Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)

Approximate selection of US models. In the US, model years for the W220 were 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 (only some versions). Not all versions were available in all model years.

• S 350 (in the US this was available in 2006 only; had 3.7L V6 and 5-speed Automatic transmission)[20]
• S 430
• S 500
• S 600 (naturally-aspirated or twin-turbo V12)
• S 55 AMG (naturally-aspirated or supercharged V8)
• S 65 AMG (604 hp (450 kW) twin-turbo V12)[21]

Some models had options for Sport package, Designo, and/or 4Matic.

In the United States the W220 S-Class was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year, replacing the W140. The type was noted as being the leader in the U.S. car market for luxury cars, and early reviews were mostly positive but noted the amount of money that could be spent on options. At the time, the US was the second biggest buyer of S-Classes, after Germany.[22] In 1999, Mercedes-Benz sold 189,437 and hoped to exceed that the next year.[23] One automotive magazine spent several thousands on options for their review of the 2001 S-Class. After choosing an S 500, they added Distronic (a smart cruise control system), Active Ventilated Seats, the "Timeport" phone with a voice control system, and the sport package (AMG rims and trim). This increased the price from the mid US$70,000s to the $90,000s after delivery and taxes. Other US models available at this time were the S 430, S 500, S 55 (AMG model), and S 600 (the V12). A four-wheel drive system became an option for 2003 for the S 430 and S 500 along with mid-life upgrades that targeted a range of interior and exterior features.[24] In the last U.S. W220 model year a V-6 was offered as the S 350.[20] Another special option was called the "Designo", which matched special interior and exterior colors and materials.[22] An example of this is that one such model used Elm wood in the interior.[22] There were two designo additions offered, the Designo Espresso Edition and the Designo Silver Edition The twelve-cylinder S 600 included interior upgrades, including an increased amount of leather over more interior surfaces.[25][24]

The W220 based S 65 AMG was also offered in 2006 concurrently with the new W221. The S 65 had a 604 hp, 738 lb-ft twin-turbo V-12 and other miscellaneous features inside and out. It retailed that year in the United States for about US$180,000.[26] The V-12 had a displacement of 6 liters, in a single overhead cam, 36-valve configuration, and was paired with two turbochargers.[27] The S 65 had four oval tail-pipes and AMG alloy wheels.[28][26]

Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG (US)

Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG (Germany)

One model line of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in this period was the AMG version S 55. The S 55 had a number of modifications over the stock W220 S-Class, and the changes were oriented towards higher automotive performance and more dramatic styling features compared to the regular models. The model name derives from displacement of the engine, a special almost 5.5 litre V8.[32] The early model had a naturally aspirated version with 355 hp (265 kW; 360 PS), and starting in 2003, it switched to supercharged version with 493 hp (368 kW; 500 PS).[33][32]

The additional power-boost came for the later model S 55 from pairing this engine with a supercharger. A supercharger is a forced induction system that compresses the air before in enters the engine, and uses air compressor powered by a belt connected to the engine.[34] The engine peak output on the S 55 was 493 hp (368 kW; 500 PS) and 516 lb⋅ft (700 N⋅m) of torque. Other changes include enhanced brakes and wheels, with 14.2 inch brake discs at the front and 13 inch discs at the rear. The S 55 could of course be also equipped with Active Body Control, but this was not standard.[32] The supercharged S 55 models had the Kompressor (Mercedes-Benz) badge on the side. For more about AMG models with this engine see "55" 5.4 L V8 KOMPRESSOR.[32]

Features added to the S 55 (US-spec):[35]

• Active Body Control (ABC)
  • Automatic Level Control
  • Sport Mode
• 18-inch AMG alloy wheels with performance tires
• AMG body kit including a new AMG front spoiler and rocker panels
• 6-disk capacity CD player mounted in trunk
• Ventilated seats with automatic massage
• Bigger Brakes

