Skylaw

Folks have often requested a general starting point for questions and research on the W220 S-Class, something akin to the Encyclopaedia Germanica vol. 107 on the BenzWorld R/C 107 forum. Well, here it is. I don’t have all the answers, or even all the good sites; but I do have over 1500 links bookmarked that help me respond to questions on three different forums. Here are the best of them. Feel free to add more.

Please read this over before posting new questions. We’ll ask. If it’s already covered, we’ll just refer you back to this. If it doesn’t quite answer your questions, you’ll have a bunch of good search terms for the forum’s search tool, and you won’t have to wait as long for an answer.

There is a downloadable WORD version of this post with hyperlinks at http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=33904

HINTS FOR FOLKS NEW TO THE MERCEDES FORUMS

Good information for new folks on any MB forum - https://mbworld.org/forums/suggestio...-guy-help.html



AIRMATIC SUSPENSION

Primer - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...uspension.html

Problem indications, post 6 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...yes-again.html

Start of problems and strut diagrams post 15 https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ic-failed.html - Hella relay at post 18 (Relay goes in slot “O”)

Front strut seal DIY https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...t-install.html

Warning signs https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...questions.html

Discussion of Airmatic problem areas https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...preciated.html

Where to get Hella relay (W220 uses 4-prong relay) http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...=18@Electrical %26 Vacuum&gid=3608@Multi-Purpose Relay/Combination Relay

Noisy airmatic pump post 3 http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...atic-pump.html

Emergency repair post 123-129 http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...struts-13.html

Valve Block replacement http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...c-damping.html

Caution if you have a leak and raise the car on a lift – post 22 at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ease-help.html

A Better Airmatic Strut - http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...rts_yid18.html and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ml#post3812937 - and watch this for further developments http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-problems.html

Difference between Airmatic and ABC post 15 http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...orkshop-2.html - post3213557

More Airmatic and ABC differences; how to tell which you have https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ntrol-not.html

ABC front strut top http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...500-sport.html

ABC owners will be interested in 2007 recall - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tion-hose.html



COMAND

Everything you ever wanted to know http://www.mercupgrades.com/ - WONDERFUL resource

COMAND manuals http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/comand_manual.htm and
http://www.mercupgrades.com/Mercedes...rticle-60.html

COMAND and Head Unit Removal, Repair http://www.carstereohelp.com/strmercedes.htm

Changeover of COMAND 2.5 (CD based) to COMAND 2.0 (DVD based) - Euro specification COMANDs http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...and-2-5-a.html

COMAND screen replacement
https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ml#post2702991
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...scratched.html

COMAND 2.5 diagnostic menus http://www.mercupgrades.com/Mercedes...rticle-13.html

COMAND Unlock codes – NOTE: This is not recommended, and these codes will not work on many COMANDS – too many people screwed up their COMANDs and codes have been changed - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ock-codes.html

COMAND video http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...c230-komp.html

Burning mp3 to DVD for MOST-based COMANDs http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...rning-how.html

More on burning mp3 DVDs https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...rk-comand.html

Folder structure for mp3 on DVD http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...00-comand.html



NAVIGATION

a. DVD based nav systems (COMAND 2.0)

Latest Navigation DVDs (for MOST based systems) http://www.navigation.com/is-bin/INT...llProducts=YES - also available from your dealer at the same price.

