Luxury Crossover SUV (often categorized as a 'Grand Sports Tourer')
Target Audience:
Families seeking luxury, space, comfort, and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, often for longer journeys.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Spacious, adaptable interior with available third-row seating; premium Mercedes-Benz comfort, build quality, and brand cachet; standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive; refined driving dynamics for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Official, comprehensive digital resource offering factory-level repair information, crucial for DIY enthusiasts and independent shops to maintain and repair this sophisticated vehicle.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Language:
English
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (digital format implies extensive content)
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools needed for specific repairs
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced, with detailed fault code interpretation, sensor data analysis, and circuit testing
Repair Scope:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and system diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed and system-specific wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Proprietary Software or PDF
Searchability:
Likely fully searchable text content
Print Quality:
Excellent (digital format allows high-resolution rendering)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Software)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Software)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M272 (E35)
Engine Type:
3.5L V6, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3498 cc (213.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
92.9 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Cylinder Head:
Aluminum alloy, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Block Material:
Aluminum alloy
Performance
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Emissions System:
California emissions standards compliant (PZEV or similar depending on region)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Transmission Model Code:
722.6
Drive Configuration:
All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)
Features
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 liters (dry fill), ~7.5 liters for fluid service
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
198.9 inches (5052 mm)
Width:
78.5 inches (1994 mm)
Height:
67.0 inches (1702 mm)
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches (3216 mm)
Front Track:
65.8 inches (1671 mm)
Rear Track:
66.2 inches (1681 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4700-4850 lbs (2132-2200 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6400-6500 lbs (2903-2948 kg)
Towing Capacity:
3500 lbs (1588 kg) (with optional trailer hitch)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 42.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 85.0 cu ft
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crash:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
All-Season Traction Control (ASR)
Antilock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) NTG 2.5 system, featuring a central display, radio, CD player, and optional navigation.
Audio System:
Standard premium audio system, with optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Distronic cruise control was an optional feature.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. AUX input for audio devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible Service System (FSS) indicator, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Major Service A:
Service A: Typically at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Includes synthetic oil and filter change, tire rotation, check all fluid levels, check filters, inspection of chassis components.
Major Service B:
Service B: Typically at 20,000 miles or 24 months. Includes Service A plus cabin air filter replacement, brake inspection, battery test.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Mercedes-Benz recommends transmission fluid and filter service typically at 40,000-60,000 miles, or per FSS indicator for transmission service.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 100,000 miles (e.g., iridium spark plugs).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Known Issues
M272 Engine Balance Shaft Issue:
Pre-2008 M272 engines can suffer from worn balance shaft gears (due to faulty material in the camshaft adjusters), leading to check engine lights and rough running. This manual would detail diagnostic and repair procedures.
Transmission Solenoids:
722.6 transmissions can develop issues with conductor plate solenoids, impacting shifting performance. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Airmatic Suspension Leaks:
While not standard on all R350s, if equipped with optional Airmatic, leaks in air springs or compressor issues can occur. Manual would cover diagnosis and repair.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Frequent replacement recommended due to cabin air quality, manual details location and procedure.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz, a century-old pioneer in automotive engineering and luxury, renowned for safety, innovation, and build quality.
Model Evolution
R Class Introduction:
The R-Class debuted in 2005 (as a 2006 model) as a segment-defining vehicle, blending minivan practicality with SUV capability and luxury sedan refinement.
2007 Model Year Updates:
Minor updates for 2007, including potential feature packaging adjustments and color options.
Production
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Period:
2006-2012 (W251 chassis)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Consistently received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its class.
Vehicle Reviews:
Praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and luxury appointments, though sometimes criticized for its styling and the niche market it occupied.