Mercedes-Benz R-Class Luxury MPV Professional Operator's Manual (2008) – 572 Pages | Factory Grade

MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS Operator's Manual

Maintaining the intricate systems of a luxury multi-purpose vehicle requires the precision of a master mechanic. Mercedes-Benz engineering demands adherence to factory specifications to ensure the continued reliability and safety of the R-Class platform. Neglecting authorized service procedures or utilizing non-genuine components can compromise the vehicle’s sophisticated air suspension and drivetrain logic. Utilizing this comprehensive technical documentation is the only way to safeguard your investment and maintain the performance standards established by the manufacturer.

Global Configuration & Active Specification Coverage

This technical literature explicitly details the procedures and specifications for the following 2008 model year variants:

• R 320 CDI 4MATIC: 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel configuration (Series 251.122).
• R 350: 3.5L V6 Gasoline rear-wheel drive edition (Series 251.156 - USA specific).
• R 350 4MATIC: 3.5L V6 Gasoline all-wheel drive edition (Series 251.165).
• R 550 4MATIC: 5.5L V8 Gasoline performance edition (Series 251.172 - Canada specific).

Asset Protection & Maintenance ROI

• Eliminate Guesswork: Prevent costly "trial-and-error" parts replacement by utilizing factory-correct diagnostic paths and sensor locations.
• Component Longevity: Adhere to specific break-in protocols and fluid requirements to prevent premature wear of the 7G-TRONIC transmission and transfer case.
• Warranty Integrity: Documented adherence to these factory standards ensures your vehicle remains compliant with limited warranty and emission system coverage.
• Structural Preservation: Access correct lifting points and torque values to avoid air suspension damage and chassis misalignment during routine service.

Documentation Inventory & Logistics

• Total Volume: 572 High-Density Technical Pages.
• Release Identifier: Order No. 6515 1817 13 | Part No. 251 584 39 81.
• Revision Status: Edition A 2008.
• Delivery Format: Secure PDF (Searchable/Printable).

Service Point Calibration & Technical Setpoints

System Logic & Advanced Troubleshooting

• Fault Indication: Detailed breakdown of instrument cluster telltales including ABS, ESP®, SRS, and the "Check Engine" malfunction indicator.
• Limp-Home Mode: Understanding the emergency operation parameters for the automatic transmission when electronic communication is interrupted.
• SmartKey & KEYLESS-GO: Logic-gate troubleshooting for vehicle entry, immobilizer deactivation, and remote battery replacement.
• Emission Logic: Monitoring the oxidation catalyst (Diesel) and catalytic converter (Gasoline) via integrated oxygen sensor feedback.

Schematic Clarity & Visual Pathways

• Poly-V-Belt Routing: Precise layout diagrams for the accessory drive system, including idler pulleys and the automatic belt tensioner.
• Cockpit Interface: High-resolution mapping of the multifunction steering wheel, center console switches, and overhead control panel logic.
• Fluid Repositories: Visual location guides for the cooling system, brake fluid reservoir, and windshield washer filler neck.
• Fuse Architecture: Detailed mapping of the three primary fuse blocks located in the engine compartment, cargo area, and passenger dashboard.

Operational Hierarchy & Technical Chapters

• Primary Controls: Exterior View, Cockpit Layout, and Instrument Cluster Calibration.
• Safety Architecture: Occupant Safety, Air Bags, and Driving Safety Systems (ABS/BAS/ESP).
• Operational Detail: SmartKey Logic, Climate Control, and 7G-TRONIC Shifting Procedures.
• Maintenance & Care: Engine Compartment Inspection, Tire Care, and Winterization.
• Technical Fact-Sheet: Identification Labels, Engine Displacement Data, and Capacities.

FAQ

Service & Technical Standards FAQ

Q: Which specific powertrain configurations are covered under these 2008 R-Class factory protocols? A: This documentation provides comprehensive service data for four primary variants: the R 320 CDI 4MATIC utilizing the OM642 turbo-diesel engine, the R 350 in both rear-wheel and 4MATIC drive configurations (M272 V6), and the high-output R 550 4MATIC featuring the M273 5.5L V8. Accessing model-specific data ensures that technicians apply the correct torque and fluid requirements unique to each engine architecture, preventing catastrophic component mismatch during a rebuild.

Q: What is the critical torque specification for securing the chassis to the wheel assembly during tire rotations or brake service? A: To maintain hub integrity and prevent rotor warping, all wheel bolts must be tightened to a specific benchmark of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm). Adhering to this precise value is vital for the R-Class platform’s stability, especially when equipped with the AIRMATIC suspension system, as it ensures uniform clamping force across the mounting surface during high-speed maneuvers.

Q: How does the technical documentation assist in diagnosing a "Limp-Home Mode" event within the 7G-TRONIC transmission? A: The manual details the electronic logic gates that trigger emergency operation, such as when the transmission control module detects a peripheral sensor failure. By following the troubleshooting pathways, a technician can identify if the system is restricted to 2nd gear or Reverse—a safety state designed to protect the internal planetary gear sets—allowing for targeted repairs rather than an expensive, unnecessary transmission swap.

Q: What are the specific fluid capacities required for a standard oil service on the V8 and Diesel powerplants? A: Precision lubrication is mandatory for engine longevity: the R 550 V8 requires exactly 9.5 US qt (9.0 liters) of approved synthetic oil, while the R 320 CDI Diesel variant requires 9.0 US qt (8.5 liters). Utilizing these exact volumes, rather than generic estimates, prevents foaming or oil starvation, ensuring the variable valve timing and turbochargers operate within factory thermal tolerances.

Q: Why are the high-resolution wiring schematics essential for troubleshooting the KEYLESS-GO and AIRMATIC systems? A: These systems rely on a complex network of sensors and control units that communicate via the vehicle's CAN-bus architecture. The high-res schematics allow a master technician to trace voltage drops across specific pins or locate grounded wires with 100% accuracy. This level of visual detail eliminates "blind" parts replacement, significantly reducing workshop downtime by pinpointing the exact failure in the 12V electrical grid.