Vehicle Class:
Full-size Luxury Coupe
Key Competitors 1999:
BMW 8 Series, Lexus SC400, Jaguar XK8, Porsche 911 Carrera
Distinctive Attributes:
Flagship S-Class based coupe, advanced technology, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, superior build quality
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M4.0), ignition, emissions control, lubrication, cooling, starting, charging
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (5G-TRONIC), shift control, hydraulics, diagnostics
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (independent front and rear), steering (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrument cluster, climate control, power accessories (windows, locks, seats, mirrors), audio system, CAN bus diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Body construction, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission service, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, error code interpretation
Technical Depth:
In-depth diagnostics, component-level repair, complete disassembly and reassembly procedures, factory specifications and tolerances
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Displacement:
4.973 liters (303 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (24 total)
Horsepower:
302 hp (225 kW) @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft (460 Nm) @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M4.0 Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-port)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
Not Applicable (vehicle not tested under current NHTSA standards)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (ASR)
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced safety cell
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation System) optional, premium audio system (e.g., Bose)
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, parking assist (optional ultrasonic sensors), rain-sensing wipers (optional)
Connectivity Features:
Early forms of CAN bus integration for diagnostics and system control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (iridium spark plugs).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 Approved Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.81 (ATF LT 71141)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (ISO 4925)
Common Issues:
ABC suspension (Active Body Control) hydraulic leaks and pump failure, crankcase ventilation system (PVC) issues, fuel distributor leaks, window regulator failures, catalyst converter failure, door lock actuators.