COMAND firmware update vs. Nav firmware update: Konigsteiger’s post 16 at https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...pdate-dvd.html and
post 12 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...de-mode-2.html

Useful Nav System Hints post 3, https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...8-nav-dvd.html - post2571009

b. CD-based nav systems (COMAND 2.5, COMAND MOPF widescreen)
How to tell if you have “C” or “D” Nav (for D2B, CD-based nav systems) https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...257-d-nav.html and
post 1 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...upgrade-2.html - post2629191

Latest Set of “C” Nav CDs (last set issued) http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...estions-3.html

c. Nav not accurate – wheel/tire size - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...-accurate.html and Inaccurate navigation – no satellites http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ites-help.html and https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-position.html - post3774561



HANDSFREE PHONE (Cell Phone) – Bluetooth and Plug-in

How-To Guide for Cell Phone Upgrades and Equipping Your Car for First Time - http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=33872 - Downloadable version at http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=33863 - They’re all you need.
Also posted at https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...bluetooth.html

Other kits: http://www.incartronics.com/, http://www.mobridgeinc.com/products/bluetooth, and http://www.eiskits.com/argoslaunch4.html



IPOD INTEGRATION

How to integrate an iPod in cars that cannot use the MB iPod kit - http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?p=189073 - post189073
Also posted at https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...mentation.html with a discussion of menus at https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ml#post2471051

Other kits: http://www.incartronics.com/, http://www.mobridgeinc.com/products/audio - proddetail-3



AUDIO PROBLEMS, RADIOS, RADIO CODES

No sound and CD Changer problem http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ml#post3028044

Troubleshooting a No Audio Problem http://www.carstereohelp.com/mercedesFiberOptic.htm
Also http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...d-changer.html

CD Changer repair - http://blogs.sun.com/miko/entry/cd_changer_repair;
A potential non-MB replacement for D2B equipped cars - http://www.mercedes-player.com/epage...jectID=1489801

Installing SIRIUS http://www.billsden.org/fileadmin/me...ll_11_2005.pdf

Repair, http://www.carstereohelp.com/mercedes.htm

The one and only proper way to get radio codes for Audio XX head Units (COMAND does not use radio codes) – post # 2 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...icky-idea.html - and the reason why it’s the only proper method, post 8 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...adio-code.html



INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

Extended Warranty vs Recall - The instrument cluster on the W220 and W215 were subject to a recall, by VIN, for lighting-specific problems. The recall was superseded by a 10-year extended warranty from initial date of service on ALL U.S. W220s and W215s. The extended warranty applies to all defects and is NOT limited by VIN. Jayhawk posted the extended warranty letter at 58 https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...removal-3.html

see also post #2, http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...on-button.html

If you are not covered by warranty, see posts 8 and 17 at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...r-removal.html



MANUALS - OWNERS, MAINTENANCE and COMAND MANUALS ONLINE; MERCEDES ELECTRONIC PARTS CATALOG

Owners Manuals: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/ - /servPrtsOwnersManuals/

Maintenance Manuals: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/ - /servPrtsMaintManuals/

COMAND Manuals: http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/comand_manual.htm and http://www.mercupgrades.com/Mercedes...rticle-60.html

Voice Recognition (Control) System Manual: http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/vcm.htm

Mercedes Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) - http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/welcome.jsp - it is free, but you must sign up and provide a credit card # (to show you are an adult). This lists virtually every part and provides the exploded diagrams of every assembly for nearly every model.



BODY

Air Filter Replacement
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...placement.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...r-filter.html;

Charcoal filter, post 3 at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post2568867

Center Console Removal http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...t-console.html

Strange or Annoying noises https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3270964

Creaking noise, post 6 http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-creaking.html

Buzzing noise from dash - Aspirator motor https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ing-noise.html and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ound-dash.html

Soft close problems https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...t-working.html

Interior door handle illumination http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ess-light.html

Solution for sticky steering wheel buttons post 3 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...l-buttons.html

Door controls http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...nger-door.html

Broken plastic seat trim https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...placement.html

Trunk won’t open http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...wont-open.html and
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ldnt-open.html

VIN number, Vehicle Data Card (Equipment on vehicle when delivered) http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...mber-info.html

Water in Car, Control Problems, Class Action Settlement http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=33640 and pay attention to imbedded links regarding water leaking into interior

Headlight, Tail Light, Bulb, Turn Signal and Side Marker Upgrades - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...eferences.html - a cross reference to many very good posts.



AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Odd noises
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ound-dash.html https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3270964

Buzzing noise from dash - Aspirator and A/C diagram http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...lp-c-diag.html

Blower Motor https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...blem-help.html

Effect of sun sensor https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...l-problem.html

How to read codes from A/C controls http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...nic-choke.html

DIY replacement of duovalve https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...rol-valve.html - if car will not heat or cool, duovalve is often the problem.

GENERAL MERCEDES FAULT CODES

http://www.bba-reman.com/content.asp...on_fault_codes
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/v-cl...-will-get.html



MB FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS AND BUSES

http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdf...2009-03-02.pdf

Post #7 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ation-kit.html

How to tell the difference between D2B and MOST http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ml#post3434579



RESETS

FSS Resets https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...ml#post1895152

Things to try when stuff just doesn’t work – windows, steering column adjustment, ECU, sliding roof, easy exit, windshield wipers - http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=33844



ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Alarm system – symptoms of problem, cure - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...heel-wall.html, http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ease-help.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-off-when.html

Battery - Sources of battery drain, https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-problems.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ml#post3779327

Battery testing, different types of batteries, advantages of MB Roadside Assistance, glitches associated with weak battery - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tart-help.html

More on testing, post 10 http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ning-help.html

Trickle chargers for long-term storage http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...y-charger.html

SRS Light - possible cheap fix post 12, http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...eniuses-2.html

TPMS – tire pressure monitoring system
Post 6 at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post2749528 and also the imbedded link at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tics-tpms.html

Sensor replacement http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...placement.html

TPMS battery life http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...acement-3.html



FUSE LOCATIONS

Post # 6 at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post2723059 for MY ’00 and ’02 (generally usable for other years as well)

Electronic Fuse – posts 6 and 12 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-location.html



KEYS

How to change batteries - https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...-pictures.html

Key won’t work – post 4, http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...lp-please.html



ENGINE

Acceleration - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...n-problem.html

Check Engine Light post 3 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ht-my-car.html

Car stalls when warm - Crankshaft Position Sensor - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ease-help.html
DIY replacement https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3820540
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-write-up.html

Loss of power, misfiring - Mass Air Flow sensor –- replacement http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...-cleaning.html

Electronic Ignition System (EIS) - Key won’t turn in lock – posts 1, 2 and 5 https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-ignition.html



TRANSMISSION

Small leak, shifting problems – leak in electrical socket - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...n-leakage.html

Trouble symptoms - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...n-problem.html

Transmission Dipstick (why you don’t have one and why you may need it) - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...nsmission.html

Shifter stuck in park – how to repair
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ols-heres.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...k-problem.html http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ut-park-2.html



DRIVE TRAIN

4Matic – Careful with staggered wheels - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ons-70mph.html also applies to vibrations

4Matic service campaign - https://mbworld.org/forums/2571251-post86.html

Flex Discs (possible vibration source) http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...acement-2.html



QUALITY AND COMPARISONS, BUYING ADVICE

In general – problem areas, advice - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-look-out.html

Considering a preowned S-Class – Links to Advice – post 5, http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...questions.html

Quick checks and things to learn before you buy – see links post 5 https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...h-00-s500.html

4Matic recommendation http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...04-4matic.html

’01 S55 AMG review https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ss-review.html

Differences between ’03 facelift and earlier models - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-facelift.html

Differences between ’03 facelift and later models - https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post2969848

Differences between ’00 and ’05/’06 - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...w220-05-a.html

Differences between ‘04 and ’05/’06 post #3 at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...6-s-500-a.html

LAWYER2

Great post my man!!!!!

bert213

Excellent post. Much needed here.

tusabes

GREAT POST.

I have created a companion "parts/supplier list" where we can link all the best places to buy common replacement parts, for easy reference

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3991870

Skylaw

I must add to the Electrical System the following:

Dashboard switches don’t work - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...usly-dead.html BUT ALSO SEE https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ins-clean.html and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ll-rain-2.html - get your car scanned with STAR to get the diagnosis if you don’t see water.

