Segment:
Executive Mid-size Sedan
Brand Perception:
Luxury, comfort, safety, advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKS.
Design Philosophy:
Refined, elegant, and aerodynamic styling, continuing Mercedes-Benz's design language.
Technology Integration:
Focus on driver assistance systems, advanced infotainment, and comfort features.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual
Included Sections:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
200-300 (typical for factory owner's manuals of this period)
Infotainment:
COMAND system, audio controls, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity, media interface.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control operation, air recirculation, temperature settings, defrost functions.
Lighting:
Headlight operation (automatic, manual), fog lights, interior lighting, ambient lighting.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, seat adjustments, mirror adjustments, parking brake.
Locks Security:
Keyless-Go (if equipped), central locking, alarm system, remote key operation, child safety locks.
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system operation and locations, seat belt usage and adjustment, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH).
Instrument Cluster:
Indicator lamps, warning lights, fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer, trip computer operation.
Engine Compartment:
Identification of major components, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid).
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Refueling:
Correct fuel type, fuel capacity, operating the fuel filler flap.
Tire Changing:
Location of spare tire/repair kit, jack points, lug nut torque specifications.
Jump Starting:
Correct procedure for jump starting the vehicle, battery terminal locations.
Fuse Replacement:
Location of fuse boxes, identification of fuse amperage and function.
Depth:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth repair or diagnostics.
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code Common:
M272.9XX (e.g., M272.964)
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Compartment Details
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol EDGE Professional A3 0W-30)
Air Filter Part Number:
Commonly A2720900000 or equivalent
Battery Type:
Group 49/H8, AGM recommended for vehicles with start-stop functionality (if equipped)
Length:
Approx. 193.7 inches (4919 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.8 inches (1468 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1770-1860 kg), varies by options
Wheelbase:
Approx. 115.7 inches (2940 mm)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 15.9 cubic feet (450 liters)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (Common for the model, check specific year reports)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (Common for the model, check specific year reports)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front, side, curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters.
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional (Bi-Xenon with Active Curve Illumination)
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional (Blind Spot Assist)
Lane Keeping:
Optional (Lane Keeping Assist)
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display:
Central 7-inch color display, typically non-touchscreen.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, optional Media Interface for iPod/USB connection.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control with radar-based distance keeping).
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC (parking sensors) and REARVIEW CAMERA.
Night Vision:
Optional Night View Assist PLUS.
Keyless Entry Start:
Optional KEYLESS-GO.
Interior Lighting:
Adjustable ambient lighting, illuminated door sills.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (FSS), often around 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year.
Major Service Interval:
Indications usually appear on the instrument cluster (e.g., Service A, Service B), typically occurring every 20,000-30,000 miles or at 2-year intervals, depending on the specific service.
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (typically blue or pink coolant, consult manual for exact type)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Recommended washer fluid concentrate or ready-to-use fluid, often with antifreeze properties for colder climates.
Common Wear Items:
Serpentine belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, spark plugs, ignition coils, engine mounts, control arms, sway bar links.
Potential M272 Engine Issues:
While the M272 has had some known issues with plastic intake manifold flaps and cam adjusters (particularly in earlier iterations), by 2011 many of these were either addressed by Mercedes or the affected components had been replaced.
4Matic System:
Regular transfer case and differential fluid changes are recommended, though often not explicitly detailed as frequent in owner's manuals.
Heritage Context:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of producing luxurious and technologically advanced vehicles, particularly in the executive sedan segment with the E-Class lineage.
Chassis Generation:
W212 generation, introduced for the 2010 model year, marked a significant redesign from its predecessor (W211) with a more distinctive and aggressive styling, including the quad headlamp design being replaced by a more integrated look.
Production Years For W212:
2010-2016
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly in Sindelfingen, Germany, with some models potentially assembled in other Mercedes-Benz facilities globally.