Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning individuals seeking ultimate comfort, advanced technology, and refined performance.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph (depending on specific trim and options).
Distinguishing Features:
V12 engine, sophisticated suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), advanced driver aids for its era, premium interior materials.
Manual Purpose:
To guide the owner in the safe and optimal use, maintenance, and understanding of their S600.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive owner's information for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S600 (W220).
Secondary Coverage:
Includes maintenance schedules, fluid specifications, and basic troubleshooting.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's flagship sedan).
Powertrain:
Engine compartment overview, engine oil specifications and capacity, fuel information, battery, air filter(s).
Cockpit Controls:
Instrument cluster explanation, climate controls, entertainment systems, driver controls (steering wheel, pedals, gear selector).
Lighting And Visibility:
Exterior and interior lighting operation, headlight aiming, mirror adjustments.
Access And Security:
Locks and security systems, keyless entry, central locking, alarm operation.
Interior And Comfort:
Seating adjustments, safety restraints (seat belts, airbags), interior features.
Driving Operations:
Driving the vehicle, parking, starting and stopping the engine, cruise control.
Customer Support:
Customer assistance information, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).
Cleaning And Care:
Vehicle cleaning procedures, interior and exterior care.
Maintenance Overview:
General maintenance information, recommended service intervals, lubricant specifications, refill capacities.
Accessory Information:
Details on available accessories.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance.
Driving Operation:
Proper operation of vehicle systems during driving, engagement of various modes.
Safety Systems Operation:
Understanding airbag deployment, seatbelt usage, and child seat installation guidelines.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on common warning lights and indicators.
Depth:
Owner-level understanding and operation of vehicle features and systems.
Diagnostic Capability:
Limited; focuses on identifying issues through dashboard indicators rather than in-depth diagnostics.
Repair Instructions:
Minimal; primarily covers routine checks and simple tasks like fluid top-offs. Does not detail complex repairs.
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and compatible with all devices capable of reading PDF files.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from a digital source, offering efficient information retrieval.
Quality:
Digital - quality depends on the source scan/conversion. Typically high resolution for factory manuals.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
V12, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
5.8 Liters (5786 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 80.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE net)
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (SAE net)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (Sequential)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributorless ignition system (two spark plugs per cylinder)
NHTSA Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in modern comparable standards for 2000 models, but designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (ASR), Xenon headlights.
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on market), front and rear crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters, pre-safe system (early implementation).
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system with integrated radio, CD player, navigation (optional), and climate control interface.
Navigation System:
Optional factory navigation system, likely using CD-ROM based maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, potentially with adaptive cruise control (Distronic) as an option.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC) were optional.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; may include a basic cellular phone integration system (e.g., via cradle in armrest), auxiliary inputs not standard.
Headlights:
Bi-Xenon headlights with automatic leveling and headlight washers were often standard or optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the Flexible Service System (FSS).
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid) recommended at specific mileage points, detailed in the manual or by FSS.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic is a common recommendation)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Spec:
MB-Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, silicate-free, ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
MB-Approval 343.0 (or Pentosin CHF 11S)
Common Wear Items:
Coil packs and spark plugs (due to V12), ABC hydraulic system components (suspension lines, accumulators, pumps), electronic modules, trunk latches, O2 sensors.
Typical W220 Concerns:
Climate control blower motor, door lock actuators, distributorless ignition system components can be costly to replace. ABC system leaks can be problematic if not addressed promptly.
Part Number System:
Manual will reference specific part numbers for routine replacement items like filters, but a dedicated parts catalog would be more comprehensive.
Refill Capacities Summary
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 88 Liters (23.3 US Gallons)
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovations dating back to the late 19th century.
Generation Code:
W220 (1998-2005)
Predecessor:
W140 S-Class
Key Innovations Of W220:
Introduction of Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, COMAND infotainment system, bi-xenon headlights, and a focus on weight reduction compared to the W140.
Production Period For Model:
1998-2005 (W220 generation)
Production Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Awards And Accolades:
The W220 S-Class generally received positive reviews for its comfort, technology, and driving dynamics. Specific awards may vary by year and region.
Reliability Perception:
Historically, Mercedes-Benz flagships of this era are known for their complexity, which can translate to higher maintenance costs if not properly maintained. However, the core powertrain is robust.
Manufacturing Standards:
Built to rigorous German automotive manufacturing standards.