Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking comfort, advanced technology, and refined driving experience
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (later models)
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, timeless styling with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and luxurious presence
Sport Package:
Enhancements typically include AMG-designed front/rear aprons and side skirts, larger AMG wheels, and sport-tuned suspension.
Innovations:
Introduction of PRE-SAFEยฎ anticipatory safety system, advanced COMAND infotainment, active suspension systems (ABC).
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Information and Operation
Additional Coverage:
Maintenance, Specifications, Cleaning, Safety Features, Driver Controls, Entertainment Systems, Climate Control, Security, Customer Assistance
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for this model year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, basic maintenance procedures
Chassis:
Brake system, steering system, suspension system (overview)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, basic infotainment system operation, climate control system
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, electronic stability control (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, shift lever operation, parking brake, cruise control, seat adjustments, mirror adjustments
Infotainment And Comfort:
COMAND infotainment system (basic operation), climate control functions, seat heating/ventilation (if equipped), power features
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (basic instructions)
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, paint care, upholstery care
Troubleshooting Hints:
Basic indicator light explanations, common warning messages
Safety Operation:
Proper use of safety restraints, child seat installation guidance
Driving Techniques:
Advice on efficient driving, operating various vehicle systems while driving
Customer Assistance:
Information on warranty, roadside assistance, contacting Mercedes-Benz
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; not a repair manual for in-depth diagnostics or component replacement.
๐ Manual Specifications
Searchable Text:
Yes (typically included in factory PDFs)
Readability:
High (requires standard PDF reader)
Quality:
Factory original quality, clear text and diagrams
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Key Components Coverage:
Engine layout, fluid reservoirs, battery location, fuse boxes, air filter access.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (estimated for this generation)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (estimated for this generation)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (standard)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard)
Bas:
Brake Assist System (standard)
Airbags:
Front, side, curtain airbags; possibly knee airbags
Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (rear seats)
System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation).
Features:
Navigation system, CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity (may require adapter for phone calls).
Display:
Central 7-inch color display screen.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS (optional)
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear)
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination, LED Taillights.
Suspension:
AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system.
Bluetooth:
Available for phone calls; media streaming support is limited or non-existent on early COMAND systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators in the instrument cluster (approx. 10,000-15,000 miles or annually)
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement (e.g., every 100,000 miles for V8 engines), transmission fluid service (e.g., every 50,000-70,000 miles, though debated).
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Air Suspension:
Airmatic struts and air compressor can be prone to leaks or failure over time.
Electronic Modules:
Various electronic control modules can develop faults, leading to warning lights or system malfunctions.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can require replacement, especially at higher mileage.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can leak.
Air Filter Primary:
A 273 094 04 04
Cabin Air Filter:
A 221 830 04 18 (or A 221 830 09 18 for activated carbon filter)
Engine Oil Filter:
A 273 180 00 09
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovation dating back over a century.
S Class Legacy:
The S-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's luxury sedan offerings, consistently introducing groundbreaking technology and comfort features.
W221 Introduction:
The W221 generation debuted in late 2005 for the 2006 model year, representing a significant redesign with new styling and advanced technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Sindelfingen, Germany
