Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and comfort.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera.
Features:
Advanced driver assistance systems, sophisticated infotainment, opulent interior, multiple engine options, and unparalleled ride comfort.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and technicians seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 accurately and efficiently.
Benefit:
Empowers users with factory-level knowledge, reducing diagnostic time and repair costs.
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (automatic), Drivetrain (RWD/4MATIC)
Chassis:
Suspension (Active Body Control/AIRMATIC), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels & Tires
Electrical Electronics:
Body Control Module (BCM), CAN Bus Network, Lighting, Power Accessories, Infotainment (COMAND), Navigation, Audio, Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC)
Body Interior:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, SRS Airbag System
Driver Assistance:
Distronic Plus, PARKTRONIC, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Night View Assist, PRE-SAFE System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, calibrations, rebuild procedures
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., Star Diagnosis/XENTRY)
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level technical data, covering everything from basic checks to complex electronic module diagnostics and repairs.
Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High-resolution scans and digital files, ensuring clear diagrams and text.
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Code:
M278 (4.6L Bi-Turbo V8)
Engine Type:
4.6L V8 Bi-Turbocharged, Direct Injection
Horsepower:
429 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Injection System:
Direct Injection (CGI - Stratified Charged Gasoline Injection)
Engine Options:
M272 (3.5L V6), M273 (5.5L V8), M156 (6.2L V8 - AMG), M157 (5.5L Bi-Turbo V8 - AMG), M277 (6.0L Bi-Turbo V12 - AMG)
Type:
7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
Drivetrain:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M) via paddle shifters
Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.14 (e.g., Febi Bilstein 27926, Pentosin ATF134)
NHTSA Rating:
Not explicitly rated for this specific model year, but generally performed very well in independent tests. Built to exceed safety standards of its era.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The W221 generation generally earned high marks in safety evaluations.
Electronic Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Crosswind Assist
Braking Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System), SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control - early models, replaced by conventional hydraulic with electronic assist)
Airbags:
Front airbags (dual-stage), side airbags (front and rear), window curtain airbags, knee airbags (driver and passenger).
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioners, force limiters, NECK-PRO active head restraints (optional).
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
Navigation system, DVD player, AM/FM radio, CD changer, USB/Aux input, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS (Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop & Go)
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC (Parking sensors with visual/audible alerts)
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Active Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping:
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Telematics:
Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call System (eCall)
Climate Control:
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control (multi-zone)
Suspension:
AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension or Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check specific model variant for exact recommendations.
Major Service:
Service B typically around 20,000 miles (includes cabin filter, brake fluid change every 2 years).
Engine Oil:
MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30, Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40). Check owner's manual for exact viscosity and spec.
Coolant:
MB-Approval 325.0 (Blue Antifreeze) or 326.0 (Pre-diluted Blue Antifreeze)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Common Problems:
Air suspension compressor failure (ABC/AIRMATIC), ignition coil failure, catalytic converter issues, sensor malfunctions (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), CAN bus communication errors, and transmission valve body issues.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU716/2x (Check for specific engine)
Cabin Filter Example:
Mann-Filter CU2940 (Check for specific engine)
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for producing luxury, comfort, and advanced automotive technology.
Generation Name:
Fifth generation S-Class (W221)
Production Years:
2005-2013
Facelift:
Facelifted in 2009, introducing updated styling, engines, and technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Sindelfingen Assembly Plant, Germany.
Awards:
Consistently recognized for luxury, safety, and technological innovation by automotive journalists and organizations worldwide.
Customer Satisfaction:
Generally high customer satisfaction ratings for comfort, refinement, and build quality.
Safety Certifications:
Meets or exceeds all relevant global automotive safety standards.
