Segment:
Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan and Wagon
Era:
Represented Mercedes-Benz's core luxury offering in the mid-2000s.
Key Rivals:
BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C6), Lexus GS, Volvo S80, Jaguar S-Type
Engineering Philosophy:
Emphasis on comfort, advanced technology, safety, and refined performance.
Design:
Distinctive twin-headlight design, clean lines, aerodynamic profile.
Technology Introduction:
Introduction of advanced systems like SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) on some models, PRE-SAFE safety system, and advanced COMAND infotainment.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, forced induction (where applicable)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.6 '7G-TRONIC'), manual transmission (less common), transfer case (4MATIC)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, 4MATIC all-wheel drive system
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control - early models), brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, active suspension (e.g., Airmatic)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods
Electrical:
12V battery system, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, relays
Electronics:
ECU (Engine Control Unit), TCU (Transmission Control Unit), ABS/ESP control modules, comfort modules, CAN bus communication
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control modules
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, glass and seals
Infotainment:
Audio system, navigation (COMAND), displays, control modules
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant exchange, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common symptom analysis, component testing
Repair And Replacement:
Engine component removal/installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis - concepts), sensor testing, actuator testing
Special Procedures:
SBC system bleeding and calibration, Airmatic system diagnostics and repair, CAN bus troubleshooting, ECU programming (concepts)
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and system-specific repairs.
Engine Variants Covered:
Covers a range of gasoline and diesel engines including E200, E230, E240, E270 CDI, E280, E320, E350, E500, E55 AMG, E63 AMG.
Engine Family Examples:
M271 (Inline-4 Supercharged), M112 (V6), M272 (V6), M113 (V8), M273 (V8), OM646 (Inline-4 Diesel), OM647 (Inline-5 Diesel), OM648 (Inline-6 Diesel), OM628 (V8 Diesel), OM629 (V8 Diesel)
Example E350 Hp:
Approximately 268 hp @ 6000 rpm (M272 V6)
Example E350 Torque:
Approximately 258 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (M272 V6)
Example E500 Hp:
Approximately 302 hp @ 5600 rpm (M113 V8)
Example E500 Torque:
Approximately 339 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (M113 V8)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) or direct injection (on later variants/models not specifically detailed in this product description but relevant to the generation).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium Recommended), Diesel Fuel
Spark Plug Type:
Specific to engine variant (e.g., Iridium for M271, M272, M273).
Timing Drive:
Timing chain (M271, M272, M273, M113, M273, Diesels) - robust but requires regular tensioner and guide checks/replacement on higher mileage vehicles.
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.6 '7G-TRONIC' introduced during this period, initially as optional or on higher trims, becoming more common).
Transmission Type Other:
6-speed Manual (less common, primarily in European markets or specific performance variants).
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with multiple driving modes (Comfort, Sport).
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4MATIC All-wheel drive (AWD).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 / 236.12 / 236.14 (specific to transmission model and year, e.g., ATF LT 71141 or successor spec).
NHTSA Rating:
Generally achieved high ratings in crash tests for its era, often 5-star in frontal and side impacts (specific ratings vary by test year and region).
IIHS Rating:
Often rated 'Good' in front and side impact tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Sbc:
Sensotronic Brake Control (early models) - a brake-by-wire system that offered faster response times but required specific maintenance procedures.
Pre Safe:
Optional PRE-SAFE® system that detects potential crash situations and prepares occupant safety features.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, window airbags, optional front-seat side-impact airbags, optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Active front seatbelt pre-tensioners, load limiters, rear seatbelt reminders.
Head Restraints:
Active NECK-PRO head restraints (optional).
Comand System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, featuring navigation, radio, CD player, and optional TV tuner or 6-disc changer.
Display:
Central color display screen for COMAND, climate control, and vehicle settings.
Parking Sensors:
PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control (optional).
Headlights:
Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive cornering lights (optional).
Telephony:
Integrated Bluetooth hands-free system.
Can Bus:
Extensive use of CAN (Controller Area Network) bus for communication between various control modules.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically indicated by the 'Assyst' service computer, often around 10,000-15,000 miles (15,000-25,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant) typically recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles, consult manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Grade:
MB 229.5 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic), or MB 229.51 for vehicles with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, long-life).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB 331.0 specification).
Sbc System:
Early SBC systems can fail, often indicated by dashboard warnings and requiring replacement (expensive repair).
Oil Cooler Leaks:
Leaking oil cooler seals or lines, particularly on the M272 and M113 engines.
Air Matic Suspension:
Air springs can degrade and leak over time, leading to sagging suspension.
Balance Shaft Issue:
M272 engines (V6) can have issues with the balance shaft sprocket wear, leading to timing chain errors and misfires. Affected by production dates.
Ecl Heater Element:
Intake manifold tumble flap (or swirl flap) levers can break on M272/M273 engines, causing loss of power and check engine lights.
Oil Filter Example:
e.g., A2721800009 (for M272/M273 engines)
Air Filter Example:
e.g., A2118300378 (cabin filter), A2720940204 (engine air filter for M272)
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the early automotive pioneers.
W211 Predecessor:
Successor to the W210 E-Class.
W211 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2007 model year, introducing updated styling, revised powertrains, and improvements to the COMAND system and SBC elimination on most models.
Production Period:
2002-2009 (with the facelift in 2006 for the 2007 model year).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, but also assembled in various international locations.
