🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S600

Year:

1999

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1999 S600 (W220 generation) represented the pinnacle of luxury and technology in Mercedes-Benz's sedan lineup, targeting affluent individuals seeking the ultimate in comfort, performance, and prestige.

Prestige Factor:

The S600 was positioned as the ultimate expression of Mercedes-Benz luxury, technology, and performance, offering unparalleled refinement for its time.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other top-tier luxury sedans of the era such as the BMW 7 Series (E38), Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Jaguar XJ. The S600's V12 engine and advanced features like Active Body Control set it apart.

Key Features:

5.0L V12 engine, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, COMAND infotainment system, advanced safety features, luxurious interior appointments.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive service and repair for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, including all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems.

Body And Interior Coverage:

Detailed procedures for interior trim removal, seat adjustments, door panel access, climate control system servicing, body panel alignment, and rust prevention.

Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages for a complete factory service manual. Specific count not provided in description, but implied to be exhaustive.

Manual Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Manual Utility:

Essential resource for owners and independent repair shops to maintain and repair the vehicle to factory specifications.

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (M137 V12), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Transmission (5G-TRONIC automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension (Active Body Control - ABC), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Climate Control (THERMOTRONIC), Electrical System (CAN bus architecture, multiplexing), Body & Chassis, Interior Components, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams.

Electrical System Detail:

Detailed troubleshooting guides for the CAN-bus network, multiplexed systems, power distribution modules (PSE, SAM), lighting, comfort features, and infotainment. Includes comprehensive wiring diagrams.

Infotainment And Comfort Systems:

Detailed coverage of the COMAND system, climate control (THERMOTRONIC), power seats, windows, locks, and other comfort-related electronic modules.

Body And Chassis Structure:

Includes information on unibody construction, panel replacement, structural integrity checks, and corrosion protection.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component removal and installation, repair procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring schematics, special tool requirements, system adjustments, component testing, rebuild procedures.

Diagnostics Procedures:

Systematic diagnostic fault finding procedures, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), use of specialized diagnostic tools (e.g., SDS - Star Diagnosis).

Component Replacement Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually every major and minor component, from engine parts and transmission to sensors, actuators, and trim pieces.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to advanced electronic diagnostics and complete mechanical overhauls. Covers factory-level repair procedures and specifications.

Troubleshooting Approach:

Employs a logical, step-by-step troubleshooting methodology, often starting with symptom identification and progressing through electrical checks, component testing, and system diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer). Searchable text is a common feature of good service manual software.

Compatibility:

Software is typically designed for Windows operating systems. Specific version compatibility (e.g., XP, Vista, 7, 10) may vary and is a crucial detail for users.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Software). Illustrations and diagrams will be rendered digitally, aiming for clarity comparable to original factory print.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Software).

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software).

Completeness:

Full factory service manual coverage, essential for accurate diagnosis and repair of this complex vehicle.

Searchability:

Digital format typically allows for keyword searching of the entire manual, greatly improving diagnostic efficiency.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M137 E50

Engine Type:

SOHC V12 (6 valves per cylinder)

Displacement:

4966 cc (5.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)

Fuel Pump Type:

Electric, in-tank fuel pump.

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Engine Features:

Dual overhead camshafts (SOHC), 3 valves per cylinder, electronic ignition, electronic engine management system.

Ignition System Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual ignition coils for each spark plug.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Transmission Features:

Electronic control with adaptive shift programming, torque converter lock-up.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for the 5G-TRONIC transmission are detailed in the manual, crucial for diagnosis of shifting issues.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

196.8 in (4998 mm)

Width:

73.3 in (1862 mm)

Height:

57.0 in (1448 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.7 in (2965 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4300-4500 lbs (1950-2040 kg), depending on options.

Seating Capacity:

5

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated for 1999 by NHTSA for this specific model variant in publicly available historical data. Generally considered very safe for its era.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (ASR).

Brake System:

Ventilated discs front and rear, ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Passive Safety:

Front airbags, front side airbags, advanced seatbelt systems, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system, often featuring a CD player, radio, and navigation.

Infotainment Features:

Radio, CD player, navigation system, potentially voice control depending on specific COMAND version.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise Control, Parking Assist (optional), Rain-sensing wipers.

Suspension System:

Active Body Control (ABC) - hydraulic suspension system with active damping and ride height adjustment.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. May include teleaid system, cellular phone integration (often a separate dock).

🔧 Maintenance

Minor Service Interval:

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

Major Service Interval:

Variable, often around 30,000-50,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Service Minder system. May include spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, coolant flush.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Typically every 2 years or 30,000 miles, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (Mercedes-Benz MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.3)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze (G05 or equivalent, typically a silicate-free hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT))

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for 5-speed transmissions, or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

Hydraulic fluid CHF 11S (Pentosin) or equivalent for Active Body Control (ABC) system.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10.5 - 11.0 Liters (check manual for exact specification).

Common Issues:

ABC suspension hydraulic leaks and pump failures, ignition coil failures, electronic module failures (e.g., ECU, SAM), MAF sensor issues, catalytic converter premature failure, trunk lock actuator problems, coolant leaks from thermostat housing or hoses. The V12 engine, while powerful, can be complex to maintain.

Abc Suspension Complexity:

The ABC system is a significant area of complexity and requires specialized knowledge and tools for repair, all of which are covered in detail by the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building robust, luxurious, and technologically advanced vehicles, with the S-Class being its flagship model line since its inception.

Model Evolution:

The 1999 S600 is part of the W220 generation (1998-2005), succeeding the W140. This generation introduced significant advancements in technology and a more aerodynamic design.

Chassis Code:

W220

Design Philosophy:

The W220 generation emphasized a sleeker, more aerodynamic design and a reduction in weight compared to its predecessor, while integrating advanced electronic systems.

Production Period:

1999 S-Class production ran from late 1998 through 1999.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The S-Class line has historically received numerous accolades for luxury, safety, and engineering innovation. Specific awards for the '99 S600 are not detailed in the product info, but it was widely regarded as a class leader.