Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and sophisticated driving experience.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality materials, spacious interior, advanced comfort features, refined ride quality.
Technological Advancements:
Introduction of new electronic systems, telematics, and driver aids for its time.
Covered Sections:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a factory owner's manual of this era and complexity)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine oil requirements, battery specifications, starter system, charging system.
Chassis:
Braking system operation, suspension system overview, steering system overview, wheel and tire information.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting system operation (headlights, taillights, interior lights), exterior lighting controls, warning indicators and their meanings, infotainment system basics, climate control system operation, power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), basic lock and security system functions.
Body:
Door locks, central locking, remote locking/unlocking, power windows, sunroof operation (if equipped), seating adjustments and safety restraint system usage (seatbelts, airbags).
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid level checks (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), basic cleaning procedures for interior and exterior, tire pressure checks, basic battery maintenance.
Operation:
Vehicle startup and shutdown, gear selection, parking, driving techniques, using climate control, operating infotainment system, adjusting seats and mirrors, engaging safety features, understanding dashboard indicators.
Troubleshooting:
Identification of warning lights and their potential causes, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery drain, non-starting conditions, climate control issues), customer assistance contact information.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, routine maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not delve into detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick location of specific topics.
Quality:
Digital scan of original factory manual; quality is dependent on the source scan but typically high for Mercedes-Benz manuals.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital format)
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Compartment Details
Engine Placement:
Front-engine, longitudinal
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard; 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on some models.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated by NHTSA for this specific model year in a standardized format; however, designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards.
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for models tested, representative of general safety)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags (front and rear optional/standard depending on trim), curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Restraint System:
Advanced SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation).
Navigation:
Optional COMAND system with CD-ROM based navigation maps.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional/standard depending on trim), cassette player, CD changer (optional).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking assist system.
Telematics:
Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system for emergency assistance and vehicle tracking.
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone or multi-zone climate control with air filtration.
Seating:
Multi-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated and ventilated seats (optional/standard depending on trim).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the 'Service B' or 'Service C' schedule in the manual, usually around 30,000 miles or every 2 years, including more extensive checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic, Castrol Syntec 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Blue ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 (ATF 3403 M-115 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB Spec 343.0 (or Pentosin CHF 11S)
Common Issues:
Mass airflow sensor (MAF) failure, ignition coil failure, ABC (Active Body Control) suspension hydraulic leaks and pump issues, OVP relay failure, transmission conductor plate issues, EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) failure, rust on wheel arches and sills.
Engine Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter: HU 718/5y, Bosch: 72248
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter: C35100, Bosch: F026400089
Foundation Era:
Founded in 1926 through the merger of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
Legacy:
Pioneer in automotive engineering, safety, and luxury vehicle development.
Previous Generation:
W140 S-Class (1991-1998)
Design Philosophy:
The W220 represented a significant departure from the W140, with a focus on reducing weight, improving aerodynamics, and integrating more advanced electronics.
Production Years:
1998-2005 (W220 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
