🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Model Variant:

S500 4MATIC

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

W220

Powertrain Code:

4MATIC

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent consumers seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and sophisticated engineering.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ.

Luxury:

Renowned Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship, premium materials, advanced comfort features.

Technology:

State-of-the-art infotainment, climate control, and driver assistance systems for its era.

Performance:

Powerful V8 engine paired with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system for confident handling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, features, maintenance, safety, and troubleshooting for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC.

Specific Topics:

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 Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this class of vehicle's owner's manual).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil, fuel information, air filter, lubricant specifications, refill capacities.

Electrical:

Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, battery information.

Chassis:

4MATIC all-wheel drive system (general operation), brakes (implied through driving and maintenance).

Interior:

Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating, safety restraints, locks and security, driver controls.

Body:

Door locks, security features, cleaning procedures.

Operation:

Operating vehicle features, understanding instrument cluster warnings, using climate control, operating infotainment, engaging driver controls, locking and security procedures, proper seating and restraint usage.

Maintenance:

Regular service intervals, engine oil checks and top-ups, battery maintenance, air filter replacement guidance, fluid refill procedures, lubricant specifications.

Troubleshooting:

Identifying warning lights, basic customer assistance, reporting safety defects (U.S.).

Level:

Comprehensive owner-level information focusing on safe operation, feature utilization, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or diagnostic repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable if created from a well-scanned original.

Quality:

Digital, quality dependent on original scan.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Engine Code:

M113

Displacement:

4.973 Liters (303 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.

Part Number:

Typically A 270 150 02 56 or equivalent.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission with TouchShift

Transmission Code:

722.6 (5G-TRONIC)

Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF LT 71141, Pentosin ATF 7100).

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 US quarts (7.5 liters) for torque converter and cooler.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.9 inches (5078 mm)

Width:

73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height:

57.0 inches (1448 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.5 inches (2960 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,250 - 4,350 lbs (1930 - 1975 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,400 lbs (2450 kg)

Trunk Volume:

18.0 cubic feet (510 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star (for driver and front passenger, 2005 model year ratings if available).

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Good (for 2005 models).

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver/passenger), side airbags (front), window airbags (front/rear), optional rear side airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters, PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system.

Structure:

High-strength steel body structure, crumple zones.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS).

Braking:

Vented front and solid rear disc brakes. Specific rotor sizes and caliper details would be in a service manual, but owner's manual covers brake system operation.

💡 Technology Features

Display:

Central COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) display for audio, navigation, climate, and vehicle settings.

Audio:

AM/FM stereo, CD player, optional CD changer, premium sound system options (e.g., Bose).

Navigation:

Optional COMAND navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors.

Lighting:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated fog lamps, automatic headlamp control.

Phone:

Optional hands-free communication system with integrated phone module (often requiring specific phone cradles).

🔧 Maintenance

Major Service A:

Typically indicated by the 'Service A' message on the instrument cluster, usually around 10,000 miles or 12 months. Involves oil and filter change, tire rotation, thorough inspection of various components.

Major Service B:

Indicated by 'Service B', usually around 20,000 miles or 24 months. Includes 'Service A' items plus cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid change (every 2 years), and potentially other checks.

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Variable by model year and driving conditions, typically indicated by the flexible service system (ASSYST). Generally recommended every 10,000 miles or annually with synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0, typically a blue or pink silicate-free formula).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4 with appropriate additives), to be replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid:

Typically hydraulic fluid meeting MB-Approval 343.0 or a Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Air Suspension:

Airmatic system (air springs, pump, valve blocks) can be prone to leaks or failures over time, leading to sagging suspension.

Electronics:

Various electronic control modules (ECMs), sensors, and wiring harnesses can develop faults due to age and complexity.

Ignition Coils:

Misfires due to failing ignition coils are relatively common.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can degrade and leak.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.

W220 Generation:

The W220 S-Class (1999-2005) represented a significant shift towards lighter construction, advanced electronics, and a sleeker design compared to its predecessor (W140).

Year Updates 2005:

The 2005 model year was the final year of the W220 generation, often featuring minor equipment updates or package enhancements before the W221 generation arrived for 2006.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Sindelfingen Assembly Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reviews:

Generally received positive reviews for its luxury, comfort, and advanced technology upon release, though some criticism was directed at the complexity of the COMAND system and certain early electronic glitches.

Segment Ranking:

Consistently ranked among the top luxury sedans by automotive publications during its production run.