Powertrain Engine:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electricals, ECU diagnostics.
Powertrain Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 7G-TRONIC), torque converter, transmission control unit, gear shift mechanisms, fluid services.
Chassis Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension systems (e.g., AIRMATIC air suspension), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, wheel bearings.
Chassis Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, steering column, power steering pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Chassis Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake discs, brake pads, brake calipers, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, parking brake, bleeding procedures.
Electrical Body:
Interior and exterior lighting, power windows, power seats, central locking, mirrors, wipers, horn, door modules, comfort features.
Electrical Powertrain Control Module (PCM) And Body Control Module (Bcm):
Engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU), CAN bus network, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, sensor testing.
HVAC:
Automatic climate control, HVAC blower motor, refrigerant system, AC compressor, heater core, control panel diagnostics, cabin filters.
Infotainment:
COMAND system, navigation, radio, CD/DVD changer, auxiliary inputs, speaker systems, telematics.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, occupant classification systems, diagnostic procedures for airbag faults.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules for various service intervals (e.g., A, B, C services), fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, repair, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.
Component Testing:
Procedures for testing electrical components, sensors, actuators, and mechanical parts using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized tools.
Calibration And Adaptation:
Procedures for recalibrating or adapting modules and sensors after replacement or repair (e.g., steering angle sensor, throttle body).
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Comprehensive listing of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with their definitions and potential causes, along with diagnostic steps.
Depth Of Information:
Expert-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and highly skilled DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
References to specialized diagnostic tools and equipment used by Mercedes-Benz dealerships (e.g., Star Diagnosis).
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component locations and pin assignments.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners during assembly and disassembly procedures.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific Mercedes-Benz special tools required for certain repair procedures.
Engine Options:
Various V6, V8, and V12 gasoline and diesel engines. For 2006, common engines include the M272 V6 and M273 V8.
Engine Displacement E.G. S350:
3.5L (M272)
Engine Displacement E.G. S500:
5.5L (M273)
Horsepower:
Approx. 268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Horsepower:
Approx. 382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multipoint Fuel Injection (SFI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Emission Standards:
Meets or exceeds US EPA and CARB standards for the model year.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star Rating (for model year 2006)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Good (for model year 2006)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags, rear side airbags (optional).
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seat belts, belt force limiters.
Infotainment System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display Type:
Central color LCD display, often 7 or 8 inches.
Features:
Navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity (phone/audio), auxiliary input.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with radar-based distance sensing.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors and rearview camera.
Lane Keeping Assist:
Optional LANE KEEPING ASSIST (Active Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist were introduced later in the W221 generation, but early versions of driver aids were present).
Bluetooth:
Standard or optional Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming.
Telematics:
Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid for emergency assistance.
Service A:
Typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Includes oil and filter change, inspection of key components.
Service B:
Typically around 20,000 miles or 24 months (following Service A). Includes Service A items plus cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid change, etc.
Engine Oil Type M272/M273:
MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity M272:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity M273:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 Antifreeze/Coolant (typically blue color).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Air Suspension Leaks:
Common reports of air strut leaks or compressor failures (especially on AIRMATIC systems).
Oem Coil Packs:
Early models (especially with M272 engines) experienced issues with faulty ignition coil packs and spark plugs.
Harmonic Balancer Failure:
Some M272 engines have reported failures of the harmonic balancer due to worn materials.
Transmission Control Module:
Occasional issues with the transmission control module (TCM) or conductor plate.