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| Mercedes-Benz | Porsche | Motorcycles & Miscellanea | How Things Work (DIY) Section |
W220 S-Class
1999-2006
Some members of the automotive press frequently refer to the S-Class as "the best car in the world". The W220 S-Class is a good example of why members of the press feel that way.
Throughout its production run, the W220 S-Class was available in six models. The luxurious S430 and S500 are the most popular models. The economical S350, high-performance S55 AMG, V12-powered S600, and incredibly powerful V12 powered S65 AMG round out the lineup. Regardless of the model, S-Class owners have come to expect class-leading luxury, convenience, performance, technology and refinement.
The S430 uses a 275-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8, while the S500 has a 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8. Both the S430 and S500 come fully equipped with Airmatic air suspension, GPS navigation, Tele Aid, full leather upholstery, Bose audio system, ESP Stability Program and sunroof.
The S600 was introduced in 2001. In its original configuration, it was powered by a 362-hp 5.5 liter V12. In 2003 the powertrain was upgraded. The new 5.5 liter V12 engine had twin turbochargers (biturbo) and was rated at 493-hp and 593 lb-ft of torque. The twelve is engineered to provide effortless thrust with previously unheard-of levels of refinement. The S600 features ABC active suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, greater levels of wood and leather trim, a suede-like Alcantara headliner, Parktronic, four heated and power-operated seats, four-zone climate control, CD changer and a digital cellular phone with voice control.
The S430, S500, and S600 can also be equipped with a Sport package. The Sport package adds high performance styling and handling, while maintaining the sophisticated silhouette expected of an S-Class. The Sport package includes an AMG-designed front spoiler, rear apron and side skirts. 8.5x18-inch front and 9.5x18-inch rear AMG Monoblock alloy wheels with 245/45YR18 front and 275/40YR18 rear high-performance tires are also included.
The S55 AMG sports sedan is powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine. This engine is hand-assembled by AMG and develops 355 horsepower and 391 lbs.-ft. of torque. The S55 AMG delivers amazing performance. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH. The S55 AMG is also classified as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV). Standard equipment includes ABC active suspension, unique 18-inch AMG Monoblock alloy wheels with high-performance tires, active ventilated/multicontour front seats, AMG aerodynamic enhancements, and a trunk-mounted CD changer.
The S65 AMG is the most powerful car in the lineup. It has a dual turbocharged six-liter V12 that's been hand assembled by AMG. This engine produces over 600 horsepower and over 700 lbs-ft. of torque. Envision all the luxuries of an S600, but in a car that handles better, stops better, and can do zero to sixty sprints in 4.2 seconds.
The W220 S-Class; performance, luxury, and the most advanced technology available.
The Updates, Year-by-Year
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2000
The W220 S-Class arrived as a 2000 model year car, replacing the W140. In 2000, the only engine options were the 4.3 liter and 5.0 liter M113 V8s. The S430 had a list price of $69,700 and the S500 listed for $77,850. This was a price reduction from the 1999 S420 and S500 which listed for $73,900 and $87,500.
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2001
Two more S-Class sedans were added to the lineup. A 362 horsepower / 391 lb-ft torque V12 engine made its debut in the S600. Alongside was the S55 AMG featuring a 349 horsepower hand-built V8. Both new models received ABC (Active Body Control) which was introduced in the previous year's year CL.
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| Model | List Price |
| S430 | $70,800 |
| S500 | $78,950 |
| S55 AMG | $98,000 |
| S600 | $114,000 |
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2002
There were air conditioning refinements, including the MAX COOL setting, a new third memory position, and two new paint colors; Alabaster White and Everest Green.
