Positioning:
Premium mid-size luxury sedan, known for comfort, technology, and build quality.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C5/C6), Lexus GS (JZS160), Infiniti M45 (Y34).
Features:
Elegant design, refined interior, advanced safety features (optional AIRMATIC suspension, DISTRONIC cruise control), powerful yet efficient V6 engine.
Powertrain:
Engine (M112 3.2L V6), Transmission (5-Speed Automatic - 722.6), Drivetrain (RWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Independent front & rear, ABC/AIRMATIC optional), Brakes (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering)
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition, Fuel Injection, Lighting, Body Electronics, CAN Bus communication, Infotainment, Climate Control
Bodywork:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior trim, Glass, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks & top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection & replacement, Brake pad/rotor service, Tire rotation & balancing
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Component testing, Sensor diagnostics
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft), Transmission repair & overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component replacement, Body panel repair & replacement
Special Procedures:
AIRMATIC suspension service, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system bleeding, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) handling, Keyless-Go system diagnostics, COMAND infotainment system updates
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Depth:
Extremely high. Covers detailed component removal/installation, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and specifications for a complete rebuild.
Engine Type:
3.2L M112 V6 (SOHC with 3 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Ignition:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 Specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 quarts (with filter)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
9.0 quarts (dry fill)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Brake Assist:
Standard Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side airbags, Window curtain airbags (optional)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with load limiters
System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system
Features:
Optional navigation, CD player, Radio, Climate control integration, Telephony (Bluetooth optional).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC)
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling
Keyless Entry:
Optional Keyless-Go system for keyless entry and start
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 miles or as per inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs).
Transmission Service:
MB recommends service every 40,000-60,000 miles, including filter and fluid change.
Coolant Type:
MB Spec 325.0 (Glycol-based, often blue or green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 Specification)
Common Problems:
Intake manifold flap failures, Egress of spark plug wells, Crankshaft position sensor failures, SAM module (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) pump and accumulator wear (on early models with SBC).
Suspension Wear:
AIRMATIC or ABC suspension strut leaks, O-ring failures, compressor issues.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
E Class Lineage:
The E320 is part of the W211 generation, succeeding the W210 E-Class. This generation introduced more advanced technology and a distinct styling update.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Production Years For W211:
2002-2009 (for this generation)
Award Type:
Often praised by automotive journalists for its comfort, refinement, and safety features during its production run.
Value Retention:
Historically, Mercedes-Benz models have demonstrated strong value retention, although this can vary by market conditions and vehicle condition.
