Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Key Selling Points:
Mercedes-Benz luxury, refined interior, advanced safety features, strong brand reputation, comfortable ride.
Design Philosophy:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's evolution towards a more modern and sporty design language, particularly with the introduction of the W204 generation.
General Operation:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance
Maintenance And Specifications:
Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories
Regulatory:
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-500
Powertrain:
Engine operation and basic maintenance, fuel system, oil and fluid specifications, cooling system overview.
Chassis:
Brakes (general operation), steering (general operation), suspension (general overview).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting systems, battery care and maintenance, basic electrical system warnings.
Interior:
Climate control operation, infotainment system basics, seating and adjustment, safety restraint system (airbags, seatbelts).
Body:
Locks and security features, door operation, cleaning and care of interior and exterior surfaces.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, jump-starting instructions (with caution).
Driver Controls:
Operation of steering wheel controls, gear selector, parking brake, and other primary driver interfaces.
Safety Features:
Proper use of seat belts, understanding airbag system indicators, child restraint system installation guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning indicators and their meaning, basic customer assistance guidance.
Depth:
Focuses on operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features for the owner. Does not cover in-depth mechanical diagnostics or repair procedures, which are found in a Service Manual.
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Horsepower:
Approximately 228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type:
N/A for C280 model in this year
Driver Selectable Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5-8.5 US quarts (7.1-8.0 liters) for 7G-TRONIC
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.14 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF 7G-TRONIC)
Length:
Approximately 181.7 inches (4615 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
Approximately 56.2 inches (1428 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4564 lbs (2070 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5-Star
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for this generation)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (windowbags)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and belt force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system in rear seats
Audio System:
Standard Audio 20 system with CD player, radio, and auxiliary input. Optional COMAND APS navigation system available.
Display:
Central display integrated into the dashboard for audio, climate, and vehicle information.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC) with front and rear sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (often requiring a separate cradle).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to Flexible Service System - FSS).
Major Service Interval:
Dependent on FSS indicator; often around 30,000-60,000 miles for spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, etc.
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate - e.g., Mercedes-Benz Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Washer Fluid:
Water/washer fluid mixture (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Winter Screenwash Concentrate)
M272 Engine Timing Chain Sprockets:
Some M272 engines (especially earlier ones) were subject to premature wear of timing chain sprockets, leading to potential timing issues. While Mercedes issued a service bulletin, later production runs and corrected parts are less prone.
Cabin Air Filter:
The manual will detail the location and replacement procedure for the cabin air filter(s), which are crucial for cabin air quality and climate control efficiency.
Oil Filter Example:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 718/5 x, Mahle OX 157/1 D, Mercedes-Benz A 272 184 01 25
Air Filter Example:
e.g., Mann-Filter C 27 003, Mahle LX 1342, Mercedes-Benz A 272 094 01 01
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, a luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of innovation, safety, and engineering excellence dating back to the late 19th century.
Generation:
W204 generation, introduced for the 2008 model year in North America, but this manual is for the 2007 model which was the last year of the preceding W203 generation. The provided product name indicates a 2007 C280, which belongs to the W203 generation, not the W204. Clarification needed, assuming W203 for 2007 C280.
Predecessor:
W203 C-Class (1993-2000 W202)
Engine Development:
The M272 V6 engine was an evolution of Mercedes-Benz's V6 engine family, known for its refinement and power delivery.
Production Years Of W203 C280:
2006-2007 (facelifted W203)
IIHS Awards:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for its generation, signifying excellent performance in crash tests.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports typically rated Mercedes-Benz vehicles highly for owner satisfaction and performance, though specific model year ratings can vary.
