Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Brand Perception:
Entry-level luxury, renowned for engineering, comfort, and safety.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46/E90), Audi A4 (B6/B7), Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
Sport Package:
The 'Sport' designation typically indicates enhanced suspension tuning, sportier interior accents, and often larger wheels compared to standard models.
Mercedes Benz Quality:
Emphasis on build quality, comfort, and advanced technology for its time.
Powertrain:
Engine compartment layout, engine oil, fuel information, air filter, fluid capacities, lubricant specifications.
Chassis:
Brakes (operation), tires (recommendations), wheel specifications.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster explanation, lighting controls, battery maintenance basics.
Interior:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating and safety restraints, driver controls, locks and security.
Body And Trim:
Door locks, security features, exterior lighting operation.
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate controls, using entertainment systems, adjusting seats, securing safety restraints.
Maintenance:
Checking engine oil, checking other fluid levels (briefly), air filter inspection/replacement guidance, battery checks.
Safety:
Understanding safety restraints, child seat installation guidelines, operating safety features, reporting safety defects (US).
Troubleshooting:
Basic instrument cluster warning light identification.
Depth:
Owner-level operational and basic maintenance information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or extensive component-level troubleshooting typically found in a service manual.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing keyword-based information retrieval.
Quality:
Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing (dependent on original source quality).
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Code:
M271 (likely DE18ML or similar variant)
Engine Type:
Supercharged Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate for the C230 Sport)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2200-4200 rpm (approximate for the C230 Sport)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with supercharger
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended by Mercedes-Benz)
Length:
Approx. 178.5 inches (4534 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.4 inches (1737 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3350-3450 lbs (1520-1565 kg)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.7 inches (2710 mm)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Front Offset:
'Good' (for models tested with the facelift)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), also known as ESPยฎ (Electronic Stability Program)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (front and rear optional), window airbags (optional).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and belt force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
COMAND APS (optional) or Audio 20 (standard) with CD player, AM/FM tuner, and speaker configurations. May include navigation system integration.
Connectivity:
Optional hands-free communication system (Bluetooth preparation) may be available. AUX input may be present on some units.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear PARKTRONIC parking assist sensors.
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights with automatic leveling. Bi-Xenon headlamps with active cornering lights were often an option.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on the Flexible Service System (FSS) using synthetic oil. The manual will detail how to interpret the FSS indicator.
Major Service:
Refer to the Service Menu (usually indicated by the 'Service A', 'Service B' prompts) which includes checks of various systems, filters, and potentially spark plug replacements at higher mileage intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
Approved synthetic engine oils meeting Mercedes-Benz specifications, such as MB 229.5 or MB 229.51. Specific viscosity grades like 0W-40 or 5W-40 are common. Refer to the manual for the exact approved list.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a silicate-free, long-life formulation (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (or MB approved equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
MB Spec 236.14 (ATF for 5G-TRONIC transmission).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Specific gear oil meeting MB specifications, consult manual for exact type and viscosity.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), mass airflow sensor, ignition coils, potentially MAF sensor, camshaft adjusters (timing chain system), radiator end tanks cracking, HVAC blower motor, rear main crankshaft seal leaks. The manual provides preventative care guidance.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 liters (5.8 - 6.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 liters (7.4 - 7.9 US quarts).
Tire Pressure:
Recommended tire pressures are typically listed on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or in the manual itself.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long history of automotive innovation, safety, and luxury dating back to the late 19th century.
W203 Generation:
The W203 C-Class, introduced in 2000, represented a significant shift in design and technology for Mercedes-Benz's compact executive offering. The 2006 model year signifies the facelifted version (introduced for 2005 models), which brought updated styling, interior enhancements, and improved features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Bremen, Germany; also produced in East London, South Africa, and Beijing, China (for the local market).
๐ Awards & Recognition
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The W203 C-Class models, including the 2006 variant, consistently performed well in IIHS crash testing, often earning 'Top Safety Pick' designations for their respective years.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports typically rated Mercedes-Benz vehicles well for reliability and owner satisfaction during this period, though specific model year ratings would vary.
