Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to build quality, comfort, and safety in the executive sedan segment.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Volvo S80
Design:
Iconic quad-headlight design, aerodynamic profile, robust construction.
Comfort And Luxury:
High-quality interior materials, advanced climate control, ergonomic seating.
Performance:
Smooth inline-six engines, refined ride quality, capable handling for its class.
Engine:
3.0L Inline-6 (M104.945/M104.946), 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (OM606.912/OM606.962)
Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (722.6xx), 4-speed Automatic (722.4xx), 5-speed Manual (Getrag 270)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Front: Independent, MacPherson strut; Rear: Independent, Multi-link
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs; Rear: Discs (ABS standard)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics, fuse/relay identification
Body:
Exterior and interior trim, panels, doors, windows, sunroof
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, diagnosis, component replacement
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II)
Repair:
Component replacement, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system service
Installation:
Component installation, accessory fitting
Calibration:
Wheel alignment, sensor calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, testing specifications
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all systems
Engine Code Gas:
M104.945 / M104.946
Engine Type Gas:
3.0L DOHC 24-valve Inline-6
Engine Code Diesel:
OM606.912 / OM606.962
Engine Type Diesel:
3.0L SOHC 12-valve Turbo-Diesel Inline-6
Horsepower Gas:
Approx. 217 hp @ 5500 rpm (M104.945/M104.946)
Torque Gas:
Approx. 210 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (M104.945/M104.946)
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 177 hp @ 4400 rpm (OM606.962)
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 244 lb-ft @ 1800-3000 rpm (OM606.962)
Fuel Delivery Gas:
Bosch Motronic M2.8.3 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type Gas:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities
Transmission Type Gas:
5-speed Automatic (722.6xx)
Transmission Type Diesel:
5-speed Automatic (722.6xx)
Transmission Type Manual:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 270)
Automatic Features:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controlled, offering multiple shift modes (e.g., Comfort/Sport).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10, MB 236.12, or equivalent ATF
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (18.5 US quarts) for a complete drain and fill (722.6xx)
Length:
Approx. 4820 mm (189.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1799 mm (70.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1452 mm (57.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2833 mm (111.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1580-1650 kg (3483-3638 lbs), depending on configuration
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
Designed to meet FMVSS standards of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters.
Body Structure:
High-strength steel safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems with CD player or cassette player, AM/FM radio. Optional Bose sound system.
Navigation:
Optional Becker Traffic Pilot navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Parktronic) available on some models.
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant diagnostic port for fault code retrieval.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval System (ASSYST) indicated by the dashboard, typically around 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to ASSYST for specific service requirements based on driving conditions; key items like spark plugs, fuel filters, and transmission fluid often have manufacturer-recommended intervals (e.g., spark plugs at ~100,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 compliant synthetic engine oil, viscosity grade 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 depending on climate.
Coolant Specification:
MB-Approval 325.0 / 326.0 (typically a blue ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0)
Common Wear Items:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ignition coil failure, water pump leaks, front suspension bushings, serpentine belt degradation, OVP relay issues (early models).
Diesel Specific Issues:
Glow plug failures, injector pump issues (less common), turbocharger wear if not maintained.
Body Corrosion:
Rust can be a concern in certain areas, particularly around wheel arches, door bottoms, and jacking points, especially in regions with road salt.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the early 20th century.
Generation Code:
W210 E-Class
Production Years:
1995-2002
Key Design Changes:
Introduced the distinctive quad-headlight design, replacing the previous E-Class generation's single headlights. Mid-cycle refresh in 1999 brought updated styling and features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen)