Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Flagship model, representing pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury.
Direct Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (early models)
Luxury Appointments:
Premium materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated design.
Performance And Drivetrain:
Powerful V8 engine, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Advanced Technology:
COMAND infotainment, adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC), PRE-SAFE® safety system.
Ride Comfort:
AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension system.
Powertrain Management:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust
Drivetrain:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system operation
Chassis Systems:
Brake system, suspension (AIRMATIC), steering
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, wipers, power accessories, battery, fuses
Comfort Controls:
Climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), seats, windows, mirrors
Infotainment Navigation:
COMAND APS, audio system, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, ABS, ESP, tire pressure monitoring
Driver Assistance:
PRE-SAFE®, PARKTRONIC, DISTRONIC PLUS (if equipped)
Basic Operation:
Starting/stopping engine, gear selection, parking, driving aids
Instrument Cluster:
Understanding indicators, warnings, and displays
Climate Control Operation:
Adjusting temperature, airflow, recirculation, seat heating/ventilation
Lighting And Wipers:
Operation of headlights, fog lights, interior lighting, rain-sensing wipers
Infotainment Operation:
Using radio, CD/DVD player, navigation, phone integration
Fueling And Fluid Checks:
Proper fuel type, checking oil, coolant, washer fluid levels
Tire Maintenance:
Tire pressure recommendations, changing a flat tire (basic)
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting warning lights, minor issues
Depth:
Comprehensive for owner-level understanding and basic operation.
Diagnostic Capability:
Limited; focuses on understanding dashboard indicators, not deep diagnostic codes.
Repair Level:
None; this is an owner's manual, not a repair manual.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for comparable models of the era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable models of the era)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Driver Assistance Package:
PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system
Airbags:
Dual front, front side, rear side, curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel with pretensioners and force limiters
Head Restraints:
Active NECK-PRO head restraints (front seats)
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display Size:
7-inch color LCD
Features:
Navigation, AM/FM/Weatherband radio, CD/DVD player, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary audio input.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS (optional), maintains set distance from vehicle ahead.
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear)
Visibility Aids:
Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming mirrors.
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth® hands-free calling (may require adapter module depending on phone compatibility)
Oil Change Interval:
Up to 10,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual)
Major Service A:
Typically around 10,000 miles (check fluids, filters, tire rotation)
Major Service B:
Typically around 20,000 miles (includes items from Service A plus brake fluid service, etc.)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per dealer recommendation.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Specification 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (approx.)
Coolant Spec:
MB Specification 325.0 (e.g., Pentofrost G12 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Common Wear Items:
Air suspension components (struts, compressor), ignition coils, spark plugs.
Infotainment Glitches:
COMAND system occasional freezes or unresponsiveness.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals can degrade over time.
Maintenance Manual Reference
Clarification:
This owner's manual does not replace a service or repair manual for detailed maintenance procedures or part replacement.
