Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Premium compact sedan buyers seeking luxury, performance, and advanced features.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37
Design Philosophy:
Dynamic, sporty styling with Mercedes-Benz's signature elegance.
Sport Package:
The 'Sport' designation typically indicates sport-tuned suspension, sportier exterior styling elements, and often upgraded interior trim or seating.
Powertrain:
Engine compartment overview, engine oil, fuel information, air filter(s)
Chassis:
Brakes (general operation), suspension (general operation), steering (general operation), wheels and tires (general operation)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting systems, battery maintenance
Interior:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints
Operation:
Introduction to vehicle features, operating controls, driving tips, using entertainment and climate systems
Maintenance:
Routine checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), cleaning procedures, basic maintenance explanations
Safety:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation guidelines, reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
Customer Assistance:
Customer assistance information, warranty overview (general)
Depth:
Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or complex repair procedures.
Readability:
Requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones)
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan.
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Code:
M272 (typically)
Displacement:
2996 cc (cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1 (typical for M272)
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net, typical)
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm (SAE Net, typical)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
59 liters (15.6 US gallons)
Length:
4591 mm (180.7 in)
Height:
1405 mm (55.3 in)
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 in)
Front Track:
1509 mm (59.4 in)
Rear Track:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1585 kg (3494 lbs) for RWD, approx. 1635 kg (3605 lbs) for 4MATIC
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2130 kg (4700 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
450 liters (15.9 cubic feet)
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with optional front-crash prevention, but generally well-rated)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, window curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXperience) or Audio 20
Features:
Radio, CD/DVD player, optional navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming), auxiliary audio input.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors).
Lighting Features:
Halogen or optional Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights (on some models/packages), automatic headlights.
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Aux Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change:
Flexible service interval system (ASSYST PLUS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service:
Major services usually involve spark plug replacement, transmission fluid change, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, and various filter changes at intervals typically around 40,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved synthetic engine oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 typically recommended.
Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.12 or 236.14 specification for 7G-TRONIC transmission.
Coolant:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 specification (phosphate-free organic additive technology - OAT), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 (typically hydraulic oil).
Engine Component:
M272 engine's balance shaft issue (leading to faulty cam magnets/timing), though less prevalent on later models. However, it's a known potential problem for this V6 family.
Electrical Component:
Occasional issues with electronic modules, sensors, or comfort features can arise.
Suspension Component:
Wear on suspension components like control arm bushings or ball joints over time.
Oil Filter:
Mann-Filter HU 719/3 y, Mahle OX 348/1 DE (check for exact fitment)
Engine Oil:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid:
Approximately 7.5-8.0 liters (7.9-8.5 US quarts) for torque converter, actual refill amount varies with service.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and long history in automotive innovation since the late 19th century.
Generation:
W204 generation, launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year, representing a significant shift in design and technology for the C-Class.
2010 Updates:
The 2010 model year saw minor updates, building upon the initial W204 platform. No major redesign occurred for 2010.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), also South Africa, China, and Vietnam for specific markets.
