Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking comfort, performance, advanced technology, and prestige.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera, Jaguar XJ.
Vehicle Focus:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering, comfort, and technology for its era.
Manual Purpose:
To guide owners on proper operation, maintenance, and understanding of their S550's extensive features.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system (overview).
Chassis:
Braking system operation, suspension overview, steering system operation.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, power windows, door locks, seat adjustments, infotainment system basics, instrument cluster functionality.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control system operation, seating adjustments, interior features, trunk operation, keyless-go functionality.
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belt operation and adjustments, child seat installation guidance.
Security Features:
Central locking, anti-theft alarm system, immobilizer.
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, parking, using various vehicle controls and features.
Maintenance Basic:
Checking engine oil level, checking coolant level, checking tire pressure, windshield washer fluid refill, basic cleaning procedures.
Emergency Procedures:
Changing a flat tire (if applicable and basic steps), jump-starting the vehicle (overview), warning indicator explanations.
Depth:
Designed for the end-user to understand and operate the vehicle safely and effectively. Covers fundamental maintenance tasks and system operation, not in-depth repair diagnostics or procedures.
Readability:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Searchability:
Likely contains searchable text content for efficient information retrieval.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, expected to be high quality for clarity of text and images.
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for comparable model years and safety equipment, specific rating for 2009 may vary by configuration)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely a Top Safety Pick for its year, reflecting advanced safety engineering.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Airbags:
Front, side, curtain, and knee airbags (driver and passenger).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) with hard-drive navigation, radio, CD/DVD changer, and SD card slot.
Audio System:
Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system often standard or optional.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS (optional feature for adaptive cruise control with enhanced distance sensing).
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors) often standard, rearview camera optional.
Lane Keeping:
LANE KEEPING ASSIST (optional) and BLIND SPOT ASSIST (optional).
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (as per Flexible Service System, actual may vary based on driving conditions).
Major Service Interval:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid) are usually scheduled at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 40,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, typically a silicate-based, long-life formulation).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (ATF for 7G-TRONIC transmissions)
Air Filter Part Number:
Refer to specific dealer or parts catalog (e.g., Bosch F026400009, Mann-Filter C30120/1-2 are common aftermarket equivalents).
Common Issues Early W221:
Potential issues with ABC (Active Body Control) suspension, EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) failures, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system faults (though SBC was phased out by 2009 in favor of conventional hydraulic brakes assisted by ESP), COMAND system glitches, and oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or cam adjusters.
Maintenance Considerations:
Proper and timely fluid changes are critical. Suspension components (especially ABC if equipped) can be expensive to repair. Regular diagnostics are recommended.
Heritage Statement:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovations dating back to the early automobile.
W221 Introduction:
The W221 S-Class generation was introduced for the 2006 model year, replacing the W220. The 2009 model represents a mid-cycle refresh or a carryover model before significant updates.
S550 Positioning:
The S550 was the primary V8-powered model in the S-Class lineup for North America, positioned below the S600 (V12) and AMG variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Typical Award Category:
Luxury Sedan of the Year, Best Luxury Car, Safety awards.
Specific Awards:
While specific awards for the 2009 S550 are numerous, the W221 generation consistently received accolades for its technological advancements, ride comfort, and overall luxury.
