Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking advanced technology, comfort, and prestige
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (later model), Jaguar XJ
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated infotainment
Performance And Comfort:
Smooth ride, powerful engine, advanced suspension systems (AIRMATIC optional/standard)
Technology Integration:
COMAND system, numerous driver assistance systems
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses, power outlets
Body And Interior:
Doors, locks, windows, seats, restraints, climate control, interior features
Infotainment And Electronics:
COMAND infotainment, audio system, navigation, communication
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, parking assistance, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Operation:
Vehicle startup, driving, parking, lighting operation, climate control usage
Maintenance:
Routine checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid top-ups, filter replacement guidance
Safety Features:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation guidance
Emergency:
Changing a tire, jump-starting the battery, basic troubleshooting
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics
Readability:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone)
Printability:
Digital format allows for printing of individual pages or the entire document
Binding:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Product)
Engine Type:
4.7L V8 (M273.961)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, 32-valve, DOHC V8
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US quarts) (check manual for exact)
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic (MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) (check manual for exact)
Part Number Primary:
A2730940704 (example, verify with VIN)
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (e.g., ATF LT 71141 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts) (check manual for exact, often filled via dipstick tube on older models, or specific fill procedure for sealed transmissions)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional
Shifting Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M)
Length:
Approx. 5070 mm (199.6 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1871 mm (73.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1473 mm (58.0 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1950-2050 kg (4300-4520 lbs) (depending on drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2600 kg (5732 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 560 Liters (19.8 cubic feet)
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch or 18-inch alloy
Standard Tire Size:
235/55R17 or 255/45R18 (check manual for exact fitments)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (likely for driver and passenger in 2008 testing protocols)
IIHS Front Offset Impact:
Good (likely for this generation)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System)
Adaptive Braking:
Standard (ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill Start Assist)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window curtain airbags, front pelvic airbags
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioners and force limiters, active head restraints (front)
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system (rear seats)
System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
AM/FM radio, CD/DVD player, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (phone), optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Control Interface:
Central rotary/pushbutton controller, steering wheel buttons, voice control (optional)
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional (DISTRONIC PLUS)
Parking Assistance:
Optional (PARKTRONIC front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera)
Lane Keeping:
Optional (LANE KEEPING ASSIST)
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional (BLIND SPOT ASSIST)
Bluetooth:
Standard for phone integration, potentially for audio streaming on some configurations.
Service A Interval:
Typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months (indicated by the 'Service A' message on the instrument cluster)
Service B Interval:
Typically around 20,000 miles or 24 months (indicated by 'Service B')
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Oil And Filter:
As per Service A/B schedule, or when indicated by the vehicle's service reminder system.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 or 345.0 (specific hydraulic fluid)
Coolant Type:
MB-Approval 325.0 (Silicate-free, blue-green coolant concentrate)
Common Complaints W221:
Air suspension compressor/strut leaks, SBC (Sensotronic) brake system issues (earlier models but sometimes reappears), electronic module failures, ignition coil failures, oil leaks from valve covers.
Air Filter Replacement Interval
Interval:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per service schedule, depending on driving conditions.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Pioneering automotive technology and luxury since the late 19th century
S Class Lineage:
The S-Class represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, consistently introducing new technologies and luxury standards for decades.
W221 Generation:
Introduced in 2005 (model year 2006), the W221 represented a significant styling and technological update over the W220 generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