Mercedes-Benz S 600

The S 600 was the main 12-cylinder engine model of the W220 body. The increased output of the engine enabled this W220 to keep up with a Ferrari 575M Maranello according to one automotive magazine of the era. The 2003 S 600 could achieve 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds and 100 mph (161 km/h) in 9.7 seconds. It was 1/10 second faster than the Ferrari in a quarter mile test, with the S 600 achieving in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph (185 km/h). It could stop from 70 mph (110 km/h) in 164 feet with the OEM tires in that same testing. The 2003 model was fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires with a Y rating. In the US, the 2001 S 600 had a 5.8 liter V-12 making 362 hp (270 kW; 367 PS) at 5500 rpm and up to 391 lb⋅ft (530 N⋅m) of torque at 4100 rpm.[36] The 2003 model update had a 5.5 liter V-12 with twin turbochargers, producing 493 hp (368 kW; 500 PS) and 590 lb⋅ft (800 N⋅m) of torque.[37][38]

The S 600 was also a model of the S-Class Pullman, an even longer wheelbase version that was 1 meter longer and supporting up to seven passengers and mobile office technology.

A limited run of S 600L facelift sedans were produced featuring the same suite of options as the S-Class Pullman coupled with AMG body styling and AMG alloy wheels.[38]

Features included on the S 600 (US-spec):[35]

• Stitched leather and increased leather trim
  • Leather Dashboard
  • Leather Tray
  • Leather Console
  • Leather Doors
• Wood Shift Knob
• Wood and leather trim on steering wheel
• Alcantara Headliner
• Four seats with heat and power operated
• Four-Zone Climate Control
• Parktronic

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The S 65 was an AMG version of the S 600, with a twin-turbocharged V12 producing 604 hp (450 kW; 612 PS).[39] The S 65 still used the 5G-Tronic 5-speed torque converter automatic transmission due to its powerful engine, as it could make over 700 lb⋅ft (950 N⋅m) of torque.[40] Pushing close to 5,000 lb (2,300 kg), the S 65 may not have been sporty compared to lighter sport vehicles of the day, but it pushed the performance limits of a full-sized luxury sedan. With 604 hp (450 kW; 612 PS) and over 700 lb⋅ft (950 N⋅m) of torque available, it excelled at autobahn cruising. One reviewer noted that it excelled at being a gran turismo (grand tourer) and averaged about 17 miles per gallon despite its size and equally large power plant.[41]

The S 65 was noted as a special value on the used car market, given that, despite requiring the maintenance of less expensive models, it could approach a ten-second 1/4 mile, yet it retained amenities such as heated leather seats and multi-passenger seating. A popular aftermarket tuning kit was an ECU upgrade from Renntech since increasing engine output required no mechanical upgrades to the car.[21] In 2021 a used example was sold for $111k.[42]

Airmatic, or AIRmatic stands for Adaptive Intelligent Ride Control and was not just an air suspension, but also electronic and software control system that actively adjust the level of dampening.[43] This allows, for example, the car to automatically lower itself down at high speeds and keep the car balanced despite loads inside the car.[43] The car can also be manually controlled to raise the car up if going for example over rough roads.[43] The standard W220's have Airmatic. The Airmatic main components are an air-pump, airlines going to each wheel, and four air-struts. The air pump is located in the front diver side behind a splash guard near the wheel. Mercedes-Benz has also improved and changed the Airmatic pump over the course of time. The AIRMATIC struts are controlled by the N51 Air Suspension Control Unit (N51) and there is also a level sensor that tells the level.[44] Airmatic allows a W220 to be lowered or raised by about 2 cm, for example, it lowers at high speeds for a lower center of gravity.[44] The Airmatic system was supported by the ADS, active damping system.[35]

The lower control arm in the previous S-Class was switched to a spring link and torque strut.[43]

On the instrument cluster multi-function display, the AIRMATIC warning message says "AIRMATIC", "VISIT WORKSHOP!" with an graphic of a car with a little arrow pointing up when it may have issues.[44]

