Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS
Brand Philosophy:
Emphasis on luxury, comfort, advanced technology, and safety
Model Positioning:
Represents the core of Mercedes-Benz's sedan offerings, balancing performance and everyday usability.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Information and Operation
Secondary Coverage:
Basic Maintenance, Safety, Features, Controls
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 300-400 (typical for this model/year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel, oil, battery, basic maintenance
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension (basic operation)
Electrical:
Lights, instruments, infotainment, climate control, locks, security, power accessories
Body:
Doors, windows, seats, safety restraints
Instrument Cluster:
Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicators.
Climate Controls:
Operation of the automatic climate control system (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC).
Locks And Security:
Keyless-Go, remote locking, central locking, alarm system operation.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Power seat adjustments, lumbar support, headrest adjustment, seat belt operation, airbag system details.
Operation:
Starting, driving, parking, fuel filler operation, controls usage
Maintenance:
Fluid checks (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement guidance
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation guidance, emergency procedures
Troubleshooting:
Warning indicators, basic fault identification
Depth:
Focuses on user operation, basic maintenance, and feature explanation. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repair.
Engine Type:
3.5L V6, Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
Approx. 268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Anti-freeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A2720900001 (often sold as a set of two)
Length:
Approx. 191.7 inches (4870 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1820 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.4 inches (1460 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg), depending on configuration
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.9 cu ft (450 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for 2008 E-Class)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for 2008 E-Class)
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good (for 2008 E-Class)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), optional rear side airbags
Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats
Command System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) with navigation, radio, CD/DVD changer, and optional Bluetooth interface.
Audio System:
Standard audio system, optional Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system
Lane Keeping:
Optional LANE KEEPING ASSIST (LKA) and BLIND SPOT ASSIST
Bluetooth:
Optional, for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Headlights:
Halogen projector or optional Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' system.
Major Service Intervals:
Key services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid) typically around 60,000-100,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 US quarts (9.0 liters)
Common Complaints Or Maintenance Points:
Timing chain guides (M272/M273 engines, especially earlier models), ignition coils, balance shaft sprocket wear (M272), electronic control module (ECM) issues, suspension component wear (e.g., control arms), A/C system leaks.
Part Number Example Oil Filter:
A2721800009
Part Number Example Cabin Filter:
A2118300318
Brand Origin:
Germany, founded 1926
E Class Lineage:
Successor to the W210 E-Class; part of the long-standing E-Class lineage dating back to the W120/W121 Ponton in the 1950s.
W211 Generation:
Second generation W211 E-Class, produced from 2002-2009 (facelift in 2006).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen), USA (Tuscaloosa), other global facilities.