Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact sedan.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G37/Q50.
Design Philosophy:
Mercedes-Benz's characteristic blend of comfort, sportiness, and sophisticated design, emphasizing a premium driving experience.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a refined and well-equipped compact luxury vehicle with advanced safety features and the added traction of all-wheel drive.
Primary Sections:
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, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 400-600 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, starting system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission operation.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, drive system (4MATIC all-wheel drive).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting systems (exterior and interior), power accessories, basic electrical component identification, fuse box locations and identification.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control system operation, seat adjustments and heating/ventilation, power locks and windows, keyless entry and starting (KEYLESS-GO if equipped), exterior mirrors, interior lighting, windshield wipers and washers.
Infotainment:
AUDIO 20 CD or COMAND APS infotainment system operation (depending on original equipment), radio functions, CD/media player, Bluetooth telephony, navigation system (if equipped).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation, seat belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX/child seat anchoring, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), central locking and anti-theft alarm.
Driving Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (P, R, N, D, M), using cruise control, operating the parking brake, understanding dashboard indicators and warning lights.
Maintenance Basic:
Checking and topping up engine oil, checking windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressures, changing wiper blades, basic interior and exterior cleaning procedures.
Maintenance Scheduled:
Information regarding scheduled maintenance intervals (e.g., Service A, Service B) and the components typically inspected or replaced at each interval. Specific guidance on when to visit a qualified service center.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding common warning lights, basic troubleshooting for minor issues, procedures for jump-starting the battery, changing a flat tire (if applicable to specific models).
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level guidance, covering all user-accessible features and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or step-by-step repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection.
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 2000-4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct injection (BlueDIRECT technology).
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Engine Oil Type:
Fully synthetic engine oil meeting MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Air Filter Part Number:
Likely A271 094 02 01 or equivalent.
Length:
Approximately 180.0 inches (4574 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
Approximately 56.3 inches (1431 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg) depending on options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4700-4900 lbs (2132-2223 kg).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely received 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for models of this era.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The W204 C-Class typically earned IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and belt force limiters, rear three-point seat belts.
Child Seats:
ISOFIX (LATCH) child seat anchoring system in rear outboard seating positions.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS).
Tire Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Audio System:
AUDIO 20 CD system standard, featuring AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary input, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Optional COMAND APS with larger display, navigation, and enhanced media integration.
Display Type:
Central dashboard display (7-inch or larger for COMAND), configurable instrument cluster display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system with front and rear sensors. Rearview camera available on higher trims or as an option.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free operation of mobile phones and audio streaming.
Usb Ipod Integration:
Optional Media Interface (MI) for connecting USB storage devices, iPods, or other media players.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil meeting MB specifications.
Major Service Schedule:
Mercedes-Benz utilizes a flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS) indicating service needs based on driving conditions. Major services (e.g., Service B) typically involve comprehensive inspections, fluid changes (transmission, brake fluid), filter replacements (cabin, fuel, air), spark plug replacement (around 60,000 miles).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB-Approval 325.0, 325.5, or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0).
Common Problems:
Potential issues may include oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets, issues with the electronic climate control module, ignition coil failures, and early wear on suspension components. Turbocharger health should be monitored. Water pump and thermostat can be failure points.
Maintenance Tips:
Adhering to the recommended synthetic oil changes and using quality replacement parts are crucial for long-term reliability. Regularly checking for fluid leaks and listening for unusual noises can help catch issues early.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz boasts a long history of automotive innovation and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile itself.
W204 Generation:
The W204 C-Class, introduced for the 2008 model year, represented a significant step forward in design and technology for the compact executive car segment, moving towards a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic than its W203 predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), but also had production facilities in other global locations.
