Segment:
Entry-level luxury sedan
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Premium Experience:
Mercedes-Benz quality, comfort, safety, and refined driving dynamics.
All Wheel Drive:
4MATIC system provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth V6 engine and advanced 7-speed automatic transmission.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual
Secondary Coverage:
Basic Maintenance, Operation, Safety Features, Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 350-450 pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Owner's Manual
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine oil, battery, starter, alternator, 7G-TRONIC transmission operation.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires, 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Electrical System:
Instrument cluster and indicators, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, central locking, wipers, horn, fuse box locations and functions.
Interior Systems:
Climate control (HVAC), COMAND infotainment system (audio, navigation basics), seating adjustments, seat belts, airbags, interior trim, door panels.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, gear selector operation, parking brake, ignition system, dashboard switches and buttons.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving in various conditions, using cruise control, operating climate controls, using infotainment features.
Maintenance:
Checking engine oil level, tire pressure checks, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), bulb replacement (basic), cleaning procedures.
Safety:
Understanding SRS airbag system, seat belt usage, child seat installation recommendations, emergency procedures, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).
Security:
Keyless entry operation, central locking system, alarm system basics, vehicle security features.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information; not a repair or service manual but provides detailed operational and basic maintenance guidance. Covers specifications for user-serviceable items.
Readability:
Searchable text, high-resolution images, designed for digital viewing on computers and tablets.
Quality:
Factory original print quality replicated in digital format.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Reader Requirement:
Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2006 model year)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for comparable models in its class)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning front seat belts with load limiters, rear three-point seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player (single disc), optional CD changer, optional Navigation system, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Display:
Central color display screen (5.8-inch or 7-inch depending on options).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear).
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth integration for hands-free calling (Tele Aid system required).
Headlights:
Halogen projector-beam headlights; optional Xenon HID headlights with dynamic leveling.
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible service system (ASSYST), typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Schedule:
Refer to ASSYST indicators; typically includes spark plug replacement (around 100,000 miles), transmission fluid service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 (Synthetic) - SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended.
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Glycol-based, silicate-free, blue color) - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 (Genuine Mercedes-Benz ATF or equivalent approved fluid)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 24.2 (Genuine Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S equivalent)
M272 Engine Timing Chain Sprockets:
Early M272 engines (pre-2007) can experience wear on timing chain sprockets, leading to rough idle and Check Engine Light (CEL) with related codes. This manual will not detail the repair, but awareness is key for owners.
Oil Cooler Leaks:
Potential for oil leaks from the oil cooler seals.
Transmission Shift Quality:
ocasional rough shifting; may benefit from software updates or fluid service.
Engine Oil Filter:
Example: A2721840025 (Note: Part numbers can vary, this is a representative example for the M272 engine. Consult dealer or parts specialist for exact fitment.)
Air Filter:
Example: A2720940201 (Note: Part numbers can vary, this is a representative example. Consult dealer or parts specialist for exact fitment.)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) for dry fill; significantly less for a simple drain and fill.
Manufacturer:
DaimlerChrysler (Mercedes-Benz brand)
Generation:
Second Generation (W203, facelifted for 2005 model year)
C280 Introduction:
Introduced in 2006 as a replacement for the C240, featuring the new M272 V6 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen)
