🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: S-Class S550 4MATIC Year: 2008 Generation Chassis Code: W221 Codes Engine Code Primary: M273.961 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Target Audience: Affluent consumers seeking advanced technology, comfort, and performance. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (later models) Key Features Infotainment: COMAND APS infotainment system with navigation, premium audio. Comfort: Luxurious interior appointments, multi-contour seating, advanced climate control. Performance: Powerful V8 engine, 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. Safety: Comprehensive suite of airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (optional). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Operation, Maintenance, and Basic Troubleshooting for 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Secondary Coverage: Vehicle features, safety systems, comfort controls, and routine care Page Count Estimated Pages: 200-300 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, oil specifications, fuel, air filter, coolant, starting, and stopping procedures Drivetrain: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system operation and basic care Braking System: Operation of ABS, Brake Assist, and parking brake Steering System: Power steering operation Suspension System: Basic information on AIRMATIC air suspension (if equipped) Electrical System: Battery maintenance, lighting system operation, instrument cluster indicators Infotainment: Audio system, COMAND APS navigation system basics, climate controls Climate Control: Automatic climate control operation, seat heating/ventilation (if equipped) Safety And Restraints: Airbag system, seat belts, child seat installation, ISOFIX Driver Controls: Steering wheel controls, shifter operation, cruise control, power windows/seats/mirrors Locks And Security: Keyless-Go, central locking, anti-theft alarm Exterior: Headlights, taillights, wipers, power trunk/doors Procedures Included Starting And Stopping: Proper engine starting and shutdown procedures Refueling: Fuel type recommendations, refueling process Fluid Checks: Engine oil level, coolant level, windshield washer fluid Tire Care: Tire pressure checks, recommended tire sizes Basic Maintenance: Air filter replacement guidance, battery terminal cleaning Cleaning And Care: Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, upholstery care Emergency Procedures: Changing a flat tire (if applicable for the model), jump-starting Warning Indicators: Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages Driver Assistance Systems: Operation of cruise control, parking assist (if equipped) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive operational and routine maintenance guidance for the owner. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes beyond basic warning interpretations. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, factory-compiled PDF Searchability: Searchable text content for quick information retrieval Print Quality Printability: Printable for physical copies Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Displacement: 5.5 Liters (5461 cc) Bore X Stroke: 98.0 mm x 90.5 mm Compression Ratio: 10.7:1 Valve Train: SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder Performance Horsepower: 382 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm Fuel System Induction: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Information Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) Lubricant Specifications Engine Oil Specification: MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51 Air Filter Part Number: A273 094 00 01 (typical, verify with VIN) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) Optional Transmission Type: N/A Features Drive Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Refill Capacities Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 8.0 Liters (check manual for exact capacity and procedure) Lubricant Specifications Transmission Fluid Specification: MB Approval 236.14 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 5200 mm (204.7 in) Width: 1870 mm (73.6 in) Height: 1470 mm (57.9 in) Wheelbase: 3085 mm (121.5 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1960 kg (4321 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 2550 kg (5622 lbs) Cargo Trunk Volume: 560 Liters (19.8 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5-Star NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5-Star IIHS Front Overlap Frontal Rating: Good Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System Esp: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Brake Assist: Brake Assist System (BAS) Tire Pressure Monitoring: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, window curtain airbags, driver knee airbag Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters Child Seat Anchors: ISOFIX/LATCH system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXperience) Display: 7-inch color LCD display with central controller Features: CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (often optional or requires adapter). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control; DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) likely optional. Parking Assist: PARKTRONIC parking assist system (audible and visual warnings). Lighting: Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination; Intelligent Light System (ILS) likely optional. Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional, may require a specific cradle or adapter for full functionality. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable, based on Flexible Service System (FSS). Typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Major Service A: Indicated by 'Service A' on the instrument cluster, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles. Includes oil...
Air filter replacement guidance, battery terminal cleaning
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, upholstery care
Emergency Procedures:
Changing a flat tire (if applicable for the model), jump-starting
Warning Indicators:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages
Driver Assistance Systems:
Operation of cruise control, parking assist (if equipped)
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive operational and routine maintenance guidance for the owner. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes beyond basic warning interpretations.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution, factory-compiled PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable for physical copies
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Information
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Lubricant Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51
Air Filter
Part Number:
A273 094 00 01 (typical, verify with VIN)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Optional
Transmission Type:
N/A
Features
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Refill Capacities
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (check manual for exact capacity and procedure)
Lubricant Specifications
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB Approval 236.14
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
5200 mm (204.7 in)
Width:
1870 mm (73.6 in)
Height:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Wheelbase:
3085 mm (121.5 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1960 kg (4321 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2550 kg (5622 lbs)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
560 Liters (19.8 cu ft)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Overlap Frontal Rating:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, window curtain airbags, driver knee airbag
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXperience)
Display:
7-inch color LCD display with central controller
Features:
CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (often optional or requires adapter).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) likely optional.
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC parking assist system (audible and visual warnings).
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination; Intelligent Light System (ILS) likely optional.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional, may require a specific cradle or adapter for full functionality.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on Flexible Service System (FSS). Typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service A:
Indicated by 'Service A' on the instrument cluster, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles. Includes oil and filter change, general inspection.
Major Service B:
Indicated by 'Service B' on the instrument cluster, typically around 20,000-30,000 miles. Includes 'Service A' items plus additional inspections and filter replacements (e.g., cabin filter).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended around 60,000-80,000 miles, but consult the manual for specific guidelines and potential sealed unit considerations.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0, blue color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB Approval 331.0)
Known Issues
Airmatic Suspension:
Potential for air spring leaks or compressor issues over time, a common concern in high-end vehicles with air suspension.
Electronics:
As with many modern luxury vehicles, complex electronics can sometimes be prone to glitches or component failures.
Drive Belt:
Regular inspection and replacement of serpentine belts and tensioners are recommended.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety since its inception in the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
W221 Introduction:
The W221 generation of the S-Class debuted in 2005 for the 2006 model year, representing a significant redesign with advanced technology and styling cues.
S550 Positioning:
The S550 was the volume model in the S-Class lineup for the US market, offering a potent V8 engine and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive in 2008.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The W221 S-Class consistently received high safety ratings, often earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not specifically for the S550, the S-Class lineage has been recognized by automotive publications for its innovation and luxury.