Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera
Luxury Appointments:
Premium materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated styling
Technology Integration:
Advanced driver assistance systems, sophisticated infotainment, innovative comfort technologies
Demographic:
Affluent consumers seeking premium performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology
Powertrain:
Engine (M273), Transmission (722.9 7G-TRONIC PLUS), Drivetrain (4MATIC AWD optional)
Chassis:
Suspension (AIRMATIC DC), Steering (Electro-hydraulic), Brakes (ABS, ESP, SBC - if applicable, though W221 primarily uses Sensotronic Brake Control variants or conventional hydraulic systems depending on build date/options)
Electrical Electronics:
Body Control Module (BCM), CAN Bus Communication, Lighting Systems, Infotainment (COMAND APS), Navigation, Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), Instrument Cluster, Keyless-Go, Power Seats, Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC)
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, convertible top (if applicable - not for S550 sedan), convertible drive system (if applicable)
Body Interior:
Interior trim, upholstery, airbags, seat belts, HVAC ducting, dashboard, center console
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), brake pad/rotor replacement, battery service, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation, wiring diagrams, component testing
Repair Rebuild:
Engine component repair, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Calibration Adaptation:
Throttle body adaptation, steering angle sensor calibration, suspension height calibration, module programming/coding (requires Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools)
Depth:
Expert level: Covers detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, electrical schematics, torque specifications, and factory procedures for all major systems.
Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
Gear Ratios:
4.377 / 2.859 / 1.926 / 1.370 / 1.000 / 0.745 / 0.695 (Rear)
Drive Type:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Optional)
Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M)
Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Brake Assist Plus:
Standard
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS (Optional)
Lane Departure Prevention:
LANE KEEPING ASSIST (Optional)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage, front side-impact, rear side-impact, front and rear head curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioners, force limiters, automatic height adjustment
Head Unit:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Navigation:
Hard-drive based GPS navigation system
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (Optional)
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC (Optional)
Blind Spot Monitoring:
BLIND SPOT ASSIST (Optional)
Night Vision:
NIGHT VIEW ASSIST (Optional)
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Auxiliary Input:
Yes (AUX input for external audio devices)
Climate Control:
THERMATIC (Dual-zone) or THERMOTRONIC (Multi-zone) automatic climate control
Seats:
Heated and ventilated front seats, optional multi-contour seats with massage function
Headlights:
Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5 specification.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (specific part numbers in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus
Airmatic Suspension:
Potential for air strut leaks, compressor failure, or sensor malfunctions over time. Manual covers diagnosis and repair.
Ignition Coils:
Some M273 engines can experience ignition coil failures, leading to misfires. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Cooling System:
Water pump and thermostat failures can occur. Manual details replacement procedures and coolant flush instructions.
Electronics:
Various electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors can fail, affecting comfort and powertrain functions. Manual is crucial for diagnosing these complex systems.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury, executive, and flagship sedans, dating back to the early 20th century.
W221 Generation:
The W221 S-Class replaced the W220 generation and was produced from 2005 (model year 2006) through 2013.
2009 Updates:
Minor enhancements for 2009, building on the initial introduction of the W221 platform. Features like updated COMAND infotainment and available driver assistance systems were refined.
Manufacturing Locations:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Luxury Awards:
Often recognized by automotive publications for its luxury, comfort, and technological advancements, though specific 'awards' vary year by year and by publication.
Safety Ratings:
Consistently achieved top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Emissions:
Meets relevant emissions standards for its model year (e.g., Tier 2 Bin 5 in the US).
