Mercedes-Benz 2003 S 500 4MATIC Service Manual download pdf (Page 9)

Heritage continued

the 300 SD. The turbodiesel was a popular

model during the energy crisis in the U.S.

during the early 1970s.

With a 6.9-liter V-8 engine, the 450 SEL-

based 6.9 developed 286 hp. Powertrain

components included fuel injection,

electronic ignition and hydraulic valves.

Capable of a top speed of 140 mph, the 6.9

came with a long list of standard features.

Over 1,800 units were brought to the U.S.

The S-Class had ribbed turn-signal and

taillamp lenses — a design carried over in

modified form through today. Mechanical

features included double wishbone front

suspension and, in 1978, an optional

Antilock Braking System (ABS). Electronics

were important to the S-Class, with power

windows, sunroof, two-stage heated

front seats, cruise control, an outside

temperature indicator, headlamp washers

with wipers, cassette player and automatic

climate control. Total production of the

W116 series was 473,035 units.

1980–1991

With the W126 series, the S-Class became

well-known as a pioneer in passive safety.

Mercedes-Benz introduced 3-way forked

members as part of the front crumple zone,

and in crash testing the S-Class was able

to withstand an offset frontal impact of

34 mph with the passenger compartment

left intact. ABS was available as an option,

as were an Automatic Locking Differential

(ASD) and Automatic Slip Control (ASR).

The W126 sedans and coupes debuted a

number of important seat-belt features,

such as 3-position height adjustment of the

sedan front shoulder belts (1979) and the

coupe’s front seat-belt presenters (1982).

In 1981, the S-Class was the world’s first

volume-produced automobile to offer a

driver’s front air bag, along with a front

passenger seat-belt Emergency Tensioning

Device (ETD). In 1987, a front air bag was

made available for the front passenger.

Innovations in comfort included power front

seats with memory, heated rear seats,

rear-cabin reading lights and a power rear-

window sunshade. On long-wheelbase

models, rear-seat passengers had available

power-adjustable seating and separate

climate control vents. At the end of its

production run, the W126 series S-Class

included five models in the U.S.: the

standard-wheelbase 300 SE Sedan; the

long-wheelbase 300 SEL, 420 SEL and

560 SEL Sedans; and the 560 SEC Coupe.

1992–1999

The objective for the W140-series S-Class —

introduced for model year 1992 — was to do

everything better than ever before. Its large

interior, dual-pane side windows and smooth-

running engines all added to comfort. The

automatic climate control filtered out odors

and minute particles of dust. The doors and

decklid had closing assists, and rear-seat

passengers were provided with a pair of

ceiling-mounted vanity mirrors.

Safety engineering was given high priority,

with improved provisions for side impacts.

Safety systems included front air bags for

the driver and front passenger, automatic

shoulder-belt height adjustment, front

seat-belt ETDs, and Automatic Slip Control

(ASR). During its lifetime, the W/V140

was outfitted with auto-dimming rearview

mirrors, front door-mounted side-impact air

bags, front seat-belt force limiters, Brake

Assist and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

For the 1998 model year, the coupe models

became their own model line, the new

CL-Class. Approximately 407,000 S-Class

units were built from 1991 through the end

of the 1999 model year in August 1998.

2000

The current W220-series S-Class was

introduced during 1999 for the 2000 model

year. The entry-level U.S. model was the

S 430 Sedan in long-wheelbase (V220) form

with V-8 power. It represented the ultimate

in automotive engineering, at the same

time offering the highest standards of ride

comfort, active and passive safety, reliability

and environmental compatibility.

2003

The 2003 S-Class received a mid-cycle

facelift. In addition to restyling inside and

out, the interior materials became richer.

Technological advances included the new

option of 4MATIC

™

all-wheel drive on the

S 430 and S 500 Sedans, and new engines

boasting nearly 500 hp for the S 55 AMG

and S 600 Sedans. In addition, safety

innovations included the world’s first

accident-predictive vehicle preparation

system, PRE-SAFE.®

2004

The S-Class maintained its reputation for

leadership in the marketplace by offering

a host of technological enhancements,

including the industry’s first 7-speed

automatic transmission (on S 430 and S 500

models without 4MATIC), enhanced Tele Aid

capabilities, an easier-to-use COMAND head

unit and DVD-based navigation system, and

new Bose® digital surround sound.

2005

The S-Class again remained the best-selling

premium luxury sedan both worldwide and

in the U.S. market. Adding to its already

legendary long-term value was the instantly

appealing offering of 4MATIC all-wheel

drive as a no-charge option on both the

S 430 and S 500 models. Early in 2005,

the beyond-superlative performance of the

604-hp S 65 AMG Sedan became available.

2006 S-CLASS

OVERVIEW

S-CLASS OVERVIEW continued

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