Segment:
Luxury Crossover/MPV
Target Audience:
Families seeking luxury, space, and performance
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Volvo XC90
Vehicle Type:
Full-size luxury crossover with minivan-like practicality and SUV styling.
Powertrain Highlight:
Powerful V8 engine, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Interior Highlight:
Spacious cabin, available three-row seating, premium materials.
Sport Package:
Sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior/interior styling cues.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Drivetrain:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, comfort controls, basic electrical system overview
Infotainment:
COMAND NTG 3.5 audio and navigation system basics, climate control operation
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP, child seat installation
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement
Driving Operations:
Starting and stopping, gear selection, using cruise control, parking assist
Security:
Keyless-Go operation, remote locking/unlocking, alarm system
Emergency Procedures:
Towing, changing a flat tire, jump-starting
Depth:
Operator-level information for daily use and routine maintenance, not intended for complex repairs or diagnostics.
Engine Code:
M273 (as per Mercedes-Benz nomenclature for this period)
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Configuration:
V8, 32-valve, SOHC (with variable valve timing)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Length:
Approximately 199.9 inches (5077 mm)
Width:
Approximately 77.1 inches (1958 mm)
Height:
Approximately 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116.1 inches (2950 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,900 - 5,100 lbs (2223 - 2313 kg), depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 6,500 lbs (2948 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for front and rear passengers)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, curtain airbags; optional rear side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) NTG 3.5
Features:
Navigation system, AM/FM/Weatherband radio, CD/DVD changer, MP3 playback, auxiliary audio input, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Display:
7-inch color display integrated into the dashboard.
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors).
Visibility:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free communication system (requires compatible phone).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, per Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (ASSYST), subject to driving conditions.
Major Service A:
Around 10,000 miles or 12 months (includes synthetic oil change, filter replacement, multi-point inspection).
Major Service B:
Around 20,000 miles or 24 months (includes Service A plus additional checks like brake fluid replacement, cabin filter replacement, etc.). Specific items vary by model year and mileage.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting MB 229.5 Specification.
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent, typically a blue color)
Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.12 or 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF 5-Speed or 7-Speed Transmission Fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus or DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 Power Steering Fluid
Washer Fluid:
Water with approved washer fluid additive (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Wintertash or equivalent)
Air Suspension:
Potential leaks in air springs (Airmatic system), compressor issues, or valve block failures.
Interior Electronics:
Occasional issues with COMAND system glitches, seat memory failures, or HVAC control module problems.
Drivetrain Components:
While the 4MATIC is generally robust, wear on transfer case or differential fluids should be monitored.
Cooling System:
Thermostat housing leaks and coolant hose degradation can occur over time.
Oil Filter Example:
A0001803109 (Note: Part numbers can vary, consult dealer or parts catalog for exact fitment)
Air Filter Example:
A2730940504 (Note: Part numbers can vary, consult dealer or parts catalog for exact fitment)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 11.0 Liters (11.6 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9.0 Liters (9.5 US quarts) for a complete fluid change and torque converter fill.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence.
Introduction Year:
Introduced for the 2006 model year in North America.
Generation:
First generation (W251) ran from 2006 to 2011.
Updates:
Received minor updates and powertrain refinements throughout its production run. The R550 variant was introduced for 2008.
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Segment Award:
While the R-Class was polarizing, it received praise for its innovative concept as a luxury people-mover from automotive journalists, though sales didn't always reflect this.
Safety Recalls:
As with any vehicle of this age, potential recalls might exist. Owners should check VIN with NHTSA or Mercedes-Benz for outstanding safety recalls.
Emissions Certification:
Complies with EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 2008 model year.