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| Model | List Price |
| S430 | $72,815 |
| S500 | $80,865 |
| S55 AMG | $100,165 |
| S600 | $115,865 |
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2003
PRE-SAFE was introduced. Prior to impact, PRE-SAFE technology activated seat belt tensioners and adjusted the seats to an optimum safety position. Also if the car skidded, the sunroof also closed. All models received a new front fascia, head and taillight glass and interior updates. New all-wheel-drive 4Matic S430 and S500 models were introduced. The S600was upgraded and a new bi-turbo, 493 horsepower / 593 lb-ft of torque V12 replaced the normally aspirated version. and the S55 AMG was equipped with a new supercharged V8. The AMG V8 had 493 horsepower, Speed-Shift steering wheel buttons, an inproved braking system and a redesigned AMG interior.
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| Model | List Price |
| S430 | $73,265 |
| S500 | $81,665 |
| S55 AMG | $107,165 |
| S600 | $121,205 |
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2004
2004 S430 and S500 models were equipped with all-new seven-speed automatic transmissions, standard DVD navigation systems, MP3 play capability and optional 18-inch wheels.
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2005
Other than pricing, there were no changes in 2005.
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| Model | List Price |
| S430 | $76,020 |
| S500 | $84,620 |
| S55 AMG | $112,620 |
| S600 | $125,470 |
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2006
Although 2006 was the last year of the eighth generation S-Class, it introduced the S65 AMG. The S65 AMG was the world's quickest four-door. This new V12 had 604 horsepower and sprinted from zero to sixty MPH in 4.2 seconds. The more economical S350 was also introduced. This model was powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 that was introduced in the 2005 SLK350. This engine was the first Mercedes-Benz V6 with dual overhead cam technology and it had four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. The AMG sport package was a no-cost option on the rear wheel drive S430 and S500 models. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive package was also a no-cost option on both the S430 and S500. Keyless Go, heated steering wheel, electronic trunk closer. And rear blinds were all standard on the S600.
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| Model | List Price |
| S350 | $65,675 |
| S430 | $78,025 |
| S500 | $86,825 |
| S55 AMG | $114,925 |
| S600 | $128,725 |
| S65 AMG | $169,775 |
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V8 Technical Data
| Model | S430 | S500 |
S55 AMG (non-supercharged version) |
| Vehicle type | Four-door, five-passenger sedan | ||
| Engine | 90-degree V8 | ||
| Engine material | aluminum | ||
| Valvetrain | Chain-driven single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank, two intake valves and one exhaust valve per cylinder | ||
| Valve arrangement | 3-valve technology with two intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder | ||
| Displacement (cu. in./cc) | 260.3 / 4,266 | 303 / 4,966 | 331.9 / 5,439 |
| Bore (in./mm) | 3.54 / 89.9 | 3.82 / 97.0 | 3.82 / 97.0 |
| Stroke (in./mm) | 3.31 / 84.0 | 3.31 / 84.0 | 3.62 / 92.0 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 | |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 275 @ 5,750 | 302 @ 5,500 | 355 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb-ft.) @ rpm | 295 @ 3,000-4,400 | 339 @ 2,700-4,250 | 391 @ 3,000 |
| Intake system | Sequential fuel injection, electronic throttle control, 2-stage resonance intake manifold | ||
| Engine management | ME 2.8 engine control with phase-shifted twin spark ignition, two coils and spark plugs per cylinder, integrated sequential multi-point fuel injection | ||
| Max. engine speed (rpm) | 6,000 | ||
| Transmission | Five-speed electronically controlled automatic with driver-adaptive shift logic, Touch Shift selectable manual control. | ||
| Gear ratios | |||
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2 3 4 5 R R2 "winter" mode |
3.59:1
2.19:1 1.41:1 1.00:1 0.83:1 3.16:1 1.95:1 |
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| Final drive | 2.82:1 | ||
| Stability control | Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) integrating single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control. | ||
| Traction control | Full-range ASR uses rear brakes and throttle intervention to control wheelspin | ||
| Suspension | Four-wheel independent | ||
| Front | Upper and lower control arms, coil springs, electrohydraulic damping plus gas-charged shocks, level control | ||
| Rear | Five-link, coil springs, electrohydraulic damping plus gas-charged shocks, level control | ||
| Steering | Speed-sensitive rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist | ||
| Overall ratio | 17.83:1 | ||
| Turns, lock-to-lock | 2.8 | ||
| Turning radius (feet) | 37.7 | 39.7 | |
| Front Wheels |
7.5x16-in.
