🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: R-Class Model Variant: R500 Year: 2006 Generation First Generation Code: W251 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Crossover SUV (also referred to as Grand Sports Tourer) Target Audience: Families seeking luxury, space, and practicality with a premium brand experience. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2006: • BMW X5 • Audi Q7 • Cadillac SRX • Volvo XC90 • Lexus RX Key Features Vehicle Design Philosophy: Blend of SUV practicality with minivan interior flexibility and luxury car refinement. Unique Selling Proposition: Spacious, flexible seating (available 6 or 7 seats), comfortable ride, and Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Operations and Maintenance Key Topics: • Introduction • Instrument Cluster • Entertainment Systems • Climate Controls • Lights • Driver Controls • Locks and Security • Seating and Safety Restraints • Driving • Customer Assistance • Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) • Cleaning • Maintenance and Specifications • Engine compartment • Engine oil • Battery • Fuel information • Air filter(s) • Part numbers • Refill capacities • Lubricant specifications • Accessories • Service Information and Specifications • Maintenance Information and Specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/model) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: • Engine lubrication and cooling • Fuel system operation and requirements • Battery and charging system basics Chassis: • Brake system overview (non-diagnostic) • Suspension system overview • Steering system overview Electrical Electronics: • Instrument cluster and warning lamps • Lighting system controls • Power locks and security features • Climate control operation • Entertainment system operation (e.g., COMAND) Body Interior: • Seating adjustments • Safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts) • Door operation and locks • Interior comfort features • Cleaning and care instructions Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: • Checking and topping off engine oil • Checking coolant level • Checking windshield washer fluid • Tire pressure checks • Basic cleaning procedures Driver Operation: • Starting and stopping the engine • Gear selection • Using cruise control • Operating climate control • Using infotainment system • Adjusting seats and mirrors • Proper use of safety features Troubleshooting Basic: • Understanding dashboard warning lamps • Basic fuel and fluid level checks Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include diagnostic procedures or repair instructions. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if converted professionally from original digital source. Compatibility: Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone). Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality depends on original scan/conversion. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M273 Configuration: 4.966L (5.0L) V8 Aspirated: Naturally Aspirated Performance Horsepower: 302 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm Fuel System Injection: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) Fuel Information Recommended Octane: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher) Lubricant Specifications Engine Oil Type: Synthetic Engine Oil Viscosity: MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., SAE 0W-40) Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change Engine Compartment Engine Placement: Front Longitudinal Air Filter Part Number: Typical part numbers may include A2720900001 or similar, though specific VIN is best for exact match. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic Drivetrain: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Standard on R500) Features Modes: • Comfort (C) • Sport (S) Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 203.2 inches (5161 mm) Width: 77.1 inches (1958 mm) Height: 67.1 inches (1704 mm) Wheelbase: 126.6 inches (3216 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: Approximately 14.3 cu ft (0.40 m³) Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approximately 43.1 cu ft (1.22 m³) Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row: Approximately 87.5 cu ft (2.48 m³) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4,700 - 4,800 lbs (2130 - 2177 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 6,400 lbs (2903 kg) Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional trailer hitch 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (Driver and Passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers) IIHS Front Small Overlap Crash: Not Rated (Vehicle introduced before this test was common) IIHS Side Impact: Good Passive Features Airbags: • Front dual-stage airbags • Front side airbags • Side curtain airbags (front and rear 2nd/3rd row) Seatbelts: • 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters • Adjustable headrests Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system Active Features Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Traction Control: ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Primary System: COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) Features: • Radio (AM/FM) • CD player •...
