Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking advanced technology, comfort, and prestige.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera, Jaguar XJ.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated design.
Advanced Technology:
Innovative driver assistance systems, advanced infotainment, sophisticated suspension technologies.
Performance Options:
Range of powerful V6, V8, and V12 engines (though V12 likely not covered in a 2008 model manual unless specified), refined ride quality.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage including all gasoline and diesel variants available for 2008 W221 models (e.g., M272 V6, M273 V8, OM642 V6 Diesel).
Transmission:
Detailed repair and maintenance for automatic transmissions (e.g., 7G-TRONIC PLUS).
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive systems.
Suspension Steering:
AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension, ABC (Active Body Control) for select models, conventional suspension, steering systems (hydraulic power steering).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control for earlier models, though W221 largely transitioned away, coverage may be relevant for some components), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Complete electrical diagrams, troubleshooting for ECUs, comfort systems (e.g., climate control, seats, windows), lighting, audio, navigation.
Body Chassis:
Body repair, panel replacement, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, glass replacement.
HVAC:
Automatic climate control systems, component testing and replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, control modules).
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, oxygen sensors.
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake service.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis, wiring diagrams for electrical issues.
Installation:
Procedures for replacing major components and accessories.
Diagnostic Tools:
References to Mercedes-Benz specific diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis system) and procedures for using generic OBD-II scanners.
Rebuild Specifications:
Engine and transmission internal component specifications, clearances, torque values for rebuilding.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific Mercedes-Benz repairs.
Engine Options 2008:
Likely includes M272 (3.5L V6), M273 (4.7L V8), M275 (5.5L V12 Bi-Turbo in S65 AMG), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel).
M272 E35 Performance:
Approx. 268 hp @ 6000 rpm, 258 lb-ft torque @ 3500 rpm.
M273 E47 Performance:
Approx. 382 hp @ 6000 rpm, 391 lb-ft torque @ 2800 rpm.
Om642 De30La Performance:
Approx. 221 hp @ 3800 rpm, 398 lb-ft torque @ 1600-2600 rpm.
Fuel Injection:
Sequential multiport fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) for diesel.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for gasoline engines), Diesel Fuel for diesel engine.
Transmission Type Standard:
7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS) for most gasoline engines.
Transmission Type Optional:
Some AMG models may feature a 5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) or a 7-speed version.
Transmission Features:
Driver-adaptive shifting, manual shift mode (Tiptronic), Sport and Comfort modes.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 124.6 inches (3165 mm)
Length:
Approx. 200.9 inches (5103 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.2 inches (1478 mm)
Curb Weight Start:
Approx. 4200 lbs (1905 kg) for S550
Curb Weight End:
Approx. 4500+ lbs (2041+ kg) for S600/S65 AMG
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS
Lane Keeping Assist:
Optional LANE KEEPING ASSIST
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional BLIND SPOT ASSIST
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, curtain, knee airbags for driver and front passenger. Rear side airbags often optional or standard on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning and force-limiting front seatbelts, active head restraints (NECK-PRO).
Command System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated radio, CD/DVD changer, navigation, and Bluetooth.
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system optional/standard on higher trims.
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors, REARVIEW CAMERA optional.
Night Vision:
Optional NIGHT VIEW ASSIST system.
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Aux:
Optional USB interface or AUX input for media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (check specific model recommendations).
Major Service Interval:
Around 30,000-40,000 miles, including transmission fluid service, differential fluid change, brake fluid flush, and cabin air filter replacement.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (fully synthetic, e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or similar)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 134)
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Approved Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB 331.0)
Air Suspension Problems:
AIRMATIC strut leaks, compressor failures, valve block issues. ABC suspension can have pump and hose leaks.
Engine M272 Cam Phaser:
Variable valve timing (VVT) actuator failures (camshaft adjusters) leading to rough idle and check engine light.
Sbc Issues Early Models:
While W221 largely phased out SBC, some early components might have related issues, though less common than W220.
Electronics Module Failures:
Malfunctions in various control units (e.g., SAM modules, climate control unit) due to moisture ingress or component failure.
Om642 Egr Cooler:
EGR cooler leaks can cause coolant loss and engine bay contamination.
Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:
Not specifically awarded for 2008 S-Class, but consistently recognized for luxury and technology.
Jd Power Dependability:
Varies by model year and specific configurations, typically mid-range for luxury segment.
Euro Ncap:
Likely received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, consistent with Mercedes-Benz safety standards.
