Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Flagship model representing Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of engineering, comfort, and technology at the time.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera (though Panamera launched later).
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on aerodynamic styling, refined interior, advanced safety, and powerful yet smooth performance.
Sport Package:
The 'Sport' designation typically indicates a package with sportier suspension tuning, larger wheels, and potentially aerodynamic enhancements.
Instrument Cluster:
Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and displays (e.g., speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure warning, ABS warning, SRS airbag warning).
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, including radio, CD player, navigation, and audio settings.
Climate Controls:
Operation of the THERMATIC (automatic climate control) system, including temperature settings, fan speed, air distribution, recirculation mode, and heated rear window.
Lighting:
Operation of all exterior and interior lights, including headlights (with automatic function), fog lights, parking lights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, and interior ambient lighting.
Driver Controls:
Explanation of steering wheel controls, stalk functions (wipers, turn signals, cruise control), seat adjustment controls, and exterior mirror adjustments.
Locks And Security:
Operation of central locking, keyless entry, remote locking/unlocking, alarm system, and electronic immobilizer.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Proper use of front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners, front airbags, side airbags, and headrests. Seat adjustment and memory functions.
Driving:
Tips for efficient and safe driving, information on cruise control, parking assistance (if equipped), and specific driving modes.
Customer Assistance:
Information on contacting Mercedes-Benz customer support, roadside assistance, and dealer services.
Cleaning:
Guidelines for cleaning the exterior (paint care, washing, waxing) and interior (upholstery, leather, dashboard, and glass).
Engine Compartment:
Identification of major engine components, fluid reservoirs, and basic checks. (e.g., oil, coolant, washer fluid).
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel octane rating and fueling procedures.
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed or approved accessories and their operation.
Reporting Safety Defects Us:
Procedure for reporting safety-related defects in the United States, as per NHTSA guidelines.
Basic Maintenance:
Checks for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid; tire pressure checks and adjustment; light bulb replacement.
Fluid Checks And Refills:
Detailed instructions on checking and refilling engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable), and windshield washer fluid.
Tire Maintenance:
Information on tire pressure monitoring, checking tread depth, and recommendations for tire rotation.
Battery Care:
Information on battery location, terminals, and basic care or jump-starting procedures (with cautionary notes).
Fuse And Relay Identification:
Location and identification of fuse boxes and relays, with a chart indicating which circuits they protect.
Emergency Procedures:
Instructions for vehicle breakdown, changing a flat tire (if applicable, though often run-flat tires were standard), and using emergency equipment.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive owner-level information focusing on operation, user maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not explicitly rated under the current NHTSA system for this year, but considered a very safe vehicle for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), known as ESP by Mercedes-Benz.
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags. Optional: rear side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt force limiters and pre-tensioners in the front.
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (NECK-PRO) for front seats.
Body Structure:
Advanced safety cage construction with crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission service, coolant flush) often at 40,000-60,000 mile intervals, depending on Service type.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 U.S. quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, typically a silicate-based, long-life formulation)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10-11 U.S. quarts (9.5-10.5 liters).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 343.0 (Mineral oil-based, check specific sub-model)
Washer Fluid:
Water/Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate (e.g., MB 000 986 10 71)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ABC system, air springs, control arms), ignition coils, mass airflow sensor, crankcase ventilation system (PCV).
Electronics:
Coolant leaks from plastic components (e.g., thermostat housing, coolant pipes), CAN bus communication issues, SAM module failures.
Oil Filter Example:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 718/5x, Mahle KL 147
Air Filter Example:
e.g., Mann-Filter C 3623/2, Mahle LX 944
Cabin Filter Example:
e.g., Mann-Filter CU 3025, Mahle LAK 240