🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Model Variant:

S500 4MATIC

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

W221

Engine Code Family:

M273

Generation:

Fifth Generation (W221)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Brand Philosophy:

Engineering excellence, comfort, safety, and advanced technology

Primary Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ

Design Language:

Elegant, sophisticated, and imposing presence, characteristic Mercedes-Benz styling

Powertrain Focus:

Smooth, powerful V8 engine with the capability of 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction

Technology Integration:

Advanced infotainment, climate control, and driver assistance systems for its era

Owner Benefit:

To provide comprehensive guidance on the operation, features, and basic maintenance of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Source:

Factory Original

Availability:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment:

COMAND APS, Radio operation, Navigation, Telephony, Media Interface

Climate Control:

THERMATIC, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, seat heating/ventilation, ambient lighting

Lighting:

Exterior lights, interior lights, ambient lighting, cornering light function

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, MMI controls, cruise control, speed limiter, mirrors, wipers, headlamp switch

Locks And Security:

Central locking, KEYLESS-GO, anti-theft alarm system, SAFE LOCK

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Power seat adjustments, front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, Active Head Restraints (AHR), ISOFIX child seat mounting

Driving:

Starting/stopping engine, selecting gears (7G-TRONIC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), ABS, Brake Assist (BAS), Active Suspension (ABC - if equipped), 4MATIC all-wheel drive system

Maintenance And Specifications:

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, tire pressure monitoring, filter replacement, fluid capacities, lubricant specifications

Engine Compartment:

Locating components (oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, battery), engine identification

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids, tire pressure adjustment, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement (exterior/interior)

Driver Assistance Operation:

Operation of cruise control, speed limiter, parking assist (if equipped), seat belt usage

Infotainment Operation:

Navigating menus, pairing phones, setting destinations, controlling audio sources

Safety Feature Activation:

Seat belt adjustment, child seat installation guidance, understanding airbag warnings

Customer Assistance:

Contacting roadside assistance, understanding warning lamps and messages, reporting safety defects (U.S. only)

Cleaning And Care:

Exterior cleaning, interior cleaning, leather care, dashboard care

Diagnostic Level:

Understanding dashboard warning indicators and messages, basic troubleshooting for common alerts

Repair Scope:

Focus on operation and user-level maintenance, not in-depth repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Reader Requirement:

Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer

Searchability:

Typically searchable text (depends on PDF creation)

Printability:

Printable

Quality Description:

Digital reproduction of factory original, clarity of text and images

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4966 cc)

Engine Code:

M273.960

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Oil Type Specification:

MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Drivetrain:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

Transmission Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.14 (or equivalent meeting standard)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.9 inches

Width:

73.7 inches

Height:

57.2 inches

Wheelbase:

116.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,387 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,556 lbs

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 16.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star Rating (2006 Model Year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (Typically rated Good in front and side crash tests)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esc:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), also known as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Brake Assist:

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear window curtain airbags, front head airbags

Seat Belts:

Pretensioning front seat belts with force limiters, rear seat belts

Child Seats:

ISOFIX child seat anchor points

Head Restraints:

Active Head Restraints (AHR) for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Display:

Central 7-inch color display with high resolution

Audio System:

Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (optional)

Navigation:

Integrated DVD-based navigation system

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (via Tele Aid or similar module)

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC (optional adaptive cruise control)

Parking Aid:

PARKTRONIC parking assist sensors (front and rear)

Night Vision:

Night View Assist (optional infrared night vision system)

Keyless Entry Start:

KEYLESS-GO keyless entry and ignition

Ambient Lighting:

Adjustable ambient interior lighting

Door Closing Assist:

Soft-close doors

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, based on 'ASSYST PLUS' service computer (typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first).

Major Service Intervals:

Scheduled maintenance (e.g., A, B, C service) typically every 10,000-15,000 miles, with specific items at higher mileages like spark plugs (around 60,000 miles) and transmission fluid service (around 40,000-60,000 miles, check manual for specifics).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 11.4 US quarts (10.8 liters)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz Washer Fluid (or equivalent with antifreeze properties in winter)

Air Suspension Components:

Potential for air strut leaks or compressor failure (especially with Active Body Control - ABC systems).

Electronics Reliability:

While generally reliable, complex electronics can sometimes be prone to issues, requiring dealership diagnostics.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket leaks can occur over time, common on many V8 engines.

Transmission Shifts:

Occasional rough shifting may indicate the need for transmission fluid and filter service.

Oil Filter Example:

A2721840025 (example, always verify for specific VIN)

Air Filter Example:

A2720940204 (example, always verify for specific VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of automotive innovation, luxury, and engineering excellence dating back to the late 19th century.

S Class Legacy:

The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan, consistently setting benchmarks for comfort, safety, and technology in the automotive industry.

W221 Introduction:

The W221 generation of the S-Class debuted in 2005 for the 2006 model year, representing a significant redesign with new styling, technology, and powertrains.

Production Period:

2006-2013 (W221 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the S500 4MATIC itself might not have a specific '10Best' award for 2006, the S-Class line generally receives accolades for its luxury and engineering.

Automotive Journalism Awards:

The W221 S-Class was widely praised by automotive journalists for its technological advancements, ride comfort, and overall refinement.

Safety Certification Compliance:

Meets all relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2006 model year.