Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking comfort, performance, and advanced technology
Primary Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, stately design emphasizing comfort and sophisticated road presence.
Interior Appointments:
Opulent cabin with premium materials, advanced climate control, and extensive customization options.
Technological Advancements:
Introduction of driver assistance systems, advanced infotainment (COMAND), and sophisticated suspension technologies.
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 3000+ pages for full W221 coverage)
Licensing:
Perpetual Download, No Expiry Dates
Delivery Method:
Instant Download to Computer/Tablet
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), driveshafts, differentials, axles, AWD (4MATIC)
Chassis:
Suspension (AIRMATIC, Active Body Control), steering, brakes (including SBC/ABS/ESP), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Body control modules (BCM), CAN bus communication, lighting systems, instrument cluster, comfort electronics, power accessories
HVAC:
Automatic climate control, A/C system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable to specific W221 variants), bumpers
Infotainment:
COMAND APS, audio systems, navigation, telematics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake service, battery maintenance
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing, wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension repair, brake caliper replacement, electrical component repair
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, door/hood alignment, headlamp aiming
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level - Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Searchability:
Text-searchable for quick information retrieval
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Engine Code 2014 Usdm:
M278 (4.7L Bi-Turbo V8), M157 (5.5L Bi-Turbo V8 AMG), M279 (6.0L Bi-Turbo V12 AMG), M276 (3.5L V6 Bi-Turbo - later models/variants)
S550 4Matic Horsepower:
449 hp @ 5,250 rpm (M278)
S550 4Matic Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 1,800-3,500 rpm (M278)
S63 Amg Horsepower:
536 hp @ 5,250 rpm (M157)
S63 Amg Torque:
590 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,500 rpm (M157)
S65 Amg Horsepower:
621 hp @ 4,800-5,400 rpm (M279)
S65 Amg Torque:
738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 rpm (M279)
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI) for M278 and M157, Sequential MPI for M279
Fuel Grade Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Emission Standards:
Meets or exceeds EPA emission standards for the model year.
Transmission Type:
7G-TRONIC PLUS Automatic (7-speed)
All Wheel Drive:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Optional on S550)
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB Spec 236.14 (or equivalent approved fluid)
7G Tronic Plus Final Drive:
Typically 3.06:1 (for RWD variants)
Wheelbase:
124.6 inches (3,165 mm)
Overall Length:
206.5 inches (5,247 mm)
Overall Width:
73.7 inches (1,872 mm)
Overall Height:
58.0 inches (1,473 mm)
Curb Weight S550 4Matic:
Approximately 4,600 - 4,800 lbs (2,087 - 2,177 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration, typically around 6,000 - 6,300 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not specified/recommended for towing by Mercedes-Benz
Standard Wheel Size:
18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
235/50R18 or 255/40R19 (Front), 275/40R19 (Rear) for 4MATIC
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for applicable models and configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Often recognized as Top Safety Pick or similar awards for its class.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (with Brake Assist)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Driver Assistance Suite:
Adaptive Cruise Control (DISTRONIC PLUS), Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Safe Brake, Night View Assist Plus
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, curtain airbags, front pelvic airbags, knee airbags (driver and passenger)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with PRE-SAFE® belt tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchoring system
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation System) with 7-inch color display
Audio System:
Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system (optional, standard on AMG models)
Connectivity:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB and AUX inputs
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS with proximity warning and automatic braking
Lane Keeping Assist:
Active Lane Keeping Assist (with steering intervention)
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Active Blind Spot Assist
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC with parking guidance, rearview camera
Climate Control:
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control (multi-zone)
Seats:
Multi-contour front seats with massage, heating, and ventilation (optional)
Headlights:
Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights with LED daytime running lights, Active High Beam Assist
Service A:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months (flexible based on driving style and oil quality, indicated by 'Service A' on the dashboard)
Service B:
Typically every 20,000 miles or 24 months (following Service A, indicated by 'Service B' on the dashboard)
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40 depending on region and specific engine variant, meeting MB 229.5 or 229.51 specifications)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48, blue color, meeting MB Spec 325.0 or 325.6)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid)
Air Suspension Struts:
Leaking or failure of AIRMATIC air suspension struts can lead to ride height issues.
Oil Cooler Leaks:
Cracked oil cooler seals or housing can cause coolant/oil mixing.
Parking Brake Actuator:
Failure of the electronic parking brake actuator or module.
Idrive Controller Wear:
Wear on the COMAND control knob can lead to intermittent functionality.
Door Lock Actuators:
Failure of central locking actuators, particularly on older models.
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering, safety, and comfort, with a legacy of innovation in automotive technology.
W221 Introduction Year:
2005
Key W221 Updates Facelift:
Revised front and rear styling (LED daytime running lights, new bumpers, taillights), updated engines (e.g., M278 V8 Bi-Turbo), new transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), advanced driver assistance systems, improved COMAND system.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen plant), South Africa, Egypt, Russia, Vietnam (CKD assembly)
