Segment:
Executive Mid-Size Sedan
Brand Perception:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, comfort, safety, and advanced engineering in its mid-size offering.
Competitors 2004:
BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C6), Lexus GS (S190), Cadillac CTS.
Powertrain Focus:
The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Design Philosophy:
W211 generation marked a significant step in Mercedes-Benz's design language, emphasizing modern elegance and aerodynamic efficiency.
Technology Integration:
Introduced advanced features for its time, including the COMAND infotainment system and various driver assistance systems.
Vehicle Operation:
Essential controls, starting and driving, parking, operating various vehicle functions.
Instrument Cluster:
Indicator lights, warning lamps, gauges, displays, trip computer.
Infotainment System:
Audio system operation, radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), auxiliary inputs.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control operation, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, air recirculation.
Lighting Systems:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, automatic headlamp activation.
Power Features:
Power windows, power seats, power mirrors, power sunroof, power trunk/tailgate.
Comfort Convenience:
Central locking, keyless entry, cruise control, heated seats, memory seats.
Wheels Tires:
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), approved tire sizes, wheel changing procedures, jack points.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt operation, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
Maintenance Care:
Vehicle care, cleaning, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire care.
Emergency Procedures:
Breakdowns, jump starting, changing a flat tire, warning triangle usage.
Technical Data:
Key technical specifications, fluid capacities, recommended tire pressures.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire inflation, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, common minor issues and their potential causes.
Owner Assisted Tasks:
Refueling, checking oil level, washer fluid top-up, basic cleaning.
Safety Precautions:
Proper seatbelt usage, child restraint system installation, operating in adverse conditions.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information focusing on operation, care, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures typical of a service manual.
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 Specification)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for 2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2003-2004 models)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for 2003-2004 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2003-2004 models, with optional side airbags)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side airbags, optional rear side airbags, window curtain airbags (may vary by market/options).
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) mounting points for child safety seats.
Infotainment System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Audio Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, often with an integrated cassette player, speaker system (e.g., Bose surround sound optional).
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system with map data typically stored on CD-ROM or DVD.
Connectivity Options:
May include a CD changer, optional auxiliary input (e.g., 3.5mm jack or proprietary connector), and hands-free calling system (Bluetooth compatibility might be limited or optional).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Automatic Headlights, Parktronic (parking sensors) optional.
Adaptive Dampers:
Optional AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to specific flexible service system recommendations, e.g., Service A/B).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's service reminder system.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 10,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at intervals such as 30,000-60,000 miles, or as specified by Mercedes-Benz service bulletins, often requiring specific procedures for fluid level checking.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9.5 liters (10 quarts) of approved coolant mixture.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB 331.0 Specification)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 Specification (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Common Issues W211 E320 4Matic:
SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system issues (especially on early models, though 2004 might be past some early problems but still a concern), alternator bearing failures, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals, ignition coil failures, rust in wheel wells and rocker panels, potential for electronic module failures (e.g., SAM unit).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded on innovation and engineering excellence, Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing premium and luxury vehicles, setting benchmarks in automotive safety and comfort.
E Class Lineage:
The E-Class represents the core of Mercedes-Benz's sedan offerings, evolving through various generations (W124, W210, W211, etc.), each building upon its predecessor's strengths in comfort, technology, and performance.
W211 Generation Years:
2002-2009 (Model years 2003-2009 in North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Sindelfingen, Germany, with potential assembly in other global locations.
Industry Accolades E Class:
The E-Class generally receives accolades for its luxury, safety, and ride comfort. Specific awards for the 2004 E320 4MATIC might include positive reviews from automotive journalists for its balance of performance, comfort, and all-weather capability.
Safety Awards General:
Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the E-Class, historically perform well in safety tests and often receive 'Top Safety Pick' or similar designations from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA.