🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C240

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

W203

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level luxury compact executive sedan

Key Competitors 2004:

BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS 300, Acura TL.

Brand Philosophy:

Mercedes-Benz's reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury at a more accessible price point within the brand's lineup.

Vehicle Strengths:

Comfortable ride, refined interior, strong safety features, sophisticated styling.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners and independent repair shops with detailed, accurate information for efficient and correct maintenance and repair, potentially saving on dealership labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

M112.912 (2.6L V6)

Transmission Coverage:

722.6 (5G-TRONIC Automatic)

Body Style Coverage:

Sedan

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, starter, charging system, automatic transmission.

Chassis:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, ESP), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, climate control, power accessories, CAN bus communication, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body And Trim:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, exterior trim.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.

Repair:

Engine component repair and replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension component repair, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostics.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams.

Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic and repair procedures, including detailed component removal and installation, internal component repair, and system calibration.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Executable application or PDF viewer-compatible file

Searchability:

Full text search functionality

Print Capability:

Printable sections and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M112.912

Configuration:

V6

Displacement:

2.6 Liters (2597 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 68.2 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower:

168 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque:

177 lb-ft (240 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

ECU Type:

ME 2.8.x or later variants

Emissions Control:

Dual catalytic converters, secondary air injection, EGR (where applicable).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5G-TRONIC Automatic (722.6)

Gear Ratios:

1: 3.59, 2: 2.19, 3: 1.41, 4: 1.00, 5: 0.73, R: 3.41

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid

Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 - 8.0 Liters (dry fill), 6.5 Liters (pan drop and fill).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.9 inches (4519 mm)

Width:

68.0 inches (1727 mm)

Height:

55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.7 inches (2710 mm)

Front Headroom:

37.8 inches (960 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.2 inches (945 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.7 inches (1059 mm)

Rear Legroom:

33.4 inches (848 mm)

Trunk Volume:

13.1 cubic feet (370 liters)

Curb Weight:

3395 lbs (1540 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4553 lbs (2065 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Good

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Electronic Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (optional or standard depending on package).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioners and force limiters for front seats, three-point belts for all seating positions.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional Audio 20 or COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system with CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation module.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 6-8 speakers, with optional Bose sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).

Telephone Preparation:

Optional UHI (Universal Holder for Integrate Audio) interface for Bluetooth or phone cradle connectivity.

Climate Control:

Standard or optional automatic climate control (THERMATIC or THERMATIC with dual-zone control).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (ASO condition monitoring system can adjust based on driving style).

Major Service Interval A:

Approx. 15,000 miles (24,000 km) - Oil and filter change, tire rotation, inspection of basic components.

Major Service Interval B:

Approx. 30,000 miles (48,000 km) - Service A plus cabin air filter, engine air filter, brake fluid flush, spark plug replacement (typically around 100k miles).

Engine Oil Type:

MB 229.5 Specification Synthetic Engine Oil (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended)

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0 Specification Ethylene Glycol Based Coolant (typically a blue or green silicate-free formula)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 Specification)

Common Failures Or Concerns:

Cracked dashboard (especially in hot climates), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, OVP relay issues (older models, less common on W203 but still possible), oil cooler seal leaks, ABS/ESP sensor issues, transmission conductor plate failures (722.6).

Preventative Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect and replace PCV valve, clean throttle body, ensure proper cooling system maintenance, use quality fluids and filters.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Year:

1926 (Merger of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft)

Key Innovations:

Invention of the automobile (Benz Patent-Motorwagen), early development of safety features (crumple zones, ABS, airbags).

C Class Introduction:

First introduced as the 190 E in 1982 (W201 chassis), later becoming the C-Class.

W203 Generation Launch:

Launched in 1997 (Europe) and 1998 (North America) as the second generation of the C-Class.

W203 Facelift:

Received a significant facelift for the 2005 model year, introducing revised styling and some updated features. The 2004 model represents the pre-facelift W203.

Manufacturing Locations:

Bremen, Germany; East London, South Africa; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for specific C-Class models and markets).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Picks:

While specific year awards for the C240 might vary, the W203 platform generally performed well in safety tests, leading to frequent 'Good' ratings from IIHS and 5-star NHTSA ratings for frontal impacts.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings can vary by model year and specific components; the W203 generation had some known issues but was generally considered competitive within its segment for its era.