And to the Airmatic section, for a good look at the workings of an Airmatic strut see http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...assembled.html

Skylaw

A great post on how to fix this - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ise-cabin.html

Skylaw

Adaptive transmission - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...mission-2.html and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...our-22-6x.html

Jud Chapin

Very informative post. These forums are very lucky to have you. Thanks! I wonder if there is a chance we could get something like this for the CL Forum?

Skylaw

Post #3 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...scratched.html

Skylaw

Steering wheel will not move, will not reset - https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...e-up-down.html - also http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ter-fixed.html

Skylaw

If the link for the Hella relay, under Airmatic, will not work, try the following:

Where to get Hella relay (W220 uses 4-prong relay) http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...nation%20Relay – if that link fails, also see http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ump-relay.html and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...tic-relay.html

Skylaw

See the sticky in this forum, https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ter-picts.html

Skylaw

You can join the Mercedes Star TekInfo system for 1 day and download the wiring diagrams and other information that you might find necessary. See Mercedes-Benz - Home of C, E, S, CLK, CLS, CL, SLK, SL, SLR, R, GLK, M, GL, G Class and click on "Technical Information." It goes back to 1994.

You may also be able to get wiring diagrams at Classic Technical Literature

Skylaw

How-To on Changing Brake Pads - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...rake-pads.html

prince2618

I have a 2001 mb s500 the engine turns over but wont start. I checked fuses and found I have no power to the rear fuse box. the two fuse boxes under the hood have power. I checked the rear fuse box and i dont have any power.

Q where does the hot wire leading from the rear fuse box under the rear passenger seat connect to? the hot wire goes under the front passenger seat. Im hoping once I find that connection i can solve the problem of no power.

Skylaw

This thread is intended as a reference guide, not a discussion thread. Please post questions in a new thread. If you find a source that is particularly helpful, please feel free to add it in this thread.

However, your question concerns a little-known fuse box to which the hot wire you asked about leads. See https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...20-2002-a.html - there are several "hidden" boxes.

The "fuse box" in your question is much more; it is the rear Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) - a kind of router - and while it has fuses on it, it is much more complex than it may appear.

Since your car turns over but does not start, look to other causes - a common one is the crankshaft position sensor (links above).

Maxima3

Hello fellow W220 owners, i dont own a S-class as yet however i will most likely be buying my aunt W200 S500 from her, i am a complete noob when it comes to benz, not new to the car world however... my apologies, My Name is Denver know as Grand_hustle17 on maxima.org and most places, anyways my plans for this S500 is to go somewhat VIP, im looking into doing the vossen vv083 20x8.5 and 20x10.5, however my major concern is, there seems to be a problem with getting an aftermarket air suspension for these cars, i was looking to go universal air suspension and change a couple things out, is there anything that i need to know with messing with the stock suspension and getting by "car too low error"???... i am no newb to the search link but i couldnt find anything that helped my concern

Skylaw

Maxima 3, welcome to the forum.

Please see post # 16 and post your question as a new thread in the W220 forum. This thread is intended as a reference tool, not a discussion thread. You should also read posts in a thread prior to posting your own.

Those of you for whom non-stock modifications are a hot button issue, please do not start the flame war here.

Skylaw

Thanks, fkong777!

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...orial-diy.html

Skylaw

Programming Homelink (Garage Door/Gate Opener) - if instructions in the Owners' Manual don't work, see post #11 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ng-s500-2.html

Skylaw

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...rror-seal.html

Skylaw

See post #4, http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ml#post4173955

prince2618

can anyone advise of the location of the a/c change over valve.

Skylaw

Not the place for general questions or discussions, prince2618. Please pay attention to preceding posts, and re-post your question as a new thread.

Skylaw

http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdf...2010-30-02.pdf