The 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a vehicle defined by its engineering excellence, housing a robust 5.0L V8 engine (Engine Code 113.960/961 N) that demands precision maintenance. Proper lubrication is not merely a recommendation for this German luxury sedan; it is a necessity to preserve its performance, ensure smooth shifting, and extend the vehicle’s operational life. Using the correct viscosity and formulation allows the S500 to operate efficiently across a wide range of temperatures while protecting critical components from the wear and tear of daily driving.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Specifically designed for the unique demands of European gasoline and diesel vehicles, this oil features a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives to provide superior protection for the S500’s V8 engine.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – An excellent alternative viscosity option that offers the same European formula technology, ensuring optimal lubrication during extreme cold starts and high-temperature highway driving.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered to provide a filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, this filter allows for lower restriction and greater capacity for contaminants, significantly reducing engine wear and extending service life.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, ensuring reliable filtration for your S500.
- MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter – This OEM-style filter features premium media designed to meet the high standards required by Mercedes-Benz engines.
- MANN-FILTERS Air Filters – Premium media offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-branded filters for better airflow and protection.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation that exceeds OEM requirements, offering protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years while being safe for all cooling system metals and hoses.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated solution that requires mixing, providing extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years and greatly surpassing standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain, remaining fluid in sub-zero temperatures to protect your 722.6 transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A reliable choice for protecting against wear and ensuring smooth operation in your Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, meeting the strict requirements of Mercedes-Benz specifications.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, while offering strong anti-wear protection and high-temperature resistance for quiet operation.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Helps keep fuel fresh up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup, ideal for seasonal storage.
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil – Highly-effective rust preventive designed to protect internal engine components during storage or long periods of inactivity.
- AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver – Restores up to 14% horsepower and GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, improves fuel economy, and helps prevent costly carbon buildup and pre-ignition knock.
- AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor – Lubricates fuel system and upper cylinders, compatible with capless fuel systems.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease – Resists thermal and oxidation degradation for long-term performance with outstanding low-temperature pumpability.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector – Contains special rust and corrosion inhibitor additives, protecting against the effects of salt, moisture, and chemical corrosion.
- AMSOIL MP Metal Protector – Cuts through rust and frees frozen components, displaces water, and lubricates moving parts.
- AMSOIL Silicone Spray – Protects with a dry lubricating film ideal for surfaces that may be damaged by conventional lubricants.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser – Dissolves oil, tar and grime quickly with a low-VOC, non-foaming formula.
- AMSOIL Power Foam® Carburetor and Induction-System Cleaner – Cleans deposits from ethanol and degraded fuel, removes gum and varnish, and maximizes horsepower.
- AMSOIL Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray – Requires just two easy steps, leaves vehicles with a fantastic shine and tough protective finish.
- AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner – Quickly removes oil, grease, brake fluid and other contaminants from brake parts and other automotive components.
- AMSOIL Mudslinger® Mud and Dirt Repellent – Provides a protective, non-stick layer of armor against the accumulation of mud, dirt and snow on ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes.
- AMSOIL Engine Degreaser – Professional-strength formula packed with powerful degreasing solvents that quickly and easily remove the toughest grease, dirt and grime from engine surfaces.
- AMSOIL Glass Cleaner – Professional-strength formula effectively cuts through grease and grime faster than other leading glass cleaners.
- AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo – High-foam formula is hard on dirt, gentle on coatings and finishes, capable of bucket-wash, foam-gun and foam-cannon use.
- AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray – Easy application with no cure time, sheds water rapidly and protects against UV rays.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Light Lemon – Multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection that traps and eliminates odors.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Scent Free – Multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection that traps and eliminates odors.
When maintaining your 2001 S500, the engine oil is the lifeblood of the powertrain. The S500 requires a capacity of 8.5 quarts when performing a standard oil change with a filter. It is important to note that on models equipped with an oil cooler, additional oil may be needed if the cooler is drained during service. For the best results, allow five minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level to ensure accuracy. The oil drain plug should be torqued to 30 ft/lbs to prevent leaks without damaging the threads. AMSOIL offers a choice of two European-specification motor oils to suit your driving climate and preferences.
Beyond the engine, the cooling system requires diligent care to prevent overheating, especially in summer months or during heavy traffic. The cooling system capacity is 12.2 quarts. You have the flexibility to choose between a pre-mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol formulation, which is ready to pour and protects against corrosion while being phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, or a concentrated propylene glycol option that requires mixing with distilled water. Both formulations offer superior protection against metallic corrosion and erosion compared to conventional coolants and are compatible with all other antifreeze colors.
The transmission of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 utilizes the 722.6 automatic transmission system. Maintaining this unit with the correct fluid is critical for shifting quality and longevity. The total fill capacity for the 5-speed 722.6 transmission is 9.6 quarts. AMSOIL provides options for this specific application, including a Signature Series formula designed for high-performance driving and extreme conditions, as well as an OE Fuel-Efficient formula that protects against wear while maintaining the fluid’s stability under load.
Braking systems in luxury vehicles operate under high pressure and heat. The 2001 S500 requires a DOT 4 plus fluid, meeting specifications such as MB Sheet 331.0. AMSOIL’s synthetic DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid ensures excellent responsiveness for the ABS and traction control systems. Similarly, the power steering system benefits from a fluid that resists heat and maintains seal integrity. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is formulated to keep seals soft, preventing leaks and ensuring quiet, friction-reduced operation.
For vehicle owners who occasionally store their S500, or for those looking to maximize fuel efficiency and injector performance, AMSOIL offers specialized additives. The P.i. Performance Improver is a potent gasoline additive that cleans injectors and restores lost horsepower. Additionally, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is ideal for protecting internal engine components during long-term storage, while AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup that can clog fuel systems.
Vehicle Background
The 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 represents the fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140 platform’s successor, the W220). This model year sits at the intersection of classic luxury and emerging modern technology. Powered by the legendary M113 engine, the S500 boasts a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers a harmonious blend of smooth power and refined performance. The “S” designation stands for “Schutz” or “Special,” signifying the flagship status of the vehicle within the Mercedes lineup, where engineering precision takes precedence over all else.
Owners of this era of S-Class often appreciate its substantial presence and commanding road presence. The W220 chassis introduced a more aerodynamic and streamlined design compared to its predecessor, improving fuel efficiency and wind noise characteristics. The interior was designed to set new standards for comfort, featuring advanced materials and ergonomic designs that prioritized the driver and passenger experience. The S500 was a favorite among those who valued a car that offered a sense of security and stability, with suspension systems tuned to absorb road imperfections while maintaining a composed driving character. This vehicle was built to be driven at highway speeds with ease, offering a serene environment that isolates occupants from the chaos of the outside world while providing ample power for confident passing and acceleration.