Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and comfort for its era.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (E38), Audi A8 (D2), Lexus LS 400 (XF20), Jaguar XJ (X308).
Amg Enhancements:
Performance-tuned engine, sport-tuned suspension, enhanced braking, AMG styling cues, premium interior appointments.
Heritage Context:
Continues Mercedes-Benz's legacy of producing sophisticated, high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on safety and advanced technology.
Primary Focus:
Owner's Operations and Maintenance
Extended Coverage:
Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Lubricant Specifications, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 (based on typical Mercedes-Benz manuals of this era and coverage)
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, ignition system basics, exhaust system overview.
Chassis:
Braking system operation, suspension system overview, steering system operation, wheels and tires.
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting systems, power windows, locks, mirrors, basic comfort controls (climate, audio).
Safety And Restraints:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage and adjustment, child seat installation guidelines.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control operation, entertainment system (COMAND 2.0/2.5 basics), power seating, door locks, security systems.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking, use of cruise control, operating various vehicle functions.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, resetting service indicators.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lamps and messages, basic fault identification for common issues.
Technical Information Gathering:
Locating part numbers, identifying lubricant specifications, understanding refill capacities for key fluids.
Depth:
Covers operation, basic maintenance, and owner-level troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes typically found in a service manual.
Configuration:
5.4L V8 SOHC Supercharged
Horsepower:
355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
383 lb-ft @ 3000-4300 rpm
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) with Lysholm-type supercharger.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, ACEA A2-96 or B2-96 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 is commonly recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Air Filter Part Number:
Refer to vehicle-specific VIN, typically 210 830 00 18 (left) and 210 830 01 18 (right) for similar chassis, but manual will confirm exact part.
Spark Plugs:
NGK Iridium or Platinum (e.g., BKR6EQUP is a common OE fitment, manual will specify).
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission
Type:
N/A (Only one transmission option for S55 AMG)
Amg Enhancements:
Reinforced for AMG torque output, with manual shifting modes (M/S/C).
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (e.g., MB 001 989 21 03 or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (17 US Pints) for a complete drain and fill (refer to manual for exact procedure and capacity).
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (for comparable W220 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable W220 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - called ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) or ESP by Mercedes.
Traction Control:
Integrated with ESP/ASR.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (windowbags).
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point inertia-reel seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX preparation (or equivalent MB system) for rear seats.
Primary System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) System (likely COMAND 2.0 or 2.5).
Features:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player (single or changer), Cassette player (early models), Navigation system (optional, CD-ROM based), Audio controls, Climate controls.
Speaker System:
Premium Bose sound system often standard on AMG models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Rear Parktronic system (optional, ultrasonic parking sensors).
Phone Integration:
Pre-wiring for analog or digital car phone, potentially with a dock or cradle.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminder system.
Major Service:
Refer to the 'Service B' intervals, which typically involve more comprehensive checks, fluid changes (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant), and filter replacements.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, ethylene glycol-based, silicate-free).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB 331.0 spec).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (Hydraulic Fluid) or MB 001 989 24 03. (Check manual for exact).
Common Wear Items:
ABC (Active Body Control) suspension struts and pumps, blower motor resistor, coolant leaks (e.g., plastic coolant pipes, radiator), ignition coils, MAF sensors, electronic modules (e.g., SAM units).
Amg Specific Considerations:
Supercharger belt tensioner, intercooler system maintenance, potentially more frequent brake pad/rotor replacement due to performance driving.
Tire Pressure Front:
Refer to driver's side B-pillar placard (typically 2.5 bar / 36 psi for 225/55 R17, but varies with tire size).
Tire Pressure Rear:
Refer to driver's side B-pillar placard (typically 2.7 bar / 39 psi for 225/55 R17, but varies with tire size).
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of luxury sedans, with the S-Class being the flagship model since the 1970s (W116), symbolizing innovation and class-leading comfort.
W220 Introduction:
The W220 generation was introduced for the 1999 model year in Europe and 2000 in North America, replacing the W140 S-Class. It was designed to be lighter, more aerodynamic, and more technologically advanced than its predecessor.
Production Period:
W220 generation: 1998-2005. S55 AMG specifically produced from 1999-2005.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
