Positioning:
The flagship luxury sedan of Mercedes-Benz, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and comfort for its era.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, Bentley Arnage.
Vehicle Highlights:
V12 Biturbo Engine, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, advanced safety features, luxurious interior, sophisticated electronics.
Value Proposition:
Provides critical, official technical information essential for proper maintenance, repair, and diagnosis of a complex luxury vehicle, enabling cost-effective ownership.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications, Troubleshooting Guides
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual (Software)
Format:
Software/Digital Download (Likely PDF-based)
Powertrain:
Engine (V12 Biturbo M137), Transmission (5-speed Automatic 5G-TRONIC 722.6), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System, Navigation, COMAND System, CAN Bus Network
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, SRS Airbags, Interior Trim, Security System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Fluid Replacements, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Repair, Brake System Servicing, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault Finding, Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Component Testing
Troubleshooting Guides:
Extensive troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits, including component locations and connector pinouts.
Format:
Digital Software (Searchable, Printable)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick access to information.
Quality:
High Resolution Diagrams and Text
Diagrams Detail:
Detailed, high-quality diagrams and schematics for all major components and systems.
Engine Type:
V12, Biturbocharged, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
5.8 Liters (5786 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 80.2 mm
Horsepower:
394 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
457 lb-ft (620 Nm) @ 2300-4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Coolant (e.g., G48)
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., MB 229.5)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10 US Quarts)
Engine Control Unit:
ME 2.8 (or similar iteration) Engine Control Module
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic with Touchshift
Transmission Model:
722.6 (NAG1)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to Manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.93, 2nd: 2.41, 3rd: 1.49, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., MB 236.10 or 236.14, refer to specific VIN requirement)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 Liters (dry fill) - consult manual for exact fill procedure and capacity.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for corresponding model year if available)
IIHS Front Offset Rating:
Good (for corresponding model year if available)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side, Curtain Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners, Load Limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (if applicable in region)
System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) System with CD player, radio, and optional navigation.
Display:
Central color display for COMAND and vehicle settings.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC (Adaptive Cruise Control)
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC (Parking Sensors)
Telephony:
Integrated hands-free telephone system (optional, often with specific cradle/module).
Seats:
Multi-contour, heated, ventilated, and dynamic (massaging) front seats with memory.
Climate Control:
Multi-zone automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the ASSYST Plus system).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000 miles or 4 years, though Mercedes-Benz often listed it as 'lifetime' - professional recommendation is for periodic changes.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 100,000 miles for iridium plugs.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Approved Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S, or MB spec 343.0/344.0 - confirm with VIN).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB spec 331.0)
Abc System:
Leaking struts, pressure leaks, pump failures, sensor issues. Requires specialized knowledge and tools for repair.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail, leading to misfires. Common on V12 engines.
Oil Cooler Seals:
Leaking seals can cause coolant/oil mixing.
Mass Airflow Sensors:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Interior Electronics:
Various sensors, door locks, window regulators, and infotainment components can experience intermittent issues due to age and complexity.
Oil Filter:
OEM Part Number example: A1121800009 (Verify for specific M137 engine)
Engine Air Filter:
OEM Part Number example: A1120941704 (Verify for specific M137 engine, usually 2 filters)
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety since its inception.
W220 Generation:
The W220 generation (1998-2005) introduced significant advancements in technology and design, succeeding the W140 S-Class.
S600 Positioning:
The S600 represented the top-tier model within the W220 lineup, featuring the potent V12 biturbo engine and extensive standard luxury features.
Production Period:
2001 Model Year
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Luxury Sedan Awards:
While specific awards for the 2001 S600 might not be widely publicized, the W220 S-Class generation consistently received accolades for its luxury, innovation, and safety from automotive publications worldwide.
Engineering Excellence:
Widely regarded as a benchmark for engineering and refinement in the luxury sedan segment.
