Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors 2004:
BMW 7 Series (E65/E66), Audi A8 (D3), Lexus LS 430, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera (later)
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking high levels of comfort, technology, and prestige.
W220 Strengths:
Advanced technology (ABC, Distronic, SBC), refined ride quality, superior interior materials, strong brand heritage.
W220 Weaknesses:
Complex electronics leading to potential repair costs, some initial reliability concerns with early models.
Flagship Status:
Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, understated styling with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and sophisticated interior design.
Technology Introduction:
Pioneered technologies like Active Body Control (ABC) and Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) in mass production.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, component testing, specifications
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators
Transmission Automatic:
722.6 (5-Speed Automatic) overhaul, service, diagnostics, control module
Drivetrain:
Axles, driveshafts, differentials, wheel bearings, CV joints
Suspension:
ABC (Active Body Control) system, airmatic suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, links
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
12V system, alternator, battery, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body Control Module:
BCM, CAN bus system, diagnostics, component location
Lighting:
Headlights (including Xenon/Bi-Xenon), taillights, interior lighting, control modules
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, actuators
Comfort Systems:
Power seats, memory seats, heated/ventilated seats, power windows, sunroof, door locks, soft-close doors, trunk automation
Infotainment Audio:
COMAND system, radio, navigation, CD changer, speaker system, telematics
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module, seat occupancy sensors
Driver Assistance:
Distronic (adaptive cruise control), PARKTRONIC (parking sensors), rain sensor, light sensor
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing procedures
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor components
Major Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Diagnostic Procedures:
Use of diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR DAS), reading live data, actuator tests
Calibration Procedures:
SBC calibration, suspension calibration, steering angle sensor calibration
Bodywork Repair:
Panel removal and installation, dent repair, paint refinishing guidelines
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded wiring schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electronic diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
References and procedures for using Mercedes-Benz proprietary diagnostic equipment (e.g., STAR DAS).
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for component clearances and wear limits.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific procedures.
Engine Family:
Mercedes-Benz M112 (V6) and M113 (V8) families
Engine 2004 Options:
S350 (3.7L V6), S430 (4.3L V8), S500 (5.0L V8), S55 AMG (5.4L V8 Supercharged), S600 (5.5L V12 Twin-Turbocharged)
Engine Displacement S430:
4266 cc
Engine Displacement S500:
4966 cc
Engine Displacement S55 Amg:
5439 cc
Engine Displacement S600:
5513 cc
Horsepower S430:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque S430:
295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Horsepower S500:
302 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque S500:
339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Horsepower S55 Amg:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque S55 Amg:
516 lb-ft @ 2750-4000 rpm
Horsepower S600:
493 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque S600:
590 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Forced Induction:
Supercharger (S55 AMG), Twin-Turbochargers (S600)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Typical for this era and segment)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Typical for this era and segment)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Sbc:
Sensotronic Brake Control (Standard on S430/S500/S600, optional on S350)
Distronic:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control
Parktronic:
Optional Parking Assist System
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Front and rear side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Window airbags (head protection)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters
Srs:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with occupant classification
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific service indicator reset.
Major Service Interval:
Intervals vary (e.g., 30,000, 60,000 miles) for spark plugs, transmission service, coolant, etc. Refer to manual for detailed A/B service schedules.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 343.0 (Mineral oil based, often Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Approved washer fluid concentrate (e.g., Sonax)
Abc Suspension:
Leakage in hydraulic lines, pump failure, valve body issues, strut seal failures. Regular fluid changes and filter replacement are crucial.
Sbc System:
High-pressure pump failure, accumulator wear, sensor issues. Requires specialized tools and procedures for service.
Electronics:
Various module failures (e.g., SAM modules, door control modules), CAN bus communication errors, EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) issues.
Air Suspension Sprung:
Airmatic compressor failure, air spring leaks (though ABC is more prevalent on higher trims).
Cooling System:
Water pump leaks, thermostat housing failures, radiator hose degradation.
Interior Trim:
Headliner sagging, dashboard material delamination (especially in warm climates).
Maintenance Schedule Details
Brakes Pad Rotor Life:
Varies greatly with driving style, but typically 30,000-60,000 miles for pads and 60,000-100,000 miles for rotors.