Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking prestige, comfort, and advanced technology
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (E38/E65), Audi A8 (D2/D3), Lexus LS (XF20), Jaguar XJ (X308/X350), Porsche Panamera (later)
Vehicle Philosophy:
Embodiment of Mercedes-Benz luxury, engineering excellence, and technological innovation for its era.
Distinctive Elements:
Advanced suspension systems (ABC/Airmatic), COMAND infotainment, sophisticated interior materials, powerful engine options.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel & emissions, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC, Airmatic), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Body control modules, multiplexing systems, infotainment, lighting, climate control, power accessories, diagnostics (CAN Bus, OBD-II)
Body:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, adjustment, troubleshooting
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, wiring diagrams, electrical testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electronic diagnostics.
Engine Family 1:
M112 V6 (S320, S350)
Displacement 1:
3.2L (3199 cc) / 3.7L (3724 cc)
Power 1:
221 hp (165 kW) / 245 hp (183 kW)
Torque 1:
232 lb-ft (315 Nm) / 273 lb-ft (370 Nm)
Engine Family 2:
M113 V8 (S430, S500)
Displacement 2:
4.3L (4266 cc) / 5.0L (4966 cc)
Power 2:
275 hp (205 kW) / 302 hp (225 kW)
Torque 2:
295 lb-ft (400 Nm) / 339 lb-ft (460 Nm)
Engine Family 3:
M137 V12 (S600)
Displacement 3:
5.8L (5786 cc)
Torque 3:
413 lb-ft (560 Nm)
Engine Family 4:
M275 V12 Biturbo (S65 AMG, S600 late models)
Displacement 4:
5.5L (5513 cc)
Power 4:
500 hp (373 kW) (S600) / 604 hp (450 kW) (S65 AMG)
Torque 4:
590 lb-ft (800 Nm) (S600) / 738 lb-ft (1000 Nm) (S65 AMG)
Engine Layout:
V6, V8, V12 configurations
Induction:
Naturally aspirated, Twin-turbocharged (M275)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type 1:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic')
Availability 1:
Standard on most M112 and M113 models
Type 2:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic') with manual mode (Tiptronic)
Availability 2:
Optional on some models, standard on M137/M275 V12 models
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 / MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Length:
Approx. 5036 mm (198.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1444 mm (56.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2945 mm (116.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1770 kg (3900 lbs) - 2000 kg (4400 lbs) depending on engine and equipment
Frontal Crash Test:
NHTSA: 5-star driver, 5-star passenger (early models); IIHS: Good (Good rating for frontal offset)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Traction Control:
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, optional rear side airbags, optional curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (NECK-PRO) optional
System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features 1:
CD player, radio, navigation system (CD-ROM based), optional telephone integration, optional Bose sound system.
Updates:
Navigation map updates and software updates available (though limited for modern standards).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC (optional on some models)
Parking Assist:
Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear)
Night Vision:
Optional Night View Assist (on later models)
Communication System:
Optional integrated cellular phone with hands-free operation (early GSM technology).
Diagnostics Interface:
OBD-II compliant, with proprietary Mercedes-Benz diagnostic connectors (e.g., 38-pin connector).
Oil Change:
Variable (Service A/B) based on FSS (Flexible Service System), typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or 12 months.
Major Service:
Service C/D, often around 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km), including spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, etc.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 / MB 229.51 Synthetic (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, 5W-40)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 / MB 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant concentrate, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 Plus)
Suspension Reliability:
ABC (Active Body Control) system hydraulic leaks, pump failures, strut seal leaks. Airmatic system compressor issues, valve block leaks, air spring failures.
Electronics:
EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) failures, SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, CAN bus communication errors, door lock actuator failures.
Engine Components:
Oil cooler leaks (M112/M113), crankshaft position sensor failures, ignition coil failures, timing chain guide wear (M112/M113 on high mileage).
Transmission:
Transmission conductor plate failures, valve body issues, potential for torque converter problems.
Comfort Features:
Climate control blower motor resistor failures, vacuum leak issues affecting HVAC.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz's long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety in large sedans.
Generation:
W220 succeeded the W140 S-Class and was succeeded by the W221 S-Class.
Key Changes:
Significant reduction in size and weight compared to W140, introduction of advanced electronic systems and driver aids.
Manufacturing Locations:
Sindelfingen, Germany; Beijing, China (for Chinese market)
Production Years:
1998-2005 (model years 1999-2006)
Initial Reception:
Generally well-received for its technological advancements and refined luxury, despite some early concerns about build quality and complexity.
Consumer Ratings Early:
Praised for ride comfort, performance, and interior appointments; criticized for certain electronic reliability issues and higher maintenance costs.
Safety Certifications:
Meets all relevant safety standards for its production era (e.g., FMVSS in the US).
