Segment:
Compact Executive/Entry-Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Positioned as a more accessible entry into the Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan experience, balancing performance, comfort, and brand prestige.
Primary Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL, Infiniti G35.
Sport Package Emphasis:
The 'Sport' designation typically indicates firmer suspension tuning, sportier wheel and tire packages, and potentially unique interior/exterior trim elements for enhanced driving dynamics and aesthetics.
Heritage Context:
Represents the continuation of Mercedes-Benz's long-standing reputation for engineering quality, safety, and refined luxury.
General Coverage:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model/year)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Infotainment And Comfort:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation), Audio 20, THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC climate control, seat adjustments and heating, lighting controls (interior and exterior).
Controls And Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster (gauges, warning lamps, display messages), steering wheel controls, stalk controls, ignition switch functions, pedal operation.
Security And Access:
Keyless-Go (if equipped), remote key fob operation, central locking, alarm system, immobilizer, child safety locks, power windows and sunroof operation.
Driver Assistance And Safety:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped), basic driving techniques, emergency procedures.
Maintenance And Refueling:
Engine oil checks and specifications, coolant checks, windshield washer fluid, fuel types and requirements, basic under-hood checks, tire inflation, wheel torque, cleaning recommendations.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears (automatic transmission), using wipers and washers, operating lights, adjusting mirrors, opening doors and trunk.
Maintenance Checks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), inspecting tire condition and pressure, checking lights, cleaning the vehicle interior and exterior.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lamps and messages, addressing minor issues like a dead battery (jump starting procedures, though often not detailed in owner's manuals for safety), fuel door release.
Safety Features Operation:
Proper use of seat belts and child seats, understanding airbag system indicators, basic emergency response guidelines.
Depth Of Information:
Covers operational use, basic checks, fluid specifications, and general maintenance advice. It does not typically include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level disassembly/reassembly instructions, which are found in service manuals.
Searchability:
Typically searchable text (OCR'd) if created from a properly scanned factory manual.
Print Quality Expectation:
Depends on the source scan, but generally designed for clear digital viewing and printing.
Binding Type:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital format)
Required Software:
PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Length:
Approx. 178.3 inches (4529 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 13.1 cubic feet (371 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (often standard or optional).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, rear seat belts.
Audio System Options:
Audio 20 (standard radio/CD) or COMAND 2.0/2.5 (optional navigation system with integrated CD player and radio).
Climate Control:
THERMATIC (manual or semi-automatic single-zone) or THERMOTRONIC (automatic dual-zone climate control).
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parking Assist PARKTRONIC system with front and rear sensors.
Lighting Features:
Automatic headlights, front fog lamps, optional Xenon headlamps with automatic leveling and headlamp washers.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (often required an adapter or specific phone compatibility).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to 'Service A' and 'Service B' type intervals, usually around 20,000 miles or 24 months for more comprehensive checks and fluid replacements (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant).
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 (Synthetic, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.5 liters) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB 331.0)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A2710900101 (Note: This is an example for a different engine, the correct part number for the M112 would be different, e.g., A1120940101 or similar. Manual will list correct numbers.)
Common W203 Issues:
The W203 platform is known for potential issues with the 'Balance Shaft' recall on earlier M271 engines (not applicable to the V6 M112), SRS warning light due to faulty occupant classification system sensors or seat occupancy mat, and occasional sagging headliner. Some models may experience premature wear on suspension components.