(8.5x18-in. w/Sport) |
8.5x18-in. | |
| Rear Wheels |
7.5x16-in.
(9.5x18-in. w/Sport) |
9.5x18-in. | |
| Front tires |
225/60R16 H
(245/45YR18 w/Sport) |
245/45YR18 | |
| Rear tires |
225/60R16 H
(275/40YR18 w/Sport) |
275/40YR18 | |
| Brakes | Hydraulic power assisted 4-wheel discs with 4-channel ABS anti-lock; Brake Assist System | ||
| Front disc diameter (in./mm; type) | 13.1 / 331; vented, drilled | 13.6 / 345; vented, drilled | |
| Front disc thickness (in./mm) | 1.3 / 32 | ||
| Rear disc thickness (in./mm) | 0.9 / 22 | ||
| Exterior dimensions (in./mm) | |||
| Wheelbase | 121.5 / 3,086 | ||
| Length | 203.1 / 5,159 | ||
| Width (without mirrors) | 73.1 / 1,857 | ||
| Height | 56.9 / 1,445 | ||
| Front track | 62.1 / 1,577 | 62.0 / 1574 | |
| Rear track | 62.1 / 1,578 | 61.8 / 1570 | |
| Curb weight | 4,133 | 4,186 | |
| Aerodynamic drag (Cd) | 0.28 | ||
| Interior dimensions (in./mm) | |||
| Front head room | 37.6 / 955 | ||
| Rear head room | 38.4 / 975 | ||
| Front Leg room | 41.3 / 1,049 | ||
| Rear Leg room | 40.3 / 1,024 | ||
| Front Shoulder room | 59.2 / 1,504 | ||
| Rear Shoulder room | 58.3 / 1,481 | ||
| Front Elbow room | 59.9 / 1,521 | ||
| Rear Elbow room | 59.4 / 1,509 | ||
| Capacities | |||
| Cabin volume (cu. ft.) | 105.0 | ||
| Cargo volume (cu. ft.) | 15.4 | ||
| Fuel tank (gallons) | 23.2 | ||
| Performance | |||
| 0-60 (seconds) | 6.9 | 6.1 | 5.7 |
| Top Speed MPH | 130 - electronically limited | 155 - electronically limited | |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy) | 17 / 24 | 16 / 23 | 16 / 23 |
V12 Technical Data
| Model |
S600
(2001-2002 model years) |
S65 AMG | ||
| Vehicle type | Four-door, five-passenger sedan | |||
| Engine | 60-degree V12 | |||
| Engine material | aluminum | |||
| Valvetrain | Chain-driven single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank, two intake valves and one exhaust valve per cylinder | |||
| Valve arrangement | 3-valve technology with two intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder | |||
| Displacement (cu. in./cc) | 353.1 / 5,786 | 364.9 / 5,980 | ||
| Bore (in./mm) | 3.31 / 84.0 | 3.25 / 82.55 | ||
| Stroke (in./mm) | 3.43 / 87.0 | 3.66 / 92.96 | ||
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 | ||
| Horsepower @ rpm | 362 @ 5,500 | 604 @ 4,800 - 5,100 | ||
| Torque (lb-ft.) @ rpm | 391 @ 4,100 | 738 @ 2,000 - 4,000 | ||
| Intake system | Sequential fuel injection, electronic throttle control, 2-stage resonance intake manifold | Twin turbocharged, intercooled, sequential fuel injection, electronic throttle control, 2-stage resonance intake manifold | ||
| Engine management | ME 2.7 engine control with phase-shifted twin spark ignition, two coils and spark plugs per cylinder, integrated sequential multi-point fuel injection, & active cylinder control | ME 2.8 engine control with phase-shifted twin spark ignition, two coils and spark plugs per cylinder, integrated sequential multi-point fuel injection. | ||
| Max. engine speed (rpm) | 6,000 | 5,950 | ||