Some models had a hydropneumatic suspension system, Active Body Control or ABC.[45][46] The ABC system on the 1998-2005 S-Class used hydropneumatic suspension struts.[47]

ABC was standard on the S 55 AMG (supercharged) and S 600 (biturbo), while being an optional upgrade on other S-Class models.[35][48]

Despite a wide range of safety technology, and being marketed for its safety, one Canadian website said W220 S-Class had not actually been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or Euro NCAP, or at least the information was not available.[51] However, another website says that the W220 passed the legally prescribed EU front and side impact tests. Increased attention to side impacts was noted, and the car included a window air bag that inflates between the A and C pillars.[43]

Passive safety features include various frames and bulkheads made out of aluminum and/or high-strength steel. Also the front and rear ends include aluminum crash boxes can be replaced as separate units to reduce the cost of repairs. Despite its price German insurance companies put it in the lower bracket because it was easier to repair.[43]

• Pre-Safe, the integrated Mercedes-Benz collision avoidance and response system, debuted with the W220 S-Class facelift in late 2002.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist were standard features for difficult driving conditions and emergency maneuvers.
• The W220 S-Class added standard front and rear side curtain airbags. In total, the W220 features 8 airbags: 2 frontal (driver and passenger), 4 side airbags (one in each door) and 2 window-airbags.[52]
• LED brake lights were also standard issue on the W220. LED brake lights illuminate faster than conventional bulbs.

Features varied depending on locality (e.g. North American version) and what options were equipped

• Distronic cruise control, which could maintain a set distance between the S-Class and any vehicle in front.
• Speedtronic adjustable speed limiter for not exceeding a set speed on roads with speed limits.
• Optional Keyless Go,[35] a smart key entry and startup system.
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Light sensors to turn the headlights on and off automatically, depending on lighting circumstances. The instrument display and the COMAND screen's backlight and colour also adjust automatically depending on the ambient light situation.
• Parktronic visual and audible parking aid, with sensors in the front and rear bumpers. Also, the passenger side mirror can swivel down automatically when engaging reverse, to help see the curb.
• Automatically heated exterior mirrors.
• Fully automatic climate control system with pollen and charcoal filters and optional separate rear-seat climate controls. The system features a sensor that is able to detect the sun's position. This allows for individually variable system adjustments based where the sun's rays are most intense.
• COMAND system combines the controls for audio systems, the television, the navigation and the telephone. COMAND based cars offer higher quality audio compared to the Audio 10 system.
• Optional BOSE sound system.
• Summer Open/Close - Ability to open and close all four windows and the sunroof at the same time upon entry and/or exit from the vehicle.
• Self opening and closing trunk.
• Self-closing doors via pneumatic system.
• Electrically adjustable seats are standard. Optional were the memory function for the seats (standard in many countries on the larger engine models) and the multi-contour backrests with massage function.
• Easy entry/exit function.
• Auto-dimming interior and driver's side exterior rear view mirrors to prevent being dazzled by cars behind.
• Xenon headlamps (bi-xenons starting from late 2002 facelift. These provide HID xenon lighting for both low and high beams).
• Linguatronic voice recognition system which can be used to control the audio system, navigation system, and a cellular telephone through voice commands.

The Linguatronic voice control was introduced as an option in 1996 on the W140 S-Class. At that time it was primarily for controlling the car phone, and could understand 30 words. The second generation of this system was introduced in 2000. On the W220 this second generation system could understand more words and control more systems, such as the radio. In 2000, it could understand 300 words and control certain features on the phone, radio, CD player, and other systems. The second generation system needed 20 times the memory of the first generation system (from about half megabyte to twenty megabytes). The algorithms used in the system were developed at Ulm, Germany where what was then called DaimlerChrysler Research and Technology center was located in addition to other groups within the company.[53] The system listens to the person's voice and records frequencies which are then analyzed by a computer and its software. The system looks for patterns called phonemes to understand what the person is saying, a process which it computes in milliseconds.[54][53]

