Vehicle Class:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Professionals, individuals seeking luxury, comfort, and a balance of performance and efficiency.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G37.
Design Philosophy:
Modern, elegant, and sporty styling synonymous with Mercedes-Benz.
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, refined craftsmanship, and comfortable seating.
Driving Dynamics:
Balanced ride and handling, offering both comfort and a degree of sportiness.
Engine Operation:
Detailed explanation of engine functions, performance, and basic troubleshooting.
Transmission Operation:
Information on automatic transmission operation, shifting modes, and basic care.
Braking System:
Explanation of ABS, Brake Assist, and general brake system warnings.
Suspension And Steering:
Overview of suspension components and steering system functionality.
Electrical System:
Coverage of lighting, wipers, power windows, mirrors, and basic electrical component functions.
Climate Control:
Operation of HVAC system, automatic climate control, and air recirculation.
Infotainment And Audio:
Instructions for operating the Audio 20 or COMAND infotainment system, radio, CD player, and basic media input.
Safety Systems:
Explanation of airbags, seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Driver Assistance Features:
Information on features like cruise control, speed limiter, and parking assist (if equipped).
Instrument Cluster And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and control buttons.
Starting And Driving:
Step-by-step guide to starting the engine, engaging gears, and basic driving maneuvers.
Refueling:
Instructions for opening the fuel filler flap, recommended fuel type, and refueling process.
Fluid Checks:
Guidance on checking essential fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid).
Tire Pressure Adjustment:
Instructions for checking and adjusting tire pressure.
Changing A Flat Tire:
Guidance on using the jack and spare tire (or tire repair kit).
Replacing Wiper Blades:
Instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.
Headlight And Taillight Bulb Replacement:
Guidance on replacing common exterior light bulbs.
Using The Keyless Go System:
Instructions for operating the keyless entry and start system.
Adjusting Seats And Steering Wheel:
Guidance on manual and powered seat adjustments and steering wheel positioning.
Operating The Sunroof:
Instructions for opening, closing, and tilting the sunroof.
Locking And Unlocking Doors:
Information on central locking, individual door locking, and child safety locks.
Using Interior Lighting:
Guidance on operating interior lights and ambient lighting.
Activating Headlight Assistant:
Instructions for using the automatic headlight control.
Parking Assist Operation:
Explanation of parking sensor system functionality and operation.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive owner-level guidance for operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Provides information on dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps, but not advanced diagnostics or repair procedures.
Repair Instructions:
Focuses on user-serviceable items like fluid checks and bulb replacements; does not include detailed mechanical or electrical repair procedures.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5 Stars
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist (BAS)
Tpms:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt force limiters and pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX anchors in rear seats.
Audio System Options:
Standard Audio 20 system with CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input. Optional COMAND infotainment system with navigation and enhanced features.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming (requires separate Bluetooth module or integrated system).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Usb Interface:
Optional USB interface for media playback and device charging (often part of COMAND or Media Package).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' on the instrument cluster).
Brake Fluid Service:
Every 2 years or as indicated by the service reminder.
Coolant Service:
Initial replacement at 15 years/150,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles (using Mercedes-Benz approved coolant).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic ESP 0W-40 or 5W-30).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid:
MB Approval 236.14 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF or equivalent).
Coolant Specification:
MB Approval 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, pink/red color).
M272 Engine Balance Shaft Issue:
Potential premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket, leading to check engine light and rough running. (Less common on later M272 variants, but relevant to be aware of for the era).
Oil Cooler Gasket Leaks:
Leaking oil cooler seals can cause oil in the coolant. Requires replacement of seals or the entire cooler assembly.
7G Tronic Transmission Software:
Occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement may require software updates.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended to replace annually or as per service schedule to maintain air quality.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.
C Class Lineage:
The C-Class succeeded the 190 (W201) series and has consistently been Mercedes-Benz's entry-level compact executive offering.
W204 Introduction:
The W204 generation debuted for the 2008 model year, featuring a more aggressive and muscular design than its predecessor (W203).
Production Years W204:
2007-2014 (globally).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, China, India, Mexico, and USA (depending on market).