Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Professionals, discerning drivers seeking luxury, performance, and advanced safety features in a premium compact sedan.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37.
Design Philosophy:
Incorporates Mercedes-Benz's new design language introduced with the W204 generation, emphasizing sportiness and modern aesthetics.
Sport Package:
The 'Sport' designation typically indicates a more aggressive styling, sport-tuned suspension, larger alloy wheels, and potentially sportier interior trim elements.
General Operation:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Cleaning
Maintenance And Specifications:
Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories
Safety Reporting:
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 (typical for this model/year)
Type:
Owner's Manual (Factory Original)
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine operation basics, fuel recommendations, oil types, cooling system overview, battery maintenance.
Chassis And Controls:
Braking system overview, steering system basics, suspension system general operation, electronic stability program (ESP) explanation.
Interior And Comfort:
Climate control operation (manual/automatic), seat adjustment and safety features, power window/lock operation, interior lighting, entertainment system basics (audio, radio).
Electrical And Lighting:
Exterior lighting operation (headlights, taillights, turn signals), interior lighting, dashboard indicator lights and their meanings, basic functionality of features like wipers and horn.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage and adjustment, child seat installation guidelines, central locking system, anti-theft alarm, keyless-go operation (if equipped).
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (front/rear lighting), wiper blade replacement, basic interior/exterior cleaning procedures.
Driving Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (P, R, N, D, M), parking brake operation, use of cruise control, understanding dashboard warning lights, emergency procedures.
User Settings:
Adjusting steering wheel and seat position, operating infotainment system controls, setting up personal preferences for climate and lighting.
Depth:
Covers essential operational and basic maintenance information for the owner. Does not provide detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions which would be found in a Service Manual or Repair Manual.
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 DOHC 24-valve
Horsepower:
Approximately 228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) @ 2400-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multiport injection.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
3.43 in x 3.37 in (87.0 mm x 84.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Engine Management:
ME 9.7 Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) may be optional depending on specific market and configuration.
Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Manual Shifting:
TouchShift paddle shifters on steering wheel or manual selection via gear selector.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Specification 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF134)
Length:
Approximately 179.1 in (4550 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.7 in (1796 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55.5 in (1410 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 108.7 in (2760 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3505 - 3680 lbs (1590 - 1670 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4675 lbs (2120 kg)
Trunk Capacity:
Approximately 13.1 cu ft (370 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system.
Display System:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated display for navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Base models feature a simpler audio unit.
Audio Options:
Standard Audio 20 system with CD player, radio, and auxiliary input. Harman Kardon surround sound system was an optional upgrade.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, typically integrated with the COMAND or Audio 20 system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on Flexible Service System (FSS).
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid) recommended at intervals such as 30,000-60,000 miles, guided by FSS indicators.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40, Castrol SLX Professional 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
MB Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Silicate-free, Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB Approval 331.0)
M272 Engine Issue:
Timing chain balance shaft gear wear (on early M272 production, though less common on later 2008 models). Symptoms include rough idle, check engine light, and potential timing issues.
Transmission Issue:
7G-TRONIC transmission issues can include harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or electronic control module (TCM) problems. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial.
Suspension Components:
Wear of control arm bushings and ball joints can occur over time, especially with the sport suspension, leading to steering looseness or noise.
Oil Filter Example:
A2721800009 (or equivalent Mann-Filter, Mahle)
Air Filter Example:
A2030940204 (or equivalent Mann-Filter, Mahle)
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive engineering, has a long history of producing luxury, reliable, and technologically advanced vehicles since the late 19th century.
W204 Generation:
The W204 C-Class, introduced for the 2008 model year, marked a significant departure in design and technology from its predecessor (W203), adopting a more aggressive and contemporary styling inspired by the larger E-Class and S-Class.
Production Period:
W204 generation produced from 2007 to 2014.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing locations included Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen) and South Africa (East London).
