climate control, innovative safety features.
Performance:
Powerful V8 engine, refined ride quality, sophisticated suspension systems.
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (US Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 400-600 pages (typical for this model/year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel, ignition, exhaust, cooling system, lubrication system, engine oil specifications, refill capacities.
Chassis:
Brake system basics, suspension system overview, steering system basics.
Electrical:
Battery maintenance, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays overview, instrument cluster indicators and warnings.
Body And Interior:
Door locks and security features, seating adjustment and safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), climate control system operation, interior features and controls, cleaning procedures.
Infotainment And Electronics:
Entertainment system operation (radio, CD player), driver controls, basic electronic feature operation.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance, jump-starting procedures.
Operational:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using the climate control, operating lights and wipers, parking the vehicle, using driver controls.
Safety Related:
Understanding safety restraints, airbag system information, child seat installation guidance (general), emergency procedures.
Customer Assistance:
Information on contacting customer support, reporting safety defects (US specific).
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level operation, basic checks, and maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or electrical schematics, which are found in service manuals.
Compatibility:
Readable on any device with a PDF reader (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan.
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
4.7L V8 (M113 engine family)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (per bank)
Horsepower:
Approx. 302 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 339 lb-ft @ 3300-4500 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (Synthetic) or equivalent specified by Mercedes-Benz
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 family)
Features:
Touchshift (manual shifting mode), Comfort/Sport modes, Electronic control unit.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 (or earlier specified fluid for 722.6, check manual for exact type)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9 quarts (8.5 liters) for torque converter refill (check manual)
Length:
Approx. 199.9 inches (5078 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.3 inches (1455 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.5 inches (3035 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,100 - 4,200 lbs (1860 - 1905 kg)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models tested)
Traction Control:
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags (dual-stage), side airbags (front and rear optional), curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on package).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, active head restraints (NECK-PRO optional).
Primary System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation System)
Features:
Integrated navigation system (often with CD-ROM maps), AM/FM radio, CD player, possibly cassette player, climate control interface, vehicle settings adjustment.
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (optional/standard on higher trims).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC (optional)
Parking Assistance:
Parktronic (PTS) parking sensors (front and rear, optional/standard).
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones (often an optional upgrade or feature).
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system (optional) for superior ride comfort and handling, or Airmatic semi-active air suspension.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators).
Major Service Intervals:
Scheduled for various component checks and replacements at intervals like 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000 miles, including transmission service, coolant replacement, spark plug replacement, etc. (Refer to manual for specific schedule).
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, purple color) or equivalent specified by Mercedes-Benz
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (or specified MB fluid)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (or specified MB fluid, typically Pentosin CHF 11S or similar for hydro-pneumatic suspension systems)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, air suspension components (struts, compressor), ABC (Active Body Control) hydraulic lines and accumulators, radiator, mass airflow sensor, window regulators, blower motor resistor.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be prone to various minor electrical issues due to complexity, often related to sensors, modules, or wiring harness degradation over time.
Engine Oil Filter:
A 000 180 26 09 or similar (always verify with VIN)
Air Filter Element:
A 220 094 07 01 or similar (verify with VIN)
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety innovations since the early 20th century.
W220 Generation:
The W220 S-Class represented a significant redesign from its predecessor (W140), focusing on reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced technology. The 2004 model year is part of the mid-cycle facelift update introduced for the 2003 model year.
Production Years W220:
1998-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Luxury Sedan Awards:
Consistently ranked among the top luxury sedans of its era by automotive journalists and publications for its blend of comfort, technology, and performance.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for comfort and performance, but sometimes noted for above-average maintenance costs and potential reliability concerns with complex systems like ABC.
Safety Certifications:
Meets or exceeds all mandated US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
