Segment:
Luxury Executive Sedan (Performance Variant)
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and high performance.
Competitors:
BMW M5 (E60), Audi S6 (C6), Cadillac STS-V, Jaguar XJR.
Performance Focus:
Supercharged V8 engine, AMG-tuned suspension and brakes, distinct AMG styling cues.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated technology.
Engine Systems:
Engine operation, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine compartment overview.
Powertrain:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting, park assist features.
Chassis Systems:
Braking system, suspension, steering, wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Lighting system (exterior and interior), instrument cluster functions, electrical components overview, battery.
Interior Systems:
Climate control system (HVAC), entertainment system (radio, CD player), power seats, locks, windows, mirrors, interior controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt system, child restraint systems (ISOFIX), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP).
Routine Maintenance:
Engine oil checks and topping up, checking coolant level, checking brake fluid level, checking windshield washer fluid, tire pressure checks, bulb replacement.
Operating Procedures:
Starting and shutting off the engine, engaging gears, using the parking brake, operating lights, climate control usage, infotainment system operation, using cruise control.
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in case of a breakdown, warning lamp interpretation, tire changing (if applicable), jump-starting the battery.
Cleaning And Care:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, specific material care (leather, wood trim).
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Engine Type:
Supercharged V8
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Aspiration:
Supercharger (AMG Speed-Sensitive)
Horsepower:
469 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential, Multi-Point)
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40, refer to manual for specific MB approval)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts) with filter change
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A2110940101 (typically requires two filters)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (AMG SPEEDSHIFT)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in service manual, but designed for performance and comfort.
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M) modes with paddle shifters.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Shell ATF 134 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8-9 liters for complete fluid change (refer to manual for exact capacity and procedure)
Length:
Approx. 4,850 mm (190.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,800 mm (70.9 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,820 kg (4,012 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2,360 kg (5,203 lbs)
NHTSA Ratings:
Likely received high ratings (e.g., 4 or 5 stars) in frontal and side crash tests for its era, refer to specific NHTSA reports if available.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely rated 'Good' in relevant IIHS crashworthiness tests.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (BAS - Brake Assist)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters (front and rear).
Iso Fix Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) mounting points for child seats.
Audio System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, AM/FM radio, CD player, possibly optional SiriusXM satellite radio.
Navigation:
Integrated navigation system (may require separate map disc).
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for phone integration.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, possibly DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) as an option.
Parking Assist:
Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Seats:
Multi-contour power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating, and ventilation (optional).
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Indicator (VSI) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the manual for specific mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles) for items like spark plugs, transmission service, coolant flush.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or specified MB approval)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Common Issues Potential:
ABC (Active Body Control) suspension issues (leaks, pump failure), coil pack failures, crank position sensor issues, blower motor resistor, transmission conductor plate, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) issues (though less common on later W211 models, still a potential maintenance item).
Maintenance Importance:
Due to the high-performance nature and advanced systems, adherence to scheduled maintenance is crucial for longevity and reliability.
Manufacturer:
DaimlerChrysler AG (Mercedes-Benz)
W211 Generation:
This is the performance variant of the W211 E-Class, produced from 2002-2009. The E55 AMG was the top-tier performance model for this generation.
Production Years E55 W211:
2002-2006 (for the W211 platform, it was replaced by the E63 AMG)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (typically Sindelfingen or Rastatt assembly plants)
Performance Awards:
Often praised by automotive publications for its blend of luxury and supercar-like performance. Specific awards vary but it was recognized as a benchmark performance sedan.
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered reliable when properly maintained, but maintenance costs can be higher due to specialized AMG parts and systems.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2005 model year.
