Target Audience:
Luxury mid-size sedan and wagon buyers; professionals seeking German executive car comfort and engineering
Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan (E-segment)
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS
Key Advantage:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, refined V6 and V8 powertrains, and class-leading safety technology for 2003
Key Features:
Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, Airmatic DC air suspension on V8 models, the new SBC Sensotronic Brake Control, and COMMAND cockpit electronics
Manual Type:
Owner's / Operator's Manual (complete original user manual content)
Coverage Areas:
All controls, operation, maintenance and service information for the 2003 E-Class E320 and E500
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download upon completion of payment
Printability:
All pages are printable
Page Count:
N/A - not specified in listing
Shipping:
No shipping cost and no waiting for a CD or paper manual
Engine:
Complete engine operation and specifications coverage
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation and driver controls
Brakes:
Brake system including SBC Sensotronic Brake Control warnings and procedures
Suspension:
Airmatic DC air suspension controls and load-leveling information
Steering:
Power steering and steering wheel adjustment
Electrical System:
Fuses, bulbs, battery, and instrument cluster indicators
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and automatic air conditioning operation
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), and PRE-SAFE
Tire & Wheels:
Tire pressure, tire changing, and spare wheel information
Lighting:
Headlamp adjustment, bulb replacement, and exterior/interior lighting
Starting & Driving:
Keyless Go, SmartKey operation, and driving procedures
Fueling:
Fuel filler flap operation and fuel grade requirements
Parking & Assistance:
Parktronic warnings, parking brake, and hill start aid
Emergency Procedures:
Breakdown assistance, jump starting, towing, and flat tire procedure
Maintenance Schedule:
Factory service interval indicator (FSS) explanation and service items
Fluid Checks:
Engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, and brake fluid level checks
Owner Care:
Cleaning, care, and storage guidance
Diagnostics:
Warning lamp and message display troubleshooting charts
Technical Data:
Full factory specification tables and capacities
Index:
Complete alphabetical index for rapid lookup
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, and wiring schematics
Technical Depth:
Step-by-step instructions at owner/operator level; every detail of the vehicle covered
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations and diagrams throughout
Parts Information:
OEM part references, fluid specifications, and factory capacities where applicable
Torque Data:
Specifications tables include factory values for routine owner-level work
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine:
M112 3.2L V6 (SOHC, 18 valves, 3 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
3.2 liters (3,199 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 221 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 232 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,800 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (HFM)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium unleaded (91 octane)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 21.1 gallons (80 liters)
Engine:
M113 5.0L V8 (SOHC, 24 valves, 3 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
5.0 liters (4,966 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 302 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 339 lb-ft @ 2,700-4,250 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (HFM)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium unleaded (91 octane)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 21.1 gallons (80 liters)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift driver control
Optional Transmission:
Same 5-speed automatic paired with 4MATIC all-wheel drive on E320
Gear Ratios:
N/A - not specified in this owner's manual listing
Features:
Touch Shift manual override, adaptive shift programs, winter shift mode (W), and limp-home mode
Differential:
Rear-wheel drive standard; 4MATIC AWD optional
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.0 inches (2,820 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 189.7 inches (4,818 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 71.3 inches (1,812 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 56.8 inches (1,443 mm)
Curb Weight (E320):
Approx. 3,610 lbs
Curb Weight (E500):
Approx. 3,815 lbs
Crash Test Rating:
NHTSA frontal crash test rating of 4-5 stars (N/A - exact figure not specified in listing)
Front Airbags:
Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags
Side & Curtain Airbags:
Front side airbags, side window head protection curtains, and rear side airbags
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners and force limiters at front and rear outboard seats
PRE-SAFE:
New for 2003 - anticipatory occupant protection system that pre-tensions belts and closes windows when a collision risk is detected
Brake Systems:
ABS, Brake Assist, ESP stability control, and SBC Sensotronic Brake Control with hill start aid
Child Safety:
LATCH child seat anchors and automatic child seat recognition
Head Restraints:
NECK-PRO active front head restraints
Tire Monitoring:
Tire pressure loss warning system
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player and multiple speakers
Optional Audio:
Harman Kardon LOGIC7 premium sound system and CD changer
Phone:
Integrated hands-free phone system preparation
Garage Door Opener:
Integrated universal garage door opener in rearview mirror
COMMAND System:
Optional COMMAND cockpit control system with central display for audio, navigation, and settings
Navigation:
Optional factory GPS navigation
Parktronic:
Front and rear Parktronic distance warning system
Instrument Cluster:
Multifunction display with trip computer, service interval indicator, and vehicle status messages
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp washing system (optional)
Service System:
Flexible Service System (FSS) with oil condition sensor determines service intervals automatically
Typical Oil Service Interval:
Up to approx. 10,000 miles or 1 year, as indicated by FSS
Service A / Service B:
Alternating annual maintenance schedule defined by the FSS indicator
Engine Oil:
MB 229.3 / 229.5 synthetic oil specification; approx. 8.5 quarts with filter (E320), approx. 8.5 quarts (E500)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz antifreeze/coolant with corrosion inhibitor
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, replace every 2 years
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz ATF per factory specification (sealed for life, check at service)
Washer Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz windshield washer concentrate in winter mixture
Known Issues / Wear Items
SBC Brake System:
2003 models use SBC Sensotronic Brake Control; hydraulic pump replacement was subject to a later factory recall - owners should verify recall completion
Battery Drain:
Keyless Go and electronics can accelerate battery drain on vehicles that sit idle
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension ball joints, air suspension (Airmatic) components on E500, and brake pads
Oil Leaks:
Check valve cover and timing cover gasket areas during routine service
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz (DaimlerChrysler AG)
Brand Heritage:
E-Class continues the lineage of the Mercedes 123/124/210 sedans, long regarded as the brand's volume executive model
Model Evolution:
2003 is the first model year of the W211 generation, replacing the W210 E-Class; introduced sharper styling, PRE-SAFE, SBC brakes, and available Airmatic suspension
Production Location:
Sindelfingen plant, Germany
Sedan & Estate:
Offered in sedan and Estate (wagon) body styles; 4MATIC AWD joined the US range this generation