Luxury Crossover SUV (also referred to as Grand Sports Tourer)
Target Audience:
Families seeking luxury, space, and practicality with a premium brand experience.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2006:
• BMW X5
• Audi Q7
• Cadillac SRX
• Volvo XC90
• Lexus RX
Key Features Vehicle
Design Philosophy:
Blend of SUV practicality with minivan interior flexibility and luxury car refinement.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Spacious, flexible seating (available 6 or 7 seats), comfortable ride, and Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Operations and Maintenance
Key Topics:
• Introduction
• Instrument Cluster
• Entertainment Systems
• Climate Controls
• Lights
• Driver Controls
• Locks and Security
• Seating and Safety Restraints
• Driving
• Customer Assistance
• Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
• Cleaning
• Maintenance and Specifications
• Engine compartment
• Engine oil
• Battery
• Fuel information
• Air filter(s)
• Part numbers
• Refill capacities
• Lubricant specifications
• Accessories
• Service Information and Specifications
• Maintenance Information and Specifications
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/model)
Manual Type
Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
• Engine lubrication and cooling
• Fuel system operation and requirements
• Battery and charging system basics
Chassis:
• Brake system overview (non-diagnostic)
• Suspension system overview
• Steering system overview
Electrical Electronics:
• Instrument cluster and warning lamps
• Lighting system controls
• Power locks and security features
• Climate control operation
• Entertainment system operation (e.g., COMAND)
Body Interior:
• Seating adjustments
• Safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
• Door operation and locks
• Interior comfort features
• Cleaning and care instructions
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
• Checking and topping off engine oil
• Checking coolant level
• Checking windshield washer fluid
• Tire pressure checks
• Basic cleaning procedures
Driver Operation:
• Starting and stopping the engine
• Gear selection
• Using cruise control
• Operating climate control
• Using infotainment system
• Adjusting seats and mirrors
• Proper use of safety features
Troubleshooting Basic:
• Understanding dashboard warning lamps
• Basic fuel and fluid level checks
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include diagnostic procedures or repair instructions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if converted professionally from original digital source.
Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality depends on original scan/conversion.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M273
Configuration:
4.966L (5.0L) V8
Aspirated:
Naturally Aspirated
Performance
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel System
Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Information
Recommended Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Lubricant Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic
Engine Oil Viscosity:
MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., SAE 0W-40)
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change
Engine Compartment
Engine Placement:
Front Longitudinal
Air Filter Part Number:
Typical part numbers may include A2720900001 or similar, though specific VIN is best for exact match.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Standard on R500)
Features
Modes:
• Comfort (C)
• Sport (S)
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
203.2 inches (5161 mm)
Width:
77.1 inches (1958 mm)
Height:
67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches (3216 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 14.3 cu ft (0.40 m³)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 43.1 cu ft (1.22 m³)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approximately 87.5 cu ft (2.48 m³)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,700 - 4,800 lbs (2130 - 2177 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 6,400 lbs (2903 kg)
Towing Capacity:
5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional trailer hitch
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)
IIHS Front Small Overlap Crash:
Not Rated (Vehicle introduced before this test was common)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Passive Features
Airbags:
• Front dual-stage airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags (front and rear 2nd/3rd row)
Seatbelts:
• 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
• Adjustable headrests
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Active Features
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Primary System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
• Radio (AM/FM)
• CD player
• Optional Navigation System
• Optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system
• Bluetooth connectivity (may require adapter or specific phone compatibility)
Driver Assistance
Standard Features:
• Cruise Control
• Rear Parking Sensors (PARKTRONIC)
• Rain-sensing wipers
Optional Features:
• Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination
• Front Parking Sensors (PARKTRONIC)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (DISTRONIC)
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Likely an auxiliary audio input jack for external devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS), typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid changes, brake fluid changes, etc., are typically detailed within the manual's 'Maintenance' section, often tied to mileage or time (e.g., transmission fluid ~60,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or similar silicate-free, phosphate-free coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification)
Washer Fluid:
Standard automotive windshield washer fluid, often with de-icer properties.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
• Air suspension issues (air springs, compressor)
• Power steering leaks or pump issues
• Certain electrical glitches (e.g., COMAND system, window regulators)
Established German luxury automotive manufacturer known for engineering, safety, and innovation since the late 19th century.
Model Evolution
R Class Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 (for the 2006 model year) as the W251, aiming to create a new segment ('Grand Sports Tourer') that combined elements of an SUV, minivan, and wagon.
R Class Discontinuation:
Production ended in 2017. The R-Class struggled with sales in many markets and was not a mainstream success.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Initial Reception:
The R-Class was generally praised for its comfort, space, and luxury but was often criticized for its styling and perceived identity crisis between an SUV and minivan.
Safety Awards:
Recipient of good crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its time.