🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: S-Class Model Variant: S550 Year: 2008 Generation Chassis Code: W221 Codes Engine Code Primary: M273 (for S550) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Target Audience: Affluent individuals seeking advanced technology, comfort, and prestige Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera (later model), Jaguar XJ Key Features Luxury Appointments: Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated infotainment Performance And Comfort: Smooth ride, powerful engine, advanced suspension systems (AIRMATIC optional/standard) Technology Integration: COMAND system, numerous driver assistance systems 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Manual Supplemental Coverage: Maintenance, Specifications, Specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely between 300-500 pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz S-Class) Manual Type Type: Factory Owner's Manual (Digital) Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust Chassis: Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires Electrical: Battery, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses, power outlets Body And Interior: Doors, locks, windows, seats, restraints, climate control, interior features Infotainment And Electronics: COMAND infotainment, audio system, navigation, communication Driver Assistance: Cruise control, parking assistance, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) Procedures Included Operation: Vehicle startup, driving, parking, lighting operation, climate control usage Maintenance: Routine checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid top-ups, filter replacement guidance Safety Features: Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation guidance Emergency: Changing a tire, jump-starting the battery, basic troubleshooting Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Readability: Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) Device Compatibility: Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone) Print Quality Printability: Digital format allows for printing of individual pages or the entire document Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Product) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Product) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 4.7L V8 (M273.961) Configuration: Naturally Aspirated, 32-valve, DOHC V8 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) Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US quarts) (check manual for exact) Lubrication Engine Oil Type: Synthetic (MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) (check manual for exact) Air Filter Part Number Primary: A2730940704 (example, verify with VIN) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) Transmission Fluid Type: MB 236.14 (e.g., ATF LT 71141 or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts) (check manual for exact, often filled via dipstick tube on older models, or specific fill procedure for sealed transmissions) Optional Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional Features Shifting Modes: Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 5070 mm (199.6 inches) Width: Approx. 1871 mm (73.7 inches) Height: Approx. 1473 mm (58.0 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1950-2050 kg (4300-4520 lbs) (depending on drivetrain) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 2600 kg (5732 lbs) Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 560 Liters (19.8 cubic feet) Wheels And Tires Standard Wheel Size: 17-inch or 18-inch alloy Standard Tire Size: 235/55R17 or 255/45R18 (check manual for exact fitments) Bolt Pattern: 5x112mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (likely for driver and passenger in 2008 testing protocols) IIHS Front Offset Impact: Good (likely for this generation) Active Features Electronic Stability Control: Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program) Brake Assist: Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System) Adaptive Braking: Standard (ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill Start Assist) Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, side airbags, window curtain airbags, front pelvic airbags Seat Belts: Pre-tensioners and force limiters, active head restraints (front) Child Seat Anchors: ISOFIX/LATCH system (rear seats) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) Features: AM/FM radio, CD/DVD player, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (phone), optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio Control Interface: Central rotary/pushbutton controller, steering wheel buttons, voice control (optional) Driver Assistance Adaptive Cruise Control: Optional (DISTRONIC PLUS) Parking Assistance: Optional (PARKTRONIC front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera) Lane Keeping: Optional (LANE KEEPING ASSIST) Blind Spot Monitoring: Optional (BLIND SPOT ASSIST) Connectivity Bluetooth: Standard for phone integration, potentially for audio streaming on some configurations. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Service A Interval: Typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months (indicated by the 'Service A' message on the instrument cluster) Service B Interval: Typically around 20,000 miles or 24 months (indicated by 'Service B') Brake Fluid Change: Every 2 years (regardless of mileage) Engine Oil And Filter: As per Service A/B schedule, or when indicated by the vehicle's service reminder system. Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid: MB-Approval 343.0 or 345.0 (specific hydraulic fluid) Coolant Type: MB-Approval 325.0 (Silicate-free, blue-green coolant concentrate) Known Issues Common Complaints W221:...
Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation guidance
Emergency:
Changing a tire, jump-starting the battery, basic troubleshooting
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Readability:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone)
Print Quality
Printability:
Digital format allows for printing of individual pages or the entire document
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Product)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
4.7L V8 (M273.961)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, 32-valve, DOHC V8
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)
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US quarts) (check manual for exact)
Lubrication
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic (MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) (check manual for exact)
Air Filter
Part Number Primary:
A2730940704 (example, verify with VIN)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (e.g., ATF LT 71141 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts) (check manual for exact, often filled via dipstick tube on older models, or specific fill procedure for sealed transmissions)
Air suspension compressor/strut leaks, SBC (Sensotronic) brake system issues (earlier models but sometimes reappears), electronic module failures, ignition coil failures, oil leaks from valve covers.
Air Filter Replacement Interval
Interval:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per service schedule, depending on driving conditions.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Pioneering automotive technology and luxury since the late 19th century
Model Evolution
S Class Lineage:
The S-Class represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, consistently introducing new technologies and luxury standards for decades.
W221 Generation:
Introduced in 2005 (model year 2006), the W221 represented a significant styling and technological update over the W220 generation.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Reports Rating:
Typically rated highly for performance and luxury, but with potential concerns regarding reliability in its early years.
Ratings
Jd Power Reliability:
Varied across model years and specific components, often showing average to slightly below-average initial quality but improving over time.