Segment Descriptor:
Mid-size luxury sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS
Brand Focus:
Luxury, comfort, performance, advanced engineering
Model Highlights:
Refined interior, powerful yet efficient V6 engine, sophisticated ride and handling
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel, oil, battery, air filter basics
Chassis:
Brakes (basic operation), steering (basic operation), suspension (basic operation)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting, basic electronic features
Interior:
Climate controls, infotainment, locks, seating, safety restraints
Driver Interface:
Driver controls, instrument cluster, indicator lights
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving, parking, using features
Maintenance:
Checking fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure, basic cleaning
Safety:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system overview, child seat installation guidance
Troubleshooting:
Basic indicator light interpretation, customer assistance contact
Depth:
Consumer-level operational and basic maintenance information
Diagnostic Capability:
Limited to understanding dashboard warning lights and basic system functions
Length:
190.9 inches (4850 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
113.1 inches (2874 mm)
Front Track:
61.3 inches (1557 mm)
Rear Track:
60.6 inches (1539 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3750 lbs (1700 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4762 lbs (2160 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Not Specified by Manufacturer
Trunk Volume:
15.9 cubic feet (450 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display:
Color LCD Display
Audio:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Optional Harman Kardon Logic 7
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation System
Connectivity:
Bluetooth Telephony (optional), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC Parking Guidance
Lighting Features:
Automatic Headlights, Optional Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year (based on FSS - Flexible Service System)
Major Service Interval:
Refer to FSS indicator or specific mileage points (e.g., 30k, 60k, 100k miles)
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic is common)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 Specification (Antifreeze, blue color)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 Specification (e.g., Mobil ATF 134)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 Specification (Hydraulic fluid)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water with approved washer fluid additive
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some M272 engines may experience higher than expected oil consumption due to PCV valve or oil ring issues.
Air Matic Suspension:
Though less common on E350 than higher trims, air suspension components can degrade over time (leaks, compressor failure).
Balance Shaft Gear M272:
In earlier M272 engines (pre-facelift), the plastic balance shaft gear was prone to wear, causing rough running. This issue was largely rectified by 2007/2008, but worth noting.
Ignition Coils Spark Plugs:
Routine replacement as per maintenance schedule, but can be a source of misfires if neglected.
Oil Filter:
Typical Part Number: A 272 184 01 25
Air Filter:
Typical Part Number: A 211 832 00 00 (Cabin Filter) / A 272 094 05 01 (Engine Air Filter - one of two)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.4 Gallons (66 Liters)
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG)
Heritage Focus:
Automotive engineering excellence, luxury vehicles, safety innovations
Generation Code:
W211 (2002-2009)
Facelift Year:
2006 (for the 2007 model year onwards)
Model Year Changes 2009:
Minor updates, often including tech or trim enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, USA, South Africa
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Often received Top Safety Pick awards for its generation.
Konsumen Magazine Ratings:
Consistently ranked well in automotive consumer satisfaction surveys for its class.
Emissions Certification:
Compliant with relevant US and European emissions standards for 2009.
