🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

S-Class

Chassis Code:

W221

Model Year:

2013

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Luxury vehicle owners, independent repair shops specializing in European vehicles, DIY enthusiasts with advanced mechanical skills.

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera, Jaguar XJ

Vehicle Philosophy:

Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering, comfort, technology, and luxury.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians with the detailed information needed for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, potentially saving significant costs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Repair Manual Scope:

Includes mechanical, electrical, bodywork, and diagnostic procedures.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically several thousand pages for a complete W221 workshop manual)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, cooling, lubrication, turbocharging (where applicable)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS, etc.), drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials, AWD system)

Chassis Suspension:

Suspension (AIRMATIC, active body control), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, ESP, SBC - if applicable for earlier W221 variants)

Electrical Electronics:

Body Control Module (BCM), engine control modules (ECU), transmission control modules (TCU), infotainment, lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams, CAN bus communication

Body Interior:

Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, doors, windows, sunroof, safety restraint systems (SRS)

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal/installation, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., STAR/XENTRY), component testing

Special Procedures:

Component calibration (e.g., suspension sensors, steering angle sensor), system resets, programming procedures (requires dealership tools/access)

Body And Paint Repair:

Includes procedures for body panel removal/installation, alignment, rust repair, and painting guidelines.

Interior Trim And Upholstery:

Details on removing and replacing interior panels, seats, headliner, and carpets.

Climate Control HVAC:

Diagnosis and repair of air conditioning system, heating system, and climate control modules.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to in-depth component overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics.

Torque Specifications:

Includes detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and safety.

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, aiding in troubleshooting complex electronic faults.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Lists and explains various diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with likely causes and troubleshooting steps.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Readability:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format - print on demand)

Diagram Quality:

High-quality, detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and schematics.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Description:

Multiple engine options available for 2013 W221, including: M276 (3.5L V6 Bi-Turbo, e.g., S350 Bluetec 4MATIC), M278 (4.7L V8 Bi-Turbo, e.g., S550), M157 (5.5L V8 Bi-Turbo, e.g., S63 AMG), M157 (5.5L Bi-Turbo V12 for S65 AMG)

Horsepower S550:

429 hp @ 5,250 rpm (for M278 4.7L)

Torque S550:

516 lb-ft @ 1,800–3,500 rpm (for M278 4.7L)

Injection Type:

Direct Injection (with turbocharging on most variants)

Fuel Requirement:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91+ or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)

Transmission Type Optional:

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission (for S63 AMG)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD)

Transmission Control Modes:

Comfort, Sport, Manual (via paddle shifters)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

5,090 - 5,209 (depending on standard/long wheelbase)

Width Mm:

1,871

Height Mm:

1,474 - 1,488 (depending on model)

Curb Weight Kg:

1,950 - 2,070 (depending on configuration)

Trunk Volume Liters:

560

Wheelbase:

3,035 (standard), 3,165 (long wheelbase)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Typically received high ratings in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests for its generation (specific ratings may vary by sub-model and year).

Driver Assistance Systems:

DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE® braking, ATTENTION ASSIST®

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with functions like Crosswind Assist.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, front-side airbags, knee airbags (driver and passenger)

Restraint Systems:

PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system, seatbelt pretensioners, active head restraints

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated audio, navigation, Bluetooth, and optional voice control.

Audio System:

Standard high-quality audio system, optional Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system, or Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG system.

Advanced Driver Assistance:

Night View Assist PLUS, Surround View Camera system, parking assist, adaptive brake lights.

Parking Systems:

PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear), optional REARVIEW CAMERA or SURROUND VIEW SYSTEM.

Connectivity Features:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB/auxiliary input ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km:

Approximately 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check specific vehicle service schedule and oil quality).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 km, or as indicated by the service interval indicator or vehicle inspection.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type And Spec:

MB 229.5, MB 229.51, or MB 229.52 approved synthetic oil (viscosity dependent on engine and climate, e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30). Manual will specify exact grades.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC PLUS). Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, Phosphate-free, silicate-free, borate-free, nitrite-free)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 332.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 345.0 (Hydraulic fluid)

Common Electrical Faults:

Issues with SAM modules (Signal Acquisition Modules), door control modules, COMAND system glitches, and battery drain can occur.

Common Suspension Issues:

AIRMATIC suspension leaks (struts, accumulators), ABC system hose failures (on models equipped with Active Body Control).

Common Engine Issues:

Carbon buildup in intake manifold and valves (especially on early direct injection engines), potential for turbocharger issues (on M278/M157 engines), fuel injector issues.

Engine Oil Capacity Liters:

Varies by engine, e.g., M278 (4.7L V8) approximately 8.5 liters.

Major Service Items:

Spark plugs (typically every 60,000-100,000 km depending on type), transmission service, differential fluid, coolant flush, cabin air filter replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for building luxurious, safe, and technologically advanced vehicles since its inception.

W221 Generation Start:

Introduced for the 2007 model year as a successor to the W220 S-Class.

W221 Facelift:

Received a significant facelift for the 2010 model year, introducing updated styling, new engine options (e.g., direct injection V8s), and enhanced technology.

Engine Updates Facelift:

Introduction of more fuel-efficient and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engines (M278, M157) during the W221's lifecycle.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Ratings:

Consistently ranked highly by automotive journalists and consumer review sites for its luxury, comfort, and technology during its production run.

Safety Awards:

Often recognized with top safety accolades from organizations like IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).