Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)
The Mercedes-Benz W220 was a range of flagship sedans which, as the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, replaced the W140 S-Class after model year 1998 — with long and short wheelbase versions, performance and luxury options; available four-wheel drive; and a range of diesel as well as gas/petrol V6, V8, and V12 engines. Compared to its predecessor, the W220 had somewhat smaller exterior dimensions but offered greater interior volume, particularly in the long-wheelbase versions, and slightly less cargo volume. Development began in 1992, with the final design, under the direction  of Steve Mattin, approved in June 1995 and frozen in March 1996. The completed prototypes were presented in June 1998. W220 production began on August 13, 1998, and C215 coupé production followed in 1999. Production of the 220-series totalled 484,683 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140. Production ended in late 2005, when the W220 was replaced by the W221 S-Class and the C215 was replaced in 2006 by the C216 CL-Class. Styling. Steve Mattin's design was the first sketch drawn in October 1992 and developed into 1:1 scale by late 1994. In  June 1995, the Daimler-Benz AG board of management approved Mattin's final design at 38 months before production. By March 1996, W220 program engineers completed the design freeze, 29 months before production start in August 1998. The W220 exterior design (especially headlights) was previewed by the Mercedes-Benz F200 concept in late 1996. Being a Mercedes flagship vehicle worldwide, the S-Class largely popularized the theme. A facelifted version of the S-Class was designed in late 2000 and introduced in September 2002, offering a more refined front-end with a larger, more upright grille, transparent headlamp housings with  sealed-beam projectors, and revised taillights. Much of the rest of the exterior remained largely unchanged from first phase W220 models. Inside, the update addressed several of the issues in the COMAND system and other interior features. Exterior updates included a more upright grille angle, new transparent housing for the headlamps (replacing the earlier translucent versions), and restyled lower air intakes on the front bumper. The S 600 series has a "V12" badge affixed to either side of the car, just forward of the front doors and back from the wheel wells. Models. European Sales (for all versions of S -Class): North American models. 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. 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. In 1999, Mercedes-Benz sold 189,437 and hoped to exceed that the next year. 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. In the last U.S. W220 model year a V-6 was offered as the S 350. Another special option was called the "Designo", which matched special interior and exterior colors and materials. An example of this is that one such model used Elm wood in the interior. 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. 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. The V-12 had a displacement of 6 liters, in a single overhead cam, 36-valve configuration, and was paired with two turbochargers. The S  65 had four oval tail-pipes and AMG alloy wheels. UK models. UK models in 2001: Prices ranged from £44,410 for the S 280 up to £87,580 for the long-wheel base S 600. Specific versions. One of the most popular versions was the long-wheelbase S 500, with over 108,000 produced over the model run. On top of that, an additional over 13,000 all-wheel drive S 500 version were made and over 21,000 short-wheel base S 500 models. This works out to about 140,000 S 500 of all versions across all model years out of  484,683 of all W220 models over its production run. The W220's peak sales year was 2000, with 88,000 sold worldwide, but both 1999 and 2001 were close with well over 80,000 sold. Two unique models that had small runs were a factory produced 160 inch wheelbase "stretch limo" called a Pullman and a special security version called S-Guard. The Pullman version was a Mercedes-Benz engineered version of the S-Class of this period (circa 2001), that went beyond the after market "stretch" to offer a host of advanced systems and enhanced comfort. One of those systems was  the AMG Advanced Mobile Media System to support the concept of a mobile office from within the vehicle. Components of this system including 10.4 inch LCD monitors displaying data from a computer with mobile web access. The system could also support video display, both from a DVD player or tuner to pick up broadcast; with two screen, it could display both at the same time. An additional re-chargeable battery allowed the system to powered independently for a half-hour with the engine off. The AMG developed media system could connect to the World Wide Web using HSCSD or GPRS  at up to 43 kilobits per second. The AMG Advanced Mobile Media System debuted in 1999 on the Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG, which was noted for featuring a six-channel digital audio system. The system debuted on S-Class with 2001 Pullman model. AMG signed a cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz starting 1990, producing special models of MB vehicles and became further integrated in this period starting in 1991 with the foundation of Mercedes-AMG GmbH various changes driven especially by the success of AMG models in MB lines and expansions at Affalterbach, Germany. The S-Class Pullman was  offered as the S 500 (V8) or S 600 (V12) and was jointly developed by Mercedes and AMG. The Pullman is longer than the regular S-Class, providing of space in the rear seat area. This also additional seating for up to seven-passengers, with two rear facing seats in between the front and back seats. In six-seat configuration the rear bench seat capable of three is replaced by two independent chairs. In addition to the AMG multi-media system, there is also a bar supporting the consumption of cooled beverages, small tables, and a barrier to the front  of the vehicle that. Along with this barrier is an intercom from the rear seat to the driver area to support communication within the vehicle. Mechanically, the roof, exhaust, side-panels and chassis featured changes to support the additional length. A special feature for people working on the car, is that the side panels can be easily removed like doors. Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG. 