🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Model Variant:

S500 4MATIC SPORT

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

W220 (Late Facelift)

Engine Code:

M273 (This is a common misconception; W220 S500 used the M113. The M273 debuted in 2006 in the W221. The S500 4MATIC Sport for 2005 would utilize the M113 E50 engine.)

Specific Variant Code:

050: S500 4MATIC Sport Package (likely referring to optional equipment rather than a distinct model code in the VIN for this manual).

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking comfort, performance, and advanced technology in a prestigious vehicle.

Primary Competitors:

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

Flagship Status:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of engineering and luxury for its era.

Powertrain:

Powerful V8 engine with full-time all-wheel drive (4MATIC) for enhanced traction and stability.

Sport Package:

Enhancements typically include sport-tuned suspension, unique wheels, and aerodynamic body styling elements.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Download Type:

Instant Download

Source:

Factory Original Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, gear selector, ignition system, cruise control, parking brake, pedal operation, driver seat adjustments, mirror adjustments.

Instrument Cluster:

Indicator lights, warning lamps, gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature), trip computer functions, menu navigation.

Entertainment Systems:

Audio system (COMAND APS), radio operation, CD player, navigation system, telephone integration (if equipped), speaker locations.

Climate Controls:

Automatic climate control operation (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), temperature settings, fan speed, air distribution, recirculation, air filtration, seat heating/ventilation (if equipped).

Lighting:

Headlights (low beam, high beam, adaptive), fog lights, parking lights, interior lighting, ambient lighting, automatic headlight control.

Locks And Security:

Central locking system, remote key fob operation, keyless entry/start (optional), anti-theft alarm system, immobilizer, power locks, door locking behavior.

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, active head restraints (NECK-PRO), seat belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, child seat installation guidelines, seat adjustment (manual/power).

Driving:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears (selector lever operation), parking, braking system, suspension system (AIRMATIC DC), steering system, driving aids (e.g., ESP, ABS).

Customer Assistance:

Warranty information, roadside assistance, authorized service centers, contacting Mercedes-Benz customer care.

Cleaning:

Exterior cleaning (washing, waxing), interior cleaning (upholstery, dashboard, glass), proper cleaning agents, care for specific materials.

Engine Compartment:

Location of key components (engine oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, windshield washer fluid reservoir), identification of belts and hoses.

Maintenance And Specifications:

General maintenance recommendations, fluid capacities, lubricant specifications, tire pressure information, basic checks.

Service Information:

Recommendations for scheduled maintenance, descriptions of service intervals, information on warranty repairs.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid; checking tire pressure; checking lights; basic cleaning procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of warning lights and messages, basic diagnostics based on symptoms, guidance on when to seek professional service.

Operation:

Detailed instructions on operating all vehicle systems and features, including infotainment, climate control, and power accessories.

Safety Features:

Proper use and limitations of safety restraints, child seat installation, understanding of active and passive safety systems.

Fuel Management:

Information on fuel type, octane rating, fuel tank capacity, refueling procedure, fuel economy monitoring.

Tire And Wheel:

Recommended tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel specifications, and care.

Depth Level:

Owner-level operation and basic maintenance, not a comprehensive repair manual (e.g., no detailed torque specs for major components or electronic diagnostic procedures).

Diagnostic Scope:

Identification of dashboard warning lights and fault messages, with guidance on necessary actions. Does not cover detailed electronic diagnostics or OBD-II code interpretation.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and compatible with all devices.

Searchability:

Typically OCR-enabled for text searchability if created from scanned documents.

Quality:

Digital, so quality depends on original scan/creation, but generally good for readability.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder, aluminum alloy block and heads.

Displacement:

4966 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine Code Confirmed:

M113 E50 (Confirmed for 2005 S500)

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 2700-4250 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Capacity:

21.1 US Gallons (80 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic with TouchShift

Transmission Code:

722.6 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC)

All Wheel Drive:

4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive system.

Touchshift:

Allows manual selection of gears via buttons on the steering wheel or the selector lever.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.5 inches (5067 mm)

Width:

73.0 inches (1854 mm)

Height:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.3 inches (2954 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4350-4500 lbs (1973-2041 kg) depending on options.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (for 2005 models, typical for this era's S-Class)

IIHS Safety Pick:

Good (Generally achieved by W220 S-Class in frontal offset tests)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program

Bas:

Brake Assist System

4Matic:

All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.

Front Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags for driver and passenger.

Side Airbags:

Front and rear side-impact airbags.

Window Airbags:

Front and rear window curtain airbags.

Active Head Restraints:

NECK-PRO active head restraints that move forward in a rear-end collision to reduce whiplash.

💡 Technology Features

Comand System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) providing audio, navigation, and climate control interface. Features include CD player, Radio, and optional TV tuner/changer.

Navigation:

CD-ROM based navigation system with satellite map display and voice guidance.

Audio System:

Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system (optional, standard on S500) with multiple speakers for premium audio experience.

Distronic:

Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system that maintains a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead.

Parktronic:

Optional Parktronic parking assist system, providing audible and visual cues for obstacle detection.

Bi Xenon Headlights:

Standard bi-xenon headlights with integrated washers, often with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) for better corner illumination.

Telephone Preparation:

Optional integrated Bluetooth or analog cellular phone system with hands-free operation.

🔧 Maintenance

Minor Service:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Includes oil and filter change, inspection of critical components.

Major Service:

Around 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact triggers based on service indicators). Includes spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid and filter change (sometimes based on driving conditions).

Engine Oil:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 229.5 (Refer to manual for exact specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 US Quarts (8.0 Liters)

Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.12 or 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (MB Spec 325.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus, meeting MB Spec 331.0.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).

Air Suspension:

AIRMATIC suspension components (air struts, compressor, lines) can be prone to leaks and failure over time, leading to sagging.

Ignition Coils:

Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, causing misfires and rough running.

Electronics:

Various electronic modules (e.g., SAM modules, seat control modules) can experience water intrusion or failure, leading to erratic behavior.

Catalytic Converters:

Can fail due to age or internal engine issues, impacting performance and emissions.

Headlight Leveling Sensors:

Can fail, causing adaptive headlight system issues.

Oil Cooler Seals:

Seals can degrade, leading to coolant leaks into the engine oil or vice versa (valley leak).

Door Panel Sagging:

Adhesive used to hold door panel skins can fail, causing sagging.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety since its inception.

W220 Generation:

The W220 S-Class (1999-2006) represented a significant departure from its predecessor with a focus on increased aerodynamics, lighter weight, and advanced technology.

Facelift Impact:

The 2003 facelift brought styling updates, revised interior trim, and technological enhancements, including the more robust 4MATIC system and updated COMAND system.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Guide:

Often received 'Recommended Buy' ratings from automotive publications for its blend of luxury and performance.

Ward Auto:

While specific awards for the '05 S500 might vary, Mercedes-Benz engines and transmissions of this era were frequently recognized by Ward's 10 Best Engines and Transmissions.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimated: ~16 MPG city / 23 MPG highway (actual mileage may vary and depends on driving conditions and options).