What system the voice command can control can depend on the model year.[54] In 2000, it could control the car phone, the radio, and the CD player (if installed) but in 2002 the navigation system was also added to its domain.[54] An original goal of the Linguatronic system was to allow essentially hands-free control of interior systems, especially the car phone by using spoken words.[55] This means there is microphone (located in the W220 S-Class) that can listen to the person; one of the issues is hearing the person over background noises and echos. The Linguatronic system used digital pre-processing to support this task. The features is run from hardware in a separate box in the back of the car.[28]

The W220 featured two new suspension systems - an air suspension and a hydropneumatic suspension system.[46]

The Airmatic air system has an Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which adjusts the shock absorbers to difficult road conditions. Drivers can select a comfort or two sports suspension programmes as well as increased ride height (+25 mm) via switches on the dash. The increased ride height is automatically canceled after 5 minutes of 55 MPH driving or manually through driver's input.

The electronically controlled hydropneumatic Active Body Control (ABC) system is technically more advanced than Airmatic and keeps the car level even in fast corners, provides a comfort and sports setting.[46] Also, just like Airmatic equipped vehicles, the ride height can be raised by using a button (2 settings, compared with Airmatic's single setting), increasing ground clearance for driving on difficult terrain such as roads with deep ruts or snow.[46] Prior to September 2002, only higher end models (e.g. S 600, which only was available with ABC) lowered themselves automatically at higher speeds by 15 mm in order to achieve greater stability (lower center of gravity) as well as better fuel efficiency through a slightly improved aerodynamic drag coefficient. As of September 2002 all models, regardless of engine and drivetrain type (ABC or Airmatic) were able to do so as well. Furthermore, at highway speeds the suspension computer automatically engages sport mode (Airmatic - Sport mode 1 or 2 depending on the current speed), thus aiding safety by significantly reducing body roll in sharp turns.

Facelift Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI (Europe)

There was a set of standard features, then differences between models other than just the engine, and then also various options that could be added to any given model.[25]

The basic model had Calyptus wood (possibly Eucalyptus), the S 500 added burl walnut trim Walnut tree, the Designo Espresso edition had Elm wood trim, and the Designo Silver edition had Maple wood trim.[25]

• Major features: 5G-Tronic transmission, Airmatic Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Automatic Slip Control (ASR), Leather Upholstery, 14 Way Power Driver and Front Passenger Seats, each with 3 Position Memory, 4-way (tilt/telescoping) power steering column, Dual Zone Climate Control (for driver and front passenger) but also separate vents for rear passengers, Hand-polished Calyptus wood trim on dash, console, doors and shift gate, COMAND data system (integrates audio, phone, navigation control), Bose AM/FM stereo/weatherband radio, concealed autoreverse cassette player, and controls for CD changer and phone with a color-LCD in-dash screen, CD navigation system (integrated with COMAND), TeleAid telecommunications service, Pneumatic door and trunk closing assist (this does not close from fully open), headlamp high pressure washers, power retractable mirrors, Front and rear ventilated disc brakes[25]
  • The S 500, besides switching the engine added Nappa leather, a heated front seat, walnut wood trim, and Xenon high beam lights.[25]
  • The S 600's major change was the V-12, however it also included a range of other options, including an increased amount of leather on the interior, 4 heated and powered seats, four-zone (as opposed to two zone) climate control, parktronic (an object detection/warning feature) Many of these were offered as independent on options on other models also.[25]
• Some major S-class options included Active Body Control, Keyless Go, Tire pressure monitoring system, and Electronic trunk closer, Designo and AMG packages, and various interior packages especially for seats and climate options[25]

Examples of stock exterior paint colors/names offered included (in this case for the '06 S 65): Alabaster White, Almandine Black Metallic, Black, Black Opal Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic, Desert Silver Metallic, Everest Green Metallic, Flint Grey Metallic, Granite Grey Metallic, Horizon Blue Metallic, Midnight Blue, Obsidian Black, Pewter Metallic, Designo Graphite, Designo Mocha Black Metallic[27]

The S-Class had two special design editions that were available for different drivetrains, it was trim and feature option set and the two choices were Designo Espresso and Designo Silver.[25] Both included many interior trim items, like a wood shift knob, Alcantara headliner, and leather trim.

