Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals, corporate executives, high-profile clientele
Key Competitors 2008:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (introduced later)
Design Philosophy:
Elegance, comfort, advanced technology, safety leadership
Innovation:
Introduction of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), enhanced COMAND interface
Engine:
All engine variants for 2008 S-Class (e.g., V8, V12)
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., 7G-TRONIC)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Suspension:
AIRMATIC Air Suspension, Active Body Control (ABC)
Brakes:
Hydraulic Brake System, ABS, ESP, SBC (if applicable), Brake Assist
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering, SPEEDTRONIC (variable steering assistance)
Electrical System:
Battery, Charging System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, ECU control modules
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis structural components
HVAC:
Automatic Climate Control, AIRMATIC air distribution
Infotainment:
COMAND system, navigation, audio, telephone integration
Driver Assistance:
Distronic Plus, PARKTRONIC, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE®
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and calibration
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, SDS (Star Diagnosis System) integration
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems
Specifications:
Torque values, fluid types and capacities, wear limits
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Mercedes-Benz specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls)
Engine Options 2008:
S350 (3.5L V6), S550 (5.5L V8), S600 (5.5L V12 Twin-Turbo), S63 AMG (6.2L V8 Naturally Aspirated), S65 AMG (6.0L V12 Twin-Turbo)
S550 Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
S550 Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
ECU Type:
ME/MED Control Units
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Likely, based on previous models and luxury segment standards)
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Good (Likely, based on previous models and luxury segment standards)
Active Safety Systems:
ABS, ESP, Brake Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS, PARKTRONIC, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Night View Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags
Pre Safe System:
PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display Size:
7-inch high-resolution color display
Audio System:
Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (optional/standard on higher trims)
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS
Night Vision:
Night View Assist (optional)
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth telephony
Usb Aux Input:
Available through Media Interface (optional)
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service system)
Major Service A B:
Refer to Service A/B schedule (typically includes comprehensive inspections, filter replacements, fluid checks)
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30)
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, serpentine belt, suspension components (especially ABC), O2 sensors
Electronic Issues:
COMAND system glitches, parktronic sensor failures, SAM module issues
Air Suspension Issues:
Air springs leaking, compressor failure, valve body issues with ABC system
Typical Award Categories:
Luxury Car of the Year, Best Safety Features, Most Comfortable Ride
Owner Satisfaction Scores:
Generally high, reflecting luxury and build quality
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with relevant emissions standards for the model year (e.g., LEV II in US market)
