Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking comfort, prestige, and advanced technology in a premium automobile.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera (though later generations).
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, refined ride quality, sophisticated design.
Technology:
Early adoption of driver assistance systems, advanced infotainment, and comfort electronics.
General Coverage:
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 Page Count:
Likely 300-500 pages (typical for this model and year's owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid levels, basic checks (oil, coolant, fuel), battery maintenance.
Chassis:
Brake system operation, tire pressure monitoring (if equipped), suspension basics (user-level understanding).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, basic operation of entertainment and climate systems, power locks, security features.
Interior:
Climate control operation, seating adjustments, safety restraint system usage, infotainment system basics, interior lighting.
Exterior Features:
Operation of locks, doors, windows, mirrors; exterior lighting functions.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, using transmission selector, operating climate control, infotainment, lights, power accessories.
Safety Features:
Proper use of seat belts, airbags, child restraint systems.
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning indicators and what they signify.
Depth:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not cover diagnostic procedures, component-level repairs, or advanced troubleshooting.
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) compatible with any device (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original; quality dependent on original source and scanning.
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
4.7L V8 (M113)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 Valves per Cylinder
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approximate)
Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.3 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Air Filter Part Number:
Commonly A 002 094 36 04 or A 271 094 02 04 (check VIN for exact fitment)
Spark Plugs:
Bosch FGR7KPE2U or equivalent (check manual for exact type)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
Drive Wheels:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard; 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional.
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1, Valvoline Dex/Merc)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8-10 quarts (7.5-9.5 liters) for a fluid change (pan drop); higher for torque converter replacement.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Likely, as model was highly rated for its era)
IIHS Rear Impact:
Acceptable/Good (Likely)
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist).
Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation).
Airbags:
Front airbags (dual-stage), side airbags (front), window curtain airbags (front and rear), optional rear side airbags.
Restraints:
3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, LATCH child seat anchor system (rear).
Comand System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system for radio, CD player, navigation, climate control interface, and vehicle settings. (Version 2.0 or 2.5 depending on year/options).
Audio System:
Premium Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system was a common option.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) was an optional feature.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors were often standard or optional.
Cellular Connectivity:
Early integrated cellular telephone (often analog or early digital) was available as an option.
Keyless Go:
Keyless entry and ignition (Keyless-Go) was a popular optional feature.
Power Doors:
Soft-close doors and trunk were common luxury features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific 'Service A'/'Service B' schedules).
Transmission Service:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) for fluid and filter change, though often considered 'lifetime' by some (independent specialists recommend periodic service).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Service:
Typically every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the long-life coolant.
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 or Pentosin CHF 11S (Green fluid)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Airmatic Suspension:
Leaking air springs, failing compressor, sensor issues are common as the system ages. Manual covers basic operation and warning lights, not repair.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can be prone to failure, leading to misfires. Manual lists basic maintenance for these components.
Semiconductor Failure:
Older electronics, including ABS modules, control units, and SAM modules, can be susceptible to failure due to age and heat.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Often located behind the dashboard, requiring some disassembly. Manual may show location.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the late 19th century with pioneering automotive innovations.
W220 Generation:
The W220 S-Class generation (1998-2005) represented a shift towards more integrated technology, aerodynamics, and a slightly less imposing aesthetic compared to its predecessors, while maintaining unparalleled luxury and engineering.
2003 Facelift:
The 2003 facelift introduced revised styling (new front/rear bumpers, headlights, taillights), updated interior trim, and advancements in electronics and safety features, including optional bi-xenon headlights and improved COMAND system.
Production Years W220:
1998-2005 (model years 1999-2006 in some markets)
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
