Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 represented the pinnacle of luxury, technology, and engineering in its era, setting benchmarks for comfort and innovation in the executive sedan segment.
Competitors:
Primarily competed against the BMW 7 Series (E38/E65), Audi A8 (D2/D3), Lexus LS, and Jaguar XJ.
Features:
Advanced ABC suspension, COMAND infotainment system, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, advanced safety systems, luxurious interior appointments.
Value Proposition:
This comprehensive manual provides owners and technicians with the exact factory procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information needed to maintain and repair the sophisticated W220 S-Class, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU/DME)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 5G-TRONIC, 7G-TRONIC) mechanical and electronic control, torque converter
Chassis:
Suspension (Active Body Control - ABC, AirMatic DC), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP, SBC)
Electrical:
Complete vehicle electrical system, wiring diagrams, fuse locations, component testing, CAN bus systems, Body Control Module (BCM), Gateway (CGW)
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, climate control (THERMATIC, THERMOTRONIC), lighting, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Comfort Electronics:
Climate control system (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), seat adjustment modules, memory functions, interior lighting, door modules, sunroof operation.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pretensioners, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) operation and diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bodywork repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, testing procedures for sensors and actuators
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical component resistance values, fluid capacities
Special Tools:
Includes lists and diagrams of specialized tools required for various repair and diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Extremely detailed, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electronic system repair
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including component locations and harness routing.
Engine Options:
M112 (4.3L V8, 5.0L V8), M113 (5.0L V8, 5.4L V8 Supercharged - AMG), M275 (5.5L V12 Bi-Turbo), M137 (5.8L V12)
Horsepower Range:
221 hp (S320) to 493 hp (S65 AMG)
Torque Range:
317 lb-ft (S320) to 738 lb-ft (S65 AMG)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on engine and year, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic ME (e.g., ME2.8, ME2.8.1, ME2.9), Siemens ECU
Coolant Type:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Glysantin G05 or equivalent, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC') standard on most models, 7-speed automatic (722.9 '7G-TRONIC') introduced later for some variants
Optional Transmissions:
AMG Speedshift variants for V8 and V12 AMG models
Transmission Features:
Electronic control, manual mode (TouchShift), Adaptive Electronic Control (AEB), electronic traction control (ETC)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approval 236.10, 236.12, or 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
NHTSA Rating:
Typically rated highly for its era, though specific NHTSA ratings may vary by model year and test methodology. Often achieved 5-star ratings in frontal impacts.
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), BAS (Brake Assist System), optional Distronic (Adaptive Cruise Control), optional Parktronic (Parking Assist)
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell
Advanced Features:
SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) on early models, pre-safe anticipatory safety system on later models.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD/DVD player, navigation, radio, and climate control integration.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control, optional Parktronic parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight control.
Connectivity Options:
Early Bluetooth integration for mobile phones, optional voice control system (Linguatronic).
Comfort Technology:
Multi-zone climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), heated and ventilated seats, optional massage seats, power adjustable steering column and seats with memory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used (follow manufacturer recommendations or service indicator - ASSYST/ASSYST PLUS).
Major Service Interval:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant) often recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles, with specific intervals varying by component.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Approval 229.3, 229.31, 229.5, or 229.51 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approval 331.0 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
MB Approval 343.0 or Pentosin CHF 11S (Green color)
Common Issues W220:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, strut failures, pump failures; COMAND system glitches; Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) failure; Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor issues; catalytic converter failures; SBC brake system faults (specific to early models); window regulator failures; trunk seal leaks leading to water ingress.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 725 x, Mahle OX 159/3 D, or Mercedes OEM A1121800009
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C35143 or Mercedes OEM A2710900382
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building luxurious, technologically advanced, and durable vehicles, particularly in the executive and luxury segments with its S-Class lineage.
W220 Introduction:
The W220 S-Class replaced the W140 generation and marked a significant shift towards a more streamlined design, improved aerodynamics, and a greater emphasis on advanced electronic systems and comfort features.
Production Years:
1998 - 2005 (for the 1999-2006 model years in most markets)
Assembly Plants:
Primarily manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany.
