🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

E-Class

Model Variant:

E320 CDI

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

W211 (for the E320 CDI)

Engine Code Family:

OM642

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury Sedan

Positioning:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to comfort, technology, and refined diesel performance in the executive car market.

Competitors 2006:

BMW 5 Series (530d), Audi A6 (3.0 TDI), Lexus GS 300/430, Volvo S80.

Diesel Powertrain:

The 'CDI' designation signifies Common Rail Direct Injection, highlighting the advanced diesel technology for improved efficiency and performance.

Luxury Appointments:

Focus on premium materials, advanced climate control, and sophisticated infotainment expected from Mercedes-Benz.

Safety Focus:

Emphasis on occupant protection through advanced airbag systems and structural integrity.

📋 Manual Details

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:

Likely 300-500+ pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation (diesel), fuel system, lubrication, cooling, emissions, battery, starter, charging system.

Chassis Systems:

Brakes (including ABS, ESP), suspension, steering, wheels, tires.

Electrical Systems:

Lighting (exterior and interior), wipers, horn, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, mirrors, seat adjustments, basic infotainment operation, climate control system.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts (including pre-tensioners), ISOFIX child seat anchors, occupant classification system, active safety features (brief mention of ESP, ABS).

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid), checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades (general guidance), jump-starting procedures.

Driving Operations:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears (automatic transmission), using cruise control, parking brake, lighting controls, climate controls, infotainment system basics.

Security Features:

Keyless entry operation, remote central locking, anti-theft alarm system (general operation).

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic customer assistance guidance.

Depth:

Covers owner-level operation, basic checks, and routine maintenance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, or complex repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, enabling quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, intended for on-screen viewing or home printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

Device Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6 Turbocharged Diesel (OM642)

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2987 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

17.0:1

Horsepower:

224 hp @ 3800 rpm

Torque:

398 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm

Injection System:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) with piezoelectric injectors

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Glow Plugs:

Yes, critical for cold starts.

Cooling System Type:

Liquid-cooled

Emission Control:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is standard on many models to reduce particulate matter emissions.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Features:

Driver-adaptive shift logic, manual shift mode (Tiptronic).

Type:

None offered for E320 CDI in 2006.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB Approval 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.7 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 115.1 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (depending on options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, but typically around 4,800 - 5,000 lbs

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.9 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for 2006 model year, tested separately for driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (for 2006 model year, tested separately for front and rear passengers)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good (for 2006 model year, part of a strong W211 platform)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for 2006 model year)

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard (ESP)

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR)

Airbag Count:

Standard dual front, front side airbags; optional rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX / LATCH system for rear outboard seats.

Head Restraints:

Active front head restraints (NECK-PRO) to reduce whiplash injuries.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Typically features the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system or Audio 20, with CD player, AM/FM radio, and potentially cassette player. Optional navigation is common.

Display:

Central color display in the dashboard for COMAND/Audio 20, and information in the instrument cluster.

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker or optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control; DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control was an optional feature.

Parking Aids:

Optional front and rear Parktronic parking sensors.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, usually integrated into the COMAND or Audio 20 system via a cradle or module.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC) standard; optional THERMOTRONIC multi-zone climate control.

Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support; optional multi-contour seats with heating and ventilation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminders in the instrument cluster. Often around 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions and oil used.

Major Service Intervals:

Key services include transmission fluid changes (around 40,000-60,000 miles for 7G-TRONIC), coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, spark plug (or glow plug check) replacement, and air filter replacement. Specific intervals are detailed in the manual.

Engine Oil Type:

API CJ-4 or ACEA C3 specification, with specific MB Approval 229.51 or 229.52 (low SAPS oil for diesel particulate filters). Viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts) for the OM642 engine.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or similar ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB Approval 331.0)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz approved washer fluid or a 1:1 mixture of water and windshield washer fluid additive.

Diesel Particulate Filter:

Can become clogged with excessive short-trip driving, leading to reduced performance and warning lights. Requires occasional highway driving for regeneration. Manual likely advises on proper driving habits.

Intake Manifold Actuator:

The variable intake manifold actuator (and its associated flap mechanisms) can fail, leading to rough idling, loss of power, and diagnostic trouble codes.

Egr System:

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system can accumulate carbon deposits, leading to performance issues and emissions-related faults. Regular maintenance and proper driving are key.

Oil Cooler Seals:

Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to coolant loss or contamination. This is a common repair on the OM642 engine.

Injector Seals:

Diesel injector seals can fail, leading to exhaust leaks and potential combustion gas blow-by.

Part Number Reference:

Manual lists part numbers for common maintenance items like air filters, oil filters, and potentially wiper blades or bulbs.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles since the early 20th century.

W211 Generation:

The W211 E-Class generation (2002-2009) represented a significant evolution from its predecessor (W210), featuring more advanced technology, a stiffer chassis, and refined styling.

E320 Cdi Introduction:

The E320 CDI became a popular choice in markets that valued diesel fuel economy and torque, especially in Europe and increasingly in North America. This specific model is part of the facelifted W211 series which introduced revised styling and updated technology.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen) and also in other global facilities for various markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The W211 E-Class consistently received positive reviews and awards for its safety, comfort, and driving dynamics in the luxury sedan segment during its production run. Specific awards for the 2006 E320 CDI would depend on market and publication.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for this model year generally indicated above-average reliability for Mercedes-Benz, though specific issues like the intake manifold actuator or oil cooler seals were noted.