Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Brand Perception:
Premium, luxury, performance-oriented.
Key Competitors 2006:
BMW 3 Series (E90), Audi A4 (B7), Lexus IS, Acura TL, Infiniti G35.
Design Philosophy:
Classic Mercedes-Benz styling, focus on comfort, safety, and refined driving experience.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Smooth yet responsive supercharged engine, sophisticated automatic transmission.
Interior Quality:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, and advanced features for its class.
Engine Operation:
Detailed explanation of the M271 engine, including supercharger operation, variable valve timing, and electronic engine management (ME 2.8/3.x).
Transmission Operation:
Coverage of the 5G-TRONIC (722.6) automatic transmission, including modes (Comfort, Sport), gear selection, and basic operation.
Suspension And Steering:
Information on the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, power steering system, and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Braking System:
Details on the anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic stability program (ESP), and standard disc brakes.
Electrical System:
Explanation of the 12V electrical system, battery, alternator, fuses, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), and basic component identification.
Climate Control:
Operation of the THERMATIC (manual) and THERMOTRONIC (automatic) climate control systems, including air conditioning, heating, and recirculation modes.
Infotainment And Audio:
Operation of the Audio 20 or COMAND APS infotainment system, including radio, CD player, optional navigation, and speaker system.
Safety Systems:
Information on airbags (front, side, window), seatbelt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and crumple zones.
Basic Maintenance:
Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, and wiper blade replacement.
Emergency Procedures:
Instructions for changing a flat tire, jump-starting the vehicle, and using the emergency toolkit.
Dashboard Indicators And Warnings:
Explanation of warning lights, indicator lamps, and message displays on the instrument cluster.
Vehicle Care And Cleaning:
Recommendations for exterior and interior cleaning, polishing, and protection.
Tire And Wheel Maintenance:
Information on tire rotation, inflation, and recommended tire sizes.
Depth Level:
Owner-level operational and basic maintenance guidance.
Troubleshooting Scope:
Covers common driver-level troubleshooting for warning lights and system malfunctions.
Repair Level:
Not intended for mechanical repair; focuses on operation and maintenance.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Supercharged
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT).
Aspiration:
Lysholm-type Supercharger with intercooler.
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft (270 Nm) @ 3000-4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Port Injection).
Engine Management System:
Bosch ME 2.8/3.x (or similar)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Less Common)
Driver Selectable Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Torque Converter Lockup:
Yes, provides more direct power transfer at cruising speeds.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., ATF 3403-M115 or MB-Approval 236.12)
Length:
Approx. 4526 mm (178.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1728 mm (68.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1405 mm (55.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2715 mm (106.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1490-1540 kg (3285-3395 lbs), depending on body style and options.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger, based on W203 generation testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for W203 generation testing)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Front Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags.
Side Airbags:
Standard front-seat mounted side airbags.
Window Airbags:
Standard front and rear window curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system.
Standard System:
Audio 20 CD (radio, CD player, 6-disc changer option, auxiliary input).
Optional System:
COMAND APS (Navigation system with integrated CD/DVD player, larger color display).
Speaker System:
Typically 6-8 speakers; optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear Parktronic parking sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional Mercedes-Benz integrated hands-free phone system (via cradle or Bluetooth, depending on option).
Headlights:
Standard Halogen projector headlights; optional Bi-Xenon headlights with automatic leveling and cornering illumination.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (often indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' on the instrument cluster).
Major Service Intervals:
Around 30,000-40,000 miles for spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, brake fluid flush, and other inspections.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40) or MB 229.51 (for low SAPS if applicable)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a silicate-free blue or green formulation).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Common Issues M271:
Timing chain stretching/rattle, oil leaks from the front crankshaft seal, vacuum hose degradation, supercharger clutch failure.
Common Issues Electronics:
SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) failures, CAN bus communication errors, sensor failures (e.g., MAF, O2).
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, front strut mounts, sway bar links.
Common Issues Interior:
Headliner sagging, climate control flap actuator failures, seat wear.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, Germany.
Generation:
Second generation W203 C-Class (2000-2007).
Facelift:
The 2006 model year falls within the mid-cycle facelift (introduced in 2004) which brought revised styling, interior updates, and improved features.
Production Plants:
Primary production in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany; Rastatt, Germany; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Production Years For W203:
2000-2007
