🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

R-Class

Model Variant:

R500 Sport

Year:

2006

Generation Code:

X164 (First Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Crossover SUV (introduced as a unique segment offering from Mercedes-Benz)

Target Audience:

Families seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, space, and all-wheel-drive capability, positioned as an alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans.

Competitors:

Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX.

Design Philosophy:

Combines elements of an SUV, wagon, and minivan, offering three rows of seating and a focus on passenger comfort and on-road refinement.

Variant Distinction:

The 'Sport' designation likely indicates sportier styling cues, potentially revised suspension tuning, and unique wheel options compared to the standard R-Class.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner's Operation and Maintenance

Specific Sections Listed:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. 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:

Varies by region and specific options, typically 300-500 pages for a comprehensive US market owner's manual.

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on product description and typical US market offering)

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil, fuel system, battery, air filter, refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Chassis:

Brake system overview (owner level), tire pressure monitoring (implied by driver controls/instrument cluster), wheel specifications (implied).

Electrical:

Lights, instrument cluster illumination, battery maintenance, basic electrical accessory operation.

Interior:

Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating adjustments, safety restraints, locks and security, driver controls.

Body:

Door locks, security systems, cleaning procedures.

Operation:

Detailed instructions for operating all vehicle systems including climate control, infotainment, lighting, driver controls, and security.

Maintenance:

Owner-level maintenance tasks such as checking and adding engine oil, understanding fuel requirements, battery care, and basic cleaning.

Safety:

Information on safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), understanding warning indicators, and procedures for reporting safety defects.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level guidance. Covers routine checks, adjustments, and operation of features. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and is compatible with most devices.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality depends on the original source scan. Typically clear and legible for all text and diagrams.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M273 (typically for R500)

Configuration:

4.966L (5.0L) DOHC 32-valve V8

Horsepower:

Approximately 302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 339 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

MB 229.5 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic is a common recommendation)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7G-Tronic Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (standard on R500 Sport)

Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 198.5 inches (5042 mm)

Width:

Approximately 77.0 inches (1956 mm)

Height:

Approximately 67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,700 - 4,900 lbs (2130 - 2220 kg)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approximately 15.2 cu ft (with all seats in place)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approximately 85.0 cu ft (with second and third rows folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for driver and passenger, 2006 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for 2006 model year, typically)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

All-Season Traction Control (ASR)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags (front and rear), window curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters, ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchors

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation, and premium sound system options (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Connectivity:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).

Lighting:

Standard automatic headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering illumination.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, based on Flexible Service System (FSS) indicators.

Major Service Points:

Includes checks on brakes, suspension, exhaust system, fluid levels, and potentially spark plugs and transmission service at higher mileages (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 specification (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., Zerex G-05 or equivalent - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change (for M273 engine)

Common Complaints:

Air suspension system (if equipped) can be prone to leaks, potential for balance shaft issues in earlier M272/M273 engines (though R500 is less commonly affected than R350), electronic module failures, and infotainment system glitches.

Maintenance Focus:

Regular fluid changes, inspection of suspension components, and proper care of the electrical system are crucial for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety innovations, established in the early 20th century.

Introduction:

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was introduced for the 2006 model year as a completely new vehicle concept, aiming to redefine the luxury family vehicle market.

Segment Innovation:

It was initially marketed as a 'Grand Sports Tourer,' blending the attributes of a large wagon, minivan, and SUV, offering a unique proposition.

Production Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (shared production facility with other Mercedes-Benz SUVs)

Production Years:

2006-2012 (North America)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

While not always achieving 'Top Safety Pick' status, the R-Class consistently scored well in crash tests, particularly in frontal and side impact scenarios.

Kf Consumer Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction and reliability ratings for the R-Class were often mixed, with some praise for comfort and performance, but concerns regarding long-term reliability and cost of repairs.