Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Brand Positioning:
Premium/Luxury
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37
C Class Platform:
W204 platform, known for its robust engineering and driving dynamics
Comand Aps Highlight:
Advanced infotainment and navigation system offering premium user experience and connectivity for its era
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment System)
Navigation System:
Integrated GPS navigation with maps, routing, and points of interest
Audio System:
Radio tuner (AM/FM), CD/DVD changer, media interface (auxiliary, USB, iPod compatibility - depending on options)
Climate Control Integration:
Display and control of HVAC settings through the COMAND interface
Telephone Functionality:
Bluetooth phone integration, call management, address book
Vehicle Settings Access:
Access to certain vehicle personalization settings via the COMAND menu
Initial Setup:
First-time system setup, language, time, and date configuration
Navigation Operation:
Entering destinations, route planning, active guidance, map display options
Audio Source Selection:
Switching between radio, CD/DVD, media sources, and adjusting audio settings
Phone Pairing And Usage:
Pairing a mobile phone via Bluetooth, making/receiving calls, managing contacts
Settings Customization:
Adjusting display brightness, audio profiles, navigation preferences, and other system parameters
Detail Level:
Comprehensive user operation and feature explanation
Troubleshooting Scope:
Basic user-level troubleshooting for system errors or connectivity issues
Diagnostics:
No advanced diagnostic procedures or repair instructions; focuses on user interface and functionality
Engine Code Common:
M272 (V6, 3.5L) or M271 (Inline-4, 1.8L Supercharged - depending on market/trim)
Engine Type Common:
Naturally Aspirated V6 or Turbocharged Inline-4
Displacement Common:
2.5L, 3.0L, or 3.5L (V6); 1.8L (Inline-4)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 201-268 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
Approx. 188-258 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Transmission Type Standard:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Manual (less common in North America)
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for 2009 models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2009 models)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP / Electronic Stability Program)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags:
Front, side, curtain airbags
Pre Safe System:
Optional (predictive occupant protection system)
Comand Aps Display Size:
7-inch color display
Comand Aps Controls:
Rotary knob and buttons on the center console, steering wheel controls
Audio Features:
AM/FM tuner, CD/DVD player, optional Harman Kardon surround sound
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic system (audible and visual parking aid)
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function
Bluetooth Interface:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming (via profiles like A2DP)
Media Interface:
Optional Media Interface (MI) for iPod, USB, and AUX connectivity
Minor Service Interval Miles:
Approx. 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), based on flexible 'Service A' and 'Service B' intervals
Major Service Interval Miles:
Varies based on service type (e.g., brake fluid flush every 2 years, spark plugs at higher mileage)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, 5W-40 - check specific vehicle VIN for exact requirement)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent blue/green coolant)
M272 V6 Intake Manifold Runner:
Potential failure of the plastic intake manifold flaps, leading to check engine light and performance issues
Oil Cooler Housing Leak:
Common leak point on M272 engines, often requiring replacement of the oil cooler housing gasket
7G Tronic Transmission Mechatronics:
Early models could experience issues with the transmission's mechatronic unit, though less common by 2009
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Pioneer in automotive engineering, safety, and luxury for over a century
C Class Introduction:
First introduced in 1982 (as the 190E), has consistently evolved to represent Mercedes-Benz's entry-level luxury offering
W204 Generation Launch:
Launched in 2007, the W204 marked a significant shift in design and technology for the C-Class
Manufacturing Locations:
Bremen, Germany; East London, South Africa; Beijing, China (for the Chinese market)