| Transmission | Five-speed electronically controlled automatic with driver-adaptive shift logic, Touch Shift selectable manual control. | |||
| Gear ratios | ||||
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1
2 3 4 5 R R2 "winter" mode |
3.59:1
2.19:1 1.41:1 1.00:1 0.83:1 3.16:1 1.95:1 |
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| Final drive | 2.65:1 | |||
| Stability control | Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) integrating single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control. | |||
| Traction control | Full-range ASR uses rear brakes and throttle intervention to control wheelspin | |||
| Suspension | Four-wheel independent | |||
| Front | Upper and lower control arms, coil springs, electrohydraulic damping plus gas-charged shocks, level control | |||
| Rear | Five-link, coil springs, electrohydraulic damping plus gas-charged shocks, level control | |||
| Steering | Speed-sensitive rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist | |||
| Overall ratio | 17.83:1 | |||
| Turns, lock-to-lock | 2.8 | |||
| Turning radius (feet) | 37.7 | |||
| Front Wheels |
7.5x17-in.
(8.5x18-in. w/Sport) |
9.5x19-in. | ||
| Rear Wheels |
7.5x17-in.
(9.5x18-in. w/Sport) |
9.5x19-in. | ||
| Front tires |
225/55R17 97H
(245/45YR18 w/Sport) |
245/407R19 | ||
| Rear tires |
225/55R17 97H
(275/40YR18 w/Sport) |
275/35ZR19 | ||
| Brakes | Hydraulic power assisted 4-wheel discs with 4-channel ABS anti-lock; Brake Assist System | |||
| Front disc diameter (in./mm; type) | 13.6 / 345; vented, drilled | 15.4 / 391; vented, drilled (with 8-piston AMG calipers) | ||
| Front disc thickness (in./mm) | 1.3 / 32 | - | ||
| Rear disc diameter (in./mm; type) | 12.4 / 315; vented, drilled | 13.7 / 348; vented, drilled (with 8-piston AMG calipers) | ||
| Rear disc thickness (in./mm) | 0.9 / 22 | - | ||
| Exterior dimensions (in./mm) | ||||
| Wheelbase | 121.5 / 3,086 | |||
| Length | 203.1 / 5,159 | |||
| Width (without mirrors) | 73.1 / 1,857 | |||
| Height | 56.9 / 1,445 | |||
| Front track | 62.1 / 1,577 | 62.0 / 1,574 | ||
| Rear track | 62.1 / 1,578 | 62.0 / 1,574 | ||
| Curb weight | 4,488 | - | ||
| Aerodynamic drag (Cd) | 0.28 | |||
| Interior dimensions (in./mm) | ||||
| Front head room | 37.6 / 955 | |||
| Rear head room | 38.4 / 975 | |||
| Front Leg room | 41.3 / 1,049 | |||
| Rear Leg room | 40.3 / 1,024 | |||
| Front Shoulder room | 59.2 / 1,504 | |||
| Rear Shoulder room | 58.3 / 1,481 | |||
| Front Elbow room | 59.9 / 1,521 | |||
| Rear Elbow room | 59.4 / 1,509 | |||
| Capacities | ||||
| Cabin volume (cu. ft.) | 105.0 | |||
| Cargo volume (cu. ft.) | 15.4 | |||
| Fuel tank (gallons) | 23.2 | |||
| Performance | ||||
| 0-60 (seconds) | 5.9 | 4.2 | ||
| Top Speed MPH | 155 - electronically limited | |||
| Fuel economy (city/hwy) | 15 / 22 | 12 / 19 | ||
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© 2006 Marcus Blair Fitzhugh
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