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. The early model had a naturally aspirated version with , and starting in 2003, it switched to supercharged version with . 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. The engine peak output  on the S 55 was and 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. 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. Features added to the S 55 (US-spec): 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 in 4.3 seconds and 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 . It could stop from 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 at 5500 rpm and up to of torque at 4100 rpm. The 2003 model update had a 5.5 liter V-12 with twin turbochargers, producing and of torque. 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. Features included on the S 600  (US-spec): Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG. The S 65 was an AMG version of the S 600, with a twin-turbocharged V12 producing . The S 65 still used the 5G-Tronic 5-speed torque converter automatic transmission due to its powerful engine, as it could make over of torque. Pushing close to , 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 and over 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. 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. Suspension: Airmatic & Active Body Control. The W220 was available either with air suspension  or hydropneumatic suspension, rather than the more common mechanical "springs and shocks" on most passenger vehicles. The car had an electronic stability control program and automatic slip control. Airmatic. "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. This allows, for example, the car to automatically lower itself down at high speeds and keep the car balanced despite loads inside the car. The car can also be manually controlled to raise the car up if going for example over  rough roads. 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. 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. The Airmatic system was supported by the ADS, active damping system. The lower control arm in the previous S-Class was switched to a spring link and torque strut. 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. Active Body Control. Some models had a hydropneumatic suspension system, "Active Body Control" or ABC. The ABC system on the 1998-2005 S-Class used hydropneumatic suspension struts. ABC was standard on  the S 55 (supercharged) and S 600 (biturbo), while being an optional upgrade on other S-Class models. Features. As with each new S-Class, the W220 was technologically advanced at the time of its launch, bringing in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension, Active Ventilated Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations), keyless entry and ignition, Distronic: the first worldwide radar-assisted Autonomous cruise control system, and a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control for the S 500 and S 600 models, which improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions. All were  pioneering innovations at the time of the W220's conception. There are standard features to all models, standard features to certain models, and finally optional features. Sometimes what is standard changes on a model year or country of sale. 4Matic all wheel drive was introduced to the North American S-Class for 2003, for the S 430 and S 500 as a US$2180 option. This full-time system splits engine power 40/60 front/rear, with electronic traction control adjusting that mix to the wheels (or wheel) with the best traction in slippery conditions. It was the first Mercedes with  curtain airbags (previewed by the F200 concept in 1996). Details on some of the safety, comfort, and technological features are as follows: Safety. 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. 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. 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. Comfort and convenience. Features varied depending on locality (e.g. North American version) and what options were equipped 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. 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. What system the voice command can control can depend on the model year. 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. 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. 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. Suspension technologies. The W220 featured two new suspension systems - an air suspension and a hydropneumatic suspension system . 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. 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. 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. Variation in features. 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. 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. 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 Designo editions. 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". 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. There were two Designo exterior paint options, "designo Graphite" and "designo Mocha Black Metallic". The Espresso edition featured the Mocha paint, napa leather, and elm wood. Integrated car phone systems. 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. The "Timeport" phone with a voice control system was offered as an option on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Timeport phone was similar to a Motorola Startac. 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. The Mercedes-Benz Timeport phones were the only ones in the StarTac family to have the organic-luminescent display. (see also OLED) Another set of phones that the S-Class used were the Nokia  6150, Nokia 6210, Nokia 6310, and Nokia 6310i. These phones worked with S-Class equipped with D2B data communication system (another later system was the UHI). 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. 