The Designo Espresso edition had Elm wood trim, and the Designo Silver edition had Maple wood trim.[25] There were two Designo exterior paint options, designo Graphite and designo Mocha Black Metallic.[27] The Espresso edition featured the Mocha paint, napa leather, and elm wood.[35]

Phone systems offered during its model run include the Motorola Startac, carried over from W140 and offered in the first model year but replaced by the Mercedes-Benz/Motorola Timeport. Later, Mercedes-Benz offered the Motorola V60 as the car phone.[56]

The "Timeport" phone with a voice control system was offered as an option on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.[24] The Timeport phone was similar to a Motorola Startac.[57] In 2000, Mercedes and telecommunications and electronics company Motorola announced they would offer the Timeport cell phone system on all models in the year 2001. The Timeport cell-phone was a jointly developed and became available on all of Mercedes 2001 models (including the 2001 W220 S-Class) The Timeport phone was integrated with S-Class systems, major features included Voice-control and automatic mutein of the radio when accepting an incoming call (or tape or CD player). Another feature was that the directory of numbers in the phone could be downloaded to the car, and shown on the in-car display. Even though the phone was integrated as a system with car, it was portable handset that could be removed from the car. The cell-phone had an electro-luminescent Organic display with multiple colors available.[23] The Mercedes-Benz Timeport phones were the only ones in the StarTac family to have the organic-luminescent display.[58] (see also OLED) Another set of phones that the S-Class used were the Nokia 6150, Nokia 6210, Nokia 6310, and Nokia 6310i.[59] These phones worked with S-Class equipped with D2B data communication system (another later system was the UHI).[59][23]

As the years passed, various ways to connect different phones or systems to the COMAND or interface with existing cradles came to market, of varying ability and expense there is the issues of handling a connection to the system and then the software needed interface, and this task is affected by the model year and equipment options of any particular S-Class. One of the major advancements in this period was Bluetooth, and many modern updates are oriented towards this wireless data connection technology.

One option is the use a "puck" which plugs into the existing hardware, and engages the COMAND computer/software like an original device, but can talk to a modern device on the "other side" typically via Bluetooth.[59] The advantage of using a puck in this style is it means the existing cradle and/or cabling has to be changed but still allows connecting with a variety of different devices, especially a wide-variety of "smart-phones" that became popular in the decade after the W220.[59]

One critical maintenance issue is the main ventilation drain (these are below the vents at the back of the hood/bonnet and below the windshield). If this drain becomes clogged such as from leaves or snow it can overflow, flooding the passenger compartment.[73] When it overflows in can short out wiring in the car.[73] There is an air and water vent on the right (passenger side) near the base of the windshield, under the hood, which among other features as a drain with a reed valve to allow water to drain out.[74]

This issue was the subject of a Class-action lawsuit in the U.S. State of California.[75]

The suit alleged that .. " alleging, among other things, that the reed valve in the air/water duct in 2001-2006 model year Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (W215) vehicles is susceptible to clogging by leaves, pine needles and other debris, which can cause water to accumulate in the air/water duct and to overflow into the passenger compartment, possibly resulting in damage to electrical and other components.."

— [75]

In 2010, the United States Judge Howard Matz ruled on the settlement about this issue.[75]

The air/water duct is drained by a reed valve, which if clogged can cause water to overflow into the passenger compartment.[72] Other things that can cause water to enter an S-Class interior include the air conditioning condensation drain tubes.[76]

The permanent solution to prevent water from flooding the interior is to simply to remove the reed valve in the cowling drain so the water can flow straight and through the drain.[77]