Category:
Luxury Crossover SUV / MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on their 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (W251).
Key Competitors Segment:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX
Vehicle Philosophy:
Combines the comfort and amenities of a luxury sedan with the versatility and space of an SUV/MPV, offering a unique blend for family transport.
Manual Advantage:
Vehicle-specific, factory-level documentation, offering precise procedures and specifications, unlike generic repair guides.
Ease Of Use:
Digital format allows for printing specific pages, zooming into diagrams, and avoiding physical wear and tear on the manual.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension
Chassis And Body:
Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior
Electrical And Electronics:
Suppl. Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Climate Control:
Air Conditioning
Interior Components:
Seat
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks, filter replacements, belt inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems, including component replacement and reassembly
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid types and capacities, clearances, electrical parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls
Visual Aids:
Detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac OS
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF, enabling quick information retrieval
Printability:
All pages printable, allowing for enlarged image printing
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Paper Type Equivalent:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Reader Software:
Adobe PDF Reader (Free)
Extraction Software:
Winzip (Free)
Engine Options 2008:
Likely includes V6 and V8 gasoline engines, and potentially a diesel option depending on market. Common V6 would be the M272 (3.5L) and V8 the M273 (5.5L).
Horsepower 3.5L V6:
Approximately 268 hp @ 6000 rpm (M272 engine)
Torque 3.5L V6:
Approximately 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm (M272 engine)
Horsepower 5.5L V8:
Approximately 389 hp @ 6000 rpm (M273 engine)
Torque 5.5L V8:
Approximately 391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm (M273 engine)
Fuel Delivery:
Likely multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or direct injection (DI) depending on engine variant.
Coolant Type Specification:
Mercedes-Benz specifications will be detailed, likely an approved OAT coolant (e.g., MB Spec 325.0 or 325.5).
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely Mercedes-Benz Approved Engine Oil Specification 229.5 or 229.51 for full synthetic, depending on engine. Viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Transmission Type:
Automatic Transmission (likely 7-speed 7G-TRONIC, model 722.9 for most variants).
Optional Transmission:
No manual transmission offered for R-Class.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) standard on most R-Class models.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific MB specification fluid (e.g., MB 236.14 for 7G-TRONIC).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 126.6 inches (3216 mm) for standard wheelbase, or 135.6 inches (3444 mm) for long wheelbase.
Length:
Approx. 199.9 inches (5077 mm) for standard, 208.9 inches (5307 mm) for long.
Width:
Approx. 76.5 inches (1943 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and configuration, typically starting around 4,700 lbs (2130 kg).
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 16.0 cubic feet (0.45 m³) (standard wheelbase)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 43.2 cubic feet (1.22 m³) (standard wheelbase, 3rd row folded)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 85.1 cubic feet (2.41 m³) (standard wheelbase, 2nd and 3rd rows folded)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Rating (likely for driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good Rating (likely)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control System:
Standard (TCS)
All Wheel Drive:
Standard 4MATIC system
Airbags:
Front, side, and curtain airbags; likely optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Comand System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, and optional Bluetooth connectivity.
Harman Kardon Audio:
Optional Harman Kardon surround sound audio system available.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors front and rear.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control system.
Bluetooth Interface:
Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Multiplex Can Communication:
Features advanced CAN (Controller Area Network) bus systems for inter-component communication, detailed in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using approved synthetic oil. Service 'A' or 'B' indicators in the vehicle's display will also prompt service.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended around 60,000 - 80,000 miles for the 7G-TRONIC transmission, or as indicated by vehicle service reminders. Critical for longevity.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 - 9.5 quarts (8.0 - 9.0 liters), depending on engine variant. Exact specification required.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
M272 Engine Balance Shaft Wear:
Early M272 engines (prior to approx. mid-2007) could experience wear on the balance shaft timing gear, leading to check engine lights and rough running. This manual would cover diagnostic and repair procedures.
Airmatic Suspension Issues:
Some models equipped with optional AIRMATIC suspension may develop leaks or compressor issues over time. This manual would detail diagnosis and repair.
Interior Component Wear:
As with many luxury vehicles, certain interior trim pieces or electronic components may show wear or malfunction with age. Manual covers interior system repairs.
Brand Philosophy:
Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence, safety, and innovation since its inception in 1926.
R Class Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model year, the W251 R-Class was designed to fill a niche as a premium, spacious, and versatile 'Grand Sports Tourer'.
W251 Updates 2008:
The 2008 model year saw updates including potential powertrain refinements and feature enhancements, building on the initial platform.
Production Plant:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Segment Awards 2008:
While specific awards for the 2008 R-Class are not prominently recalled, it aimed to compete in the luxury SUV/Crossover segment and was generally well-regarded for its interior space and comfort.
Edmunds Review Summary:
Often praised for its spacious and flexible interior, refined ride, and powerful engine options, but criticized for its styling and less agile handling compared to traditional SUVs.
