Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking comfort, safety, and advanced technology
Key Competitors 2003:
BMW 7 Series (E65/E66), Audi A8 (D3), Lexus LS 430, Jaguar XJ
Advanced Suspension:
Optional Active Body Control (ABC) system for superior ride comfort and handling
Safety Innovation:
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system (standard on many models for 2003) offering brake-by-wire technology
Cabin Technology:
COMAND infotainment system with navigation, premium audio, and advanced climate control
Dealer Level Diagnostics:
Provides the same level of detail and diagnostic capability as used by authorized Mercedes-Benz service centers.
Vehicle Specificity:
Not generic; directly applicable to the 2003 W220 S-Class, ensuring accuracy for all its unique systems.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable), engine management system (ECU)
Transmission Manual:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 5G-TRONIC/7G-TRONIC variants), torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), gearsets, hydraulic systems
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, Active Body Control (ABC) system (if applicable)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering angle sensor
Brakes:
Brake system, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system (if applicable), brake discs, pads, calipers, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, body control modules (BCM), CAN bus communication
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system, HVAC components, refrigerant, fans, sensors, control units
Infotainment:
COMAND infotainment system, navigation, audio system, telephone integration
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, bumpers
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, occupant sensors
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, fault code interpretation, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., Star Diagnosis/XENTRY)
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, module diagnosis and replacement
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, vehicle-specific, detailed technical specifications, torque values, diagnostic procedures, and repair instructions.
Accuracy:
Exact same information used by Mercedes-Benz dealership technicians
Engine Options 2003:
S350 (M112 E37), S430 (M113 E43), S500 (M113 E50), S600 (M137 E58 - V12), AMG S55 (M113 E55 ML - Supercharged)
S430 Engine Type:
4.3L V8 (M113 E43)
S500 Engine Type:
5.0L V8 (M113 E50)
S430 Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm (approx.)
S500 Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
S55 Amg Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm (approx.)
S500 Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (5G-TRONIC) for most models, 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC) introduced later in the generation (check specific model/market)
Transmission Control:
Electronic Transmission Control Module (ETM)
All Wheel Drive:
Optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system available on select models (e.g., S430 4MATIC, S500 4MATIC)
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.10 (e.g., ATF 3403 M-115)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:
Good
Antilock Braking System:
Standard ABS
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Brake Assist:
Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)
Sensotronic Brake Control:
Standard SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) on many 2003 models
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seat belts with load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children) may be present depending on market and specific configuration.
Comand System:
Centralized control for navigation, audio, climate, and vehicle settings. Early versions used CD-ROM based navigation.
Audio Options:
Bose premium audio system was a popular option.
Distronic:
Optional adaptive cruise control system that maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Parking Assist:
Optional parking sensors (front and rear) for enhanced parking maneuvers.
Telephone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system.
Can Bus Architecture:
Extensive use of CAN (Controller Area Network) bus for communication between various electronic control units (ECUs).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality used (consult manual for specific interval).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended at 30,000-60,000 miles, or as specified by the maintenance schedule. Crucial for longevity, especially with 5G-TRONIC/7G-TRONIC.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to hygroscopic nature of brake fluid.
Coolant Change:
Initial change typically at 100,000 miles, then every 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter (using specified coolant).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB-Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40)
Coolant Specification:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (typically a silicate-free, long-life coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 or 344.0
Air Suspension Struts:
Can develop leaks over time, leading to vehicle sag (especially common with ABC system).
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils can lead to misfires and rough running.
Window Regulators:
Motor or regulator failure can prevent windows from operating.
Sbc System Faults:
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) can develop faults, often indicated by dashboard warnings and requiring specialized diagnosis/replacement of the SBC hydraulic unit or pump.
Conductor Plate In Transmission:
Common failure point in the automatic transmission's valve body, leading to shifting issues or transmission failure.