🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Trim:

S55 AMG

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

W220

Engine Code:

M113 ML55 (Supercharged)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan / High-Performance Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking sophisticated styling, advanced technology, and powerful performance in a luxury vehicle.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series (e.g., 745i/760i), Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (later models), Jaguar XJ.

Performance Focus:

The S55 AMG variant specifically targets performance enthusiasts with its potent V8 engine and AMG tuning.

Luxury Appointments:

The S-Class platform is renowned for its opulent interior, advanced comfort features, and refined ride quality.

Technology Integration:

Incorporates early forms of advanced driver assistance systems and sophisticated infotainment, typical of Mercedes-Benz flagship models.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, maintenance, safety features, and specifications for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG.

Secondary Coverage:

Instrument cluster, entertainment, climate control, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints, driving tips, customer assistance, cleaning, engine compartment, fuel, air filters, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories, service, and maintenance information.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (estimated based on typical Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era).

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication, and exhaust system.

Chassis:

Braking system, suspension system, steering system, wheels, and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, wipers, power accessories, and basic diagnostic indicators.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control (automatic, multi-zone), power seats, memory functions, power windows, power locks, central locking, keyless entry, remote trunk release, sunroof operation, and interior lighting.

Infotainment And Communication:

Audio system (COMAND), navigation system (if equipped), CD changer, radio operation, and antenna system.

Safety And Security:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (ASR/ESP), cruise control, immobilizer, and alarm system.

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating lights, wipers, and climate controls.

Maintenance Tasks:

Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, and locating the engine compartment components.

Troubleshooting Indicators:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicator symbols, and basic guidance on what they signify.

Security Features:

Operating central locking, alarm system, and keyless entry/start functions.

Customer Assistance:

Information on contacting customer support, roadside assistance, and warranty information.

Safety Defect Reporting:

Specific instructions for reporting safety defects in the U.S.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information covering vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, and specifications. It is not a repair or service manual, which would provide diagnostic procedures and detailed component repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Searchability:

Likely contains searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital facsimile of factory manual, print quality will depend on user's printer.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

V8, SOHC, Supercharged

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

493 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2750-4000 rpm

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) with an intercooled Lysholm-type supercharger.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Type:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with auxiliary intercooler for the supercharger.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic with Touchshift

Gear Ratios:

Typical ratios for this era's Mercedes 5-speed auto (e.g., 3.93/2.42/1.42/1.00/0.73)

Control:

Touchshift manual shifting mode.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

200.0 inches (5080 mm)

Width:

73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.3 inches (2954 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4450 - 4550 lbs (2018 - 2064 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (Not typically specified in owner's manuals for this class)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5-Star (for standard S-Class, S55 specific data may vary but generally excellent)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for standard S-Class)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS).

Traction Control:

Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR).

Driver Assistance:

Cruise Control, PARKTRONIC parking assist (optional).

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags (optional/standard depending on specific configuration), curtain airbags (optional).

Restraints:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchoring system.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Features:

Central display screen, integrated navigation system (optional), CD player, radio, potentially a cassette player and optional CD changer.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC (optional) adaptive cruise control system.

Parking Assist:

PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear, optional).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface (often requires a specific cradle).

Seats:

Multi-contour power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating, and ventilation (optional).

Headlights:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive cornering illumination (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, often indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator on the instrument cluster (exact interval may vary based on driving conditions).

Major Service:

Major services (e.g., 'Service B') occur at longer intervals (e.g., 20,000 miles) and include more extensive checks and fluid changes.

Engine Oil:

Refer to the manual for specific MB-Approval oil specifications. Typically a synthetic 0W-40 or 5W-40 conforming to MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 is recommended for the M113 ML55 engine.

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz specified coolant (e.g., MB 325.0) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 specified automatic transmission fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB 331.0) brake fluid.

Air Suspension:

ABC (Active Body Control) suspension system can develop leaks in hoses, struts, or pump issues. Common fault is 'ABC System - Drive Carefully'.

Electronics:

Early COMAND infotainment systems can experience screen issues or navigation glitches. Sensor failures are also possible in various systems.

Supercharger:

While generally robust, supercharger belt wear or pulley issues can occur over time. Intercooler leaks are also a possibility.

Oil Filter:

Example: Mann-Filter HU 718/5 Y, Mahle OX 164, or Mercedes-Benz A 113 180 00 09.

Engine Oil:

Approximately 8.5 - 9.5 liters (8.9 - 10 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant:

Approximately 10 - 12 liters (10.5 - 12.7 US quarts).

Transmission Fluid:

Approximately 8 - 9 liters (8.5 - 9.5 US quarts) for a standard fluid change (more for a complete flush).

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and pioneering automotive technology.

W220 Generation:

The W220 S-Class (produced 1998-2005) represented a significant step forward in design, technology, and efficiency compared to its W140 predecessor.

Amg Integration:

AMG, Mercedes-Benz's in-house performance division, has been integrated into the brand, creating high-performance variants of standard Mercedes models like the S55 AMG.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany