🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: R-Class Variant: R550 4MATIC Sport Year: 2008 Codes Chassis Code: W251 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Crossover/MPV Target Audience: Families seeking luxury, space, and performance Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW X5, Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Volvo XC90 Key Features Vehicle Type: Full-size luxury crossover with minivan-like practicality and SUV styling. Powertrain Highlight: Powerful V8 engine, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Interior Highlight: Spacious cabin, available three-row seating, premium materials. Sport Package: Sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior/interior styling cues. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Operations and Maintenance Secondary Coverage: Basic Maintenance, Specifications, Safety Systems Page Count Estimated Pages: 150-200 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust Drivetrain: 4MATIC all-wheel drive system Chassis: Suspension, steering, brakes Electrical: Lighting, instrumentation, comfort controls, basic electrical system overview Infotainment: COMAND NTG 3.5 audio and navigation system basics, climate control operation Safety Systems: Airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP, child seat installation Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement Driving Operations: Starting and stopping, gear selection, using cruise control, parking assist Security: Keyless-Go operation, remote locking/unlocking, alarm system Emergency Procedures: Towing, changing a flat tire, jump-starting Technical Depth Depth: Operator-level information for daily use and routine maintenance, not intended for complex repairs or diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable Text: Yes (typically for factory-derived PDFs) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory manual Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital format) Paper Type Paper: Not applicable (digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M273 (as per Mercedes-Benz nomenclature for this period) Displacement: 5.5 Liters (5461 cc) Configuration: V8, 32-valve, SOHC (with variable valve timing) Bore X Stroke: 98.0 mm x 90.5 mm Performance Horsepower: 382 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Compartment Cooling System: Pressurized liquid cooling system 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC) Features Drive Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Drivetrain: 4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 199.9 inches (5077 mm) Width: Approximately 77.1 inches (1958 mm) Height: Approximately 67.1 inches (1704 mm) Wheelbase: Approximately 116.1 inches (2950 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4,900 - 5,100 lbs (2223 - 2313 kg), depending on configuration Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 6,500 lbs (2948 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and front passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 5-Star (for front and rear passengers) IIHS Moderate Overlap Front: Good Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Esp: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) Brake Assist: BAS (Brake Assist System) Passive Features Airbags: Front, side-impact, curtain airbags; optional rear side airbags Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) NTG 3.5 Features: Navigation system, AM/FM/Weatherband radio, CD/DVD changer, MP3 playback, auxiliary audio input, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Display: 7-inch color display integrated into the dashboard. Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors). Visibility: Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers. Connectivity Bluetooth: Bluetooth hands-free communication system (requires compatible phone). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, per Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (ASSYST), subject to driving conditions. Major Service A: Around 10,000 miles or 12 months (includes synthetic oil change, filter replacement, multi-point inspection). Major Service B: Around 20,000 miles or 24 months (includes Service A plus additional checks like brake fluid replacement, cabin filter replacement, etc.). Specific items vary by model year and mileage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting MB 229.5 Specification. Coolant: Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent, typically a blue color) Transmission Fluid: MB-Approval 236.12 or 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF 5-Speed or 7-Speed Transmission Fluid. Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Plus or DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid Power Steering Fluid: MB-Approval 343.0 Power Steering Fluid Washer Fluid: Water with approved washer fluid additive (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Wintertash or equivalent) Known Issues Air Suspension: Potential leaks in air springs (Airmatic system), compressor issues, or valve block failures. Interior Electronics: Occasional issues with COMAND system glitches, seat memory failures, or HVAC control module problems. Drivetrain Components: While the 4MATIC is generally robust, wear on transfer case or differential fluids should be monitored. Cooling System: Thermostat housing leaks and coolant hose degradation can occur over time. Part Numbers Oil Filter Example: A0001803109 (Note: Part numbers can...