Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and powerful performance.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series (e.g., 760Li), Lexus LS (e.g., LS460), Audi A8 (e.g., A8L 4.2 FSI/W12)
Powertrain Highlight:
V12 Biturbo engine, offering exceptional torque and smooth power delivery.
Suspension Highlight:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension for superior ride comfort and handling.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated infotainment, and abundant comfort features.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, twin-turbocharging system
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6 series)
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, seats, mirrors, sunroof), audio system, climate control system, central locking, alarm system, keyless-Go
Safety:
Airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS, ESP, tire pressure monitoring system
Routine Maintenance:
Engine oil and filter change, coolant checks, brake fluid checks, tire pressure checks and adjustments, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement
Operational Procedures:
Starting and driving the vehicle, using climate controls, operating infotainment system, adjusting seating and mirrors, parking assist, using cruise control
Troubleshooting:
Warning lamps and indicators, basic diagnostic checks for common issues
Depth:
Covers owner-level maintenance, operation of all vehicle systems, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes beyond what is visible to the owner.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2004 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2004 models)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for W220 platform)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Esp:
Standard (Electronic Stability Program)
Tpm:
Standard (Tire Pressure Monitoring)
Airbags:
Front, side, and curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) system
Navigation:
GPS Navigation system (often with CD-ROM based maps)
Audio System:
Premium sound system (e.g., Bose or Harman Kardon), CD changer
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control, DISTRONIC optional (adaptive cruise control)
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)
Lighting Technology:
Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive illumination
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated mobile phone system (often via cradle or Bluetooth adapter in later versions)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics)
Major Service Interval:
Refer to 'Service A' and 'Service B' intervals based on vehicle computer (ASSYST Plus system), typically around 30,000-40,000 miles for major checks.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Formula M 0W-40 or equivalent (MB-Approval 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (MB 325.0 or MB 326.0)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Abc Suspension:
Hydraulic leaks, strut failures, pump issues can be common and costly to repair. Regular fluid changes and checks are critical.
Ignition Coils:
V12 engines can be sensitive to ignition coil health, leading to misfires.
Electronics:
Various electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors can be prone to failure, especially related to infotainment and climate control.
Air Suspension Springs:
Though ABC is primary, some models might have air springs which can degrade over time.
Oil Leaks:
V12 engines can develop oil leaks from various seals and gaskets over time.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long history of luxury, engineering innovation, and automotive excellence, particularly in the S-Class lineage.
W220 Generation:
Third generation of the S-Class, representing a significant shift in design and technology, emphasizing a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile and advanced electronic systems.
Production Period:
1998-2005 (W220 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
General Recognition:
The W220 S-Class, including the S600, was generally well-received for its ride quality, V12 performance, and technological advancements, often winning accolades for luxury and comfort from automotive publications.
Safety Ratings Confirmation:
Consistent high safety ratings from official bodies like NHTSA and IIHS for the W220 platform, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety.
