Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Target Audience:
Luxury vehicle buyers seeking refinement, performance, and advanced technology.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G37/Q50, Volvo S60
Design Philosophy:
Classic Mercedes-Benz elegance combined with a sportier, more dynamic aesthetic than previous generations.
Powertrain Options:
Diverse range of efficient and powerful gasoline and diesel engines.
Technology Integration:
Advanced driver assistance systems, sophisticated infotainment, and connectivity features.
Primary Coverage:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (typically 2000+ pages for full factory manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially searchable and printable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), manual transmission (if applicable), drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear, ABS, ESP)
Electrical:
Electrical system, wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), infotainment system
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair Overhaul:
Engine repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Special Procedures:
Airbag system service, ADAPTIVE BRAKE system diagnostics, electronic parking brake (EPB) service, CAN bus diagnostics
Depth:
Expert-level (equivalent to dealership technician manuals), including detailed repair instructions, specifications, torque values, diagnostic flowcharts, and component removal/installation procedures.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for searchable text, enabling quick access to specific information.
Printability:
Designed for printing, with clear text, diagrams, and illustrations.
Binding:
Not applicable for digital format; however, professionally bound printed manuals would typically feature durable spiral or perfect binding.
Paper Quality:
Not applicable for digital format; however, original factory manuals use high-quality, durable paper to withstand workshop environments.
Engine Variants:
Covers various gasoline engines including M271 (e.g., C180 CGI, C200 CGI, C250 CGI), M274 (e.g., C250 CGI, C300 4MATIC), M276 (e.g., C350, C350 4MATIC, C400 4MATIC - depending on market and exact year) and diesel engines like OM651 (e.g., C200 CDI, C220 CDI, C250 CDI).
Engine Displacement Range:
1.8L to 3.5L (4-cylinder and V6)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 156 hp to 306 hp (depending on engine and model variant)
Torque Range:
Approximately 250 Nm to 370 Nm (depending on engine and model variant)
Fuel Injection Type:
Direct Injection (CGI - 'Charged, Injection, Ignition'), common rail direct injection for diesel engines
Emission Standards:
Euro 5 / EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant (depending on market)
Oil Specification Example:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., for 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic oil, depending on engine and climate)
Coolant Type Example:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically silicate-free, blue or green)
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS) for most models
Manual Transmission:
Available on select base models in certain markets, typically 6-speed manual.
Driving Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes for automatic transmission.
Transmission Fluid Example:
ATF MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
NHTSA Rating:
Generally received high ratings in crash tests (e.g., 5-star overall from NHTSA in the US for comparable models).
IIHS Rating:
Often awarded 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' by IIHS.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Adaptive Brake System:
Includes features like Hold function, brake priming, and road surface monitoring.
Driver Assistance Options:
Optional systems like DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control), COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, PARKTRONIC.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, driver's knee airbag (standard on most models).
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning and force-limiting seatbelts, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system.
Head Restraints:
Active NECK-PRO front head restraints (optional on some models).
Display System:
Optional COMAND APS (with HDD navigation) or Audio 20 CD/NTG 4.5 systems.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB interface, optional Media Interface for iPod/MP3 players.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS available, maintaining set speed and distance to vehicle ahead.
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors with visual and audible warnings, optional Active Parking Assist.
Lane Assist:
Optional Lane Keeping Assist providing steering wheel vibration or corrective steering input.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional Blind Spot Assist, warning of vehicles in blind spots.
Headlights:
Standard Halogen or optional Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights with LED daytime running lