Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, and fuel delivery systems.
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensors, actuators, ignition system, emissions control (OBD-II).
Transmission Automatic:
7G-TRONIC PLUS (722.9) service, repair, diagnostics, valve body, torque converter, fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings, 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Suspension:
AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension, Active Body Control (ABC), front and rear suspension components, steering knuckle, control arms.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering gear, rack and pinion.
Brakes:
ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control - early W221 models may have this, though 2010 typically uses a conventional hydraulic system with ESP), brake pads, rotors, calipers, hydraulic lines, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, relays, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior)..
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, headliner, HVAC system controls.
Climate Control:
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, A/C system components, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor.
Infotainment And Comfort:
COMAND NTG 4.0 infotainment system, audio, navigation, Bluetooth, climate control interfaces, power seats, windows, mirrors.
Safety Systems:
AIRBAG system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, PRE-SAFE® system, Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, repair procedures for common issues.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Rebuilding And Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances.
Electrical Component Testing:
Testing of sensors, actuators, control modules, and wiring harnesses.
Suspension And Steering Alignment:
Adjustment procedures for wheel alignment and suspension components.
Brake System Bleeding:
Procedures for bleeding the hydraulic brake system.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant charging, leak detection, component replacement for the climate control system.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools Required:
Mentions proprietary diagnostic tools such as STAR DIAGNOSIS (XENTRY/DAS) for advanced troubleshooting and module programming.
Special Tools Required:
Details specific Mercedes-Benz special tools needed for certain repair procedures.
NHTSA Rating:
Generally received 5-star ratings in frontal and side impact tests (specific ratings may vary by testing year and configuration).
IIHS Rating:
Typically awarded 'Top Safety Pick' by IIHS.
Active Safety Features:
ABS, EBD, ESP, Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control, PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system.
Driver Assistance Optional:
DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control), LANE KEEPING ASSIST, BLIND SPOT ASSIST, NIGHT VIEW ASSIST.
Passive Safety Features:
Multi-stage front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length window curtain airbags, front and rear head restraints, active front head restraints (NECK PRO).
Infotainment System:
COMAND NTG 4.0 (Cockpit Management and Navigation Device)
Infotainment Features:
CD/DVD changer, AM/FM radio, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary audio input, hard drive for music storage, SD card slot.
Standard Driver Assistance:
Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), ATTENTION ASSIST (driver fatigue detection - standard on facelift models).
Optional Driver Assistance Packages:
Driver Assistance Package (Distronic Plus, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist), Night View Assist, Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, optional Media Interface for connecting external devices.
Lighting Technology:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering illumination, LED daytime running lights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to service booklet for detailed recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended at 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) or as indicated by the service computer (ASSYST PLUS).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: e.g., M272/M273 often around 70,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Spec 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol EDGE Synthetic 0W-40).
Coolant Specification:
MB Spec 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically blue color).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 (Hydraulic Oil)
Common Issues W221:
AIRMATIC suspension leaks (struts, air compressor), balance shaft gear wear (M272 V6 engines), transmission conductor plate issues (722.9), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, door lock actuator failure, EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) problems.