Segment:
Ultra-Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
High-net-worth individuals, luxury vehicle enthusiasts, professional automotive technicians specializing in premium European vehicles.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (740i/750i/760i), Audi A8 (4.2/6.0 Quattro), Lexus LS430, Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, Bentley Arnage.
Vehicle Highlights:
Flagship S-Class model, signifies the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury for its era. Known for its V12 twin-turbo engine, advanced technologies, and refined ride.
Manual Advantage:
Provides authoritative, factory-level repair information essential for maintaining the complex systems of the S600, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Powertrain:
Engine (V12, Twin-Turbocharged), Transmission (5-Speed Automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), Steering, Brakes (ABS, SBC - Sensotronic Brake Control), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Control, Infotainment System, Telematics, COMAND System, Seat Controls, Power Accessories
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seats, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnosis, Component Testing, Electrical Schematics Interpretation
Repair:
Engine Component Repair/Replacement, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, Mercedes-Benz Specific Diagnostic Tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis), Live Data Analysis
Depth:
Expert-level diagnostics, detailed component specifications, torque values, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step repair procedures for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
V12, 36-valve (3 per cylinder)
Displacement:
5.8 Liters (5786 cc)
Aspiration:
Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower:
500 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
553 lb-ft (750 Nm) @ 1800-3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Coolant Type:
MB Approved Coolant/Antifreeze (e.g., G05 or G48 specification), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5 specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
5G-TRONIC (722.6) 5-Speed Automatic
Transmission Features:
TouchShift (manual gear selection), Comfort/Sport modes, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integration.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for a fluid change (pan drop and filter).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger - typical for this era/class, though official ratings can vary by specific testing methodology and year availability)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (typical for this class, check specific tests)
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), Traction Control System (ASR), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Passive Safety:
Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags (Head Protection), Pre-tensioning Seatbelts, Crumple Zones, Reinforced Body Structure.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated radio, CD player, optional navigation, and climate control interface. Often features a color display and steering wheel controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Distronic (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC (Parking Assist), rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, bi-xenon headlights.
Connectivity Options:
Tele Aid (emergency call system), optional CD changer, possibly early Bluetooth integration (depending on specific option packages).
Advanced Features:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, keyless-go (push-button start), heated and ventilated seats, multi-contour seats with massage functions, soft-close doors.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil specification used. Refer to the manual for specific flexservice intervals (ASSYST).
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 60,000-80,000 miles (96,000-128,000 km) for fluid and filter replacement, though earlier is often better for longevity. Consult the manual for specific guidance on ASSYST for transmission fluid.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)
Common Problems:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, ignition coil failures (especially on V12), COMAND system glitches, blower motor resistor failure, door lock actuator issues, catalytic converter failure, oil cooler leaks.
Maintenance Concerns:
Requires specialized knowledge for V12 engine maintenance and complex electronic systems. Parts can be expensive.
Heritage Focus:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, safety, and engineering excellence, particularly with its S-Class line, which has consistently set benchmarks in automotive innovation.
W220 Introduction:
The W220 S-Class debuted in 1998 (as a 1999 model year in some markets) succeeding the W140. The S600 (V12) variant represented the top tier of the W220 lineup, introducing significant technological advancements.
Production Period:
The W220 generation was produced from 1998 to 2005. The S600 with the M137 engine was a significant variant within this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