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. Engines. The W220 was available with  more engine options than the W126 or W140. The range started with a smaller 2.8L V6 motor. Very popular was the 3.2L V6, which was superseded by an enlarged 3.7L V6 in the S 350. Despite their popularity, the 6-cylinder S-Class cars were not imported into countries such as the United States until model year 2006 with the S 350 (short wheelbase), where Daimler was then testing the market demand for a V6 S-Class. The S 430, the only United States market S-Class available with both a short wheelbase ('03-'06) as well as a long wheelbase , was that region's most popular model and powered by a 4.3L V8 that avoided the federal government's Gas Guzzler Tax of $1000. The S 500 was powered by a 5.0L V8. The S 55 AMG ('01-'02) was outfitted with a 5.4L V8 motor while the later versions ('03-'06) sported the same motor, but supercharged to a rated . The S 600 ('01-'02) was outfitted with a 5.8L V12 engine while the later versions ('03-'06) sported a twin-turbocharged (or Bi-Turbo) 5.5L V12. Both S 55 AMG and S 600 have same engine output but target different clientele : the former more sporty and responsive while the latter more luxurious with a smoother ride. For one month in 2001, AMG produced the S 63 AMG, which was sold in very limited numbers. The S 63 was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.3L V12. It was only offered with a long wheelbase and with rear-wheel drive. A total of 70 cars were sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets. S 65 AMG was introduced in 2005 with new enlarged 6-litre V12 engine developed specifically for Maybach 57S and 62S (as to amortise the cost of engine  development). The twin turbocharged 6-litre V12 had output of and of torque. S 65 AMG became the most powerful S-Class ever built with incremental power increase for W222 S 65 AMG in 2017. Additionally, S 65 AMG was world's most powerful five-passenger four-door sedan until Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat with was introduced in 2014. The S 320 CDI was initially fitted with a || engine, which was upgraded in late 2002 to a || one. The S 400 CDI had at first, but got in 2003. The type designation S 400 CDI was changed in  the W221 generation to S 420. W220 was the first generation of S-Class, where automatic transmissions were standard on all models. At first, all cars had 5-speed 5G-Tronic transmission; however, since 2003 (2004 in the United States), S 430 and S 500 were instead offered with the new 7-speed 7G-Tronic transmission. Transmission. All model years used a 5-speed transmission until a 7-speed came out. In the U.S. market, the 7 speed was the standard transmission on RWD S 430 and S 500 models in 2004, and optional on 4MATIC models. V12 models continued  using the 5-speed as the 7-speed could not handle the immense amount of torque from the V12. In 2005, the 7-speed was standard on the S430 4MATIC, making it no longer optional. The transmission has W and S modes that can be selected. See also: Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic transmission and Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic transmission Certificates and reports. In 2005, the S-Class was the first vehicle to receive a TÜV Institute environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance for environmentally friendly components. The improved environmental efficiency of the W220 manufacture process was judged  approvingly. Edmunds gave the S-Class a 5 out of 5 reliability rating and MSN Autos assign an expert rating of 9.0 out of 10. By March 2011, Consumer Reports had changed its reliability ratings for the 2001 and 2002 S-Class as having improved to "average". Build quality was generally considered to be good. For instance, "Forbes" described the W220 S 500 as "built remarkably well." Early W220s were recalled for issues with the trunk spring and the hydraulic fuel line; there were no recalls for the 2005 or 2006 model years. Recalls. In 2006, nearly 24,000 (95%) S -Class sold in China between late 1998 and early 2005 were recalled due to a fuel tank defect. The recall was limited to the S-Class cars sold in China; S-Class models sold elsewhere were unaffected. In 2006, a recall was initiated due to illumination failures in the instrument cluster of some W220s. Examples of recalls in Australia include: Some other issues were noted with sensors or other components being potentially being damaged by water and/or heat. The model is also called the V220 (as opposed to W220). Maintenance/design features. One Canadian car site noted that older W220 's can offer impressive features for the cost, provided that owners continue to maintain the vehicle. They noted a few key issues on later models including the air suspension and interior electronics. They also noted that over its production run Mercedes-Benz fixed many issues and there is also considerable variation in models depending how they were equipped. Reed valve inside air/water duct: the Ventilation drain. 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. When it overflows in can short out wiring in the car. 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. This issue was the subject of a Class-action lawsuit in the U.S. State of California. In 2010, the United States Judge Howard Matz ruled on the settlement about this issue. The air/water duct is drained by a reed valve , which if clogged can cause water to overflow into the passenger compartment. Other things that can cause water to enter an S-Class interior include the air conditioning condensation drain tubes. 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. Performance. About top speeds: The top speed of most models was limited to no more than 156 mph if it could be achieved, some models such as the CDI were slower. An aftermarket version like the 2001  model year Brabus S V12 boosted the output of V-12 to at 5700 rpm and could do 0- in about 5.4 seconds. Aftermarket and tuner. The naturally aspirated V-8 was boosted by up to 30 hp, but the turbo and super-charged version was boosted 100-120 hp by reputable tuning companies. An additional 200 hp could be achieved with extensive modifications going as far as improved heat management and modifications to the intercooler for the M275 V-12 twin-turbo. Potential points of modification include intake, exhaust, fuel systems, transmissions, and the ECU. An example of an aftermarket version of  the S-Class, was the 2001 Brabus S V12. This increased the displacement of the engine to 6.7 liters and the horsepower to 450. The changes also included interior luxury options like the BRABUS PC, enhanced leather trim options, and a 12-inch TFT (flat screen) display. The Brabus S V12 cost US$416,000 (416,000 DM) and needed any stock MB S 600 for the conversion. The Brabus had a top speed of almost 190 mph and various other changes, including different tires and rims (on the front 50.8 x 24.1 cm / 20.0 x 9.5 with 245/35ZR-20, and on the  rear 50.8 x 24.1 cm / 20.0 x 9.5 also with 245/35ZR-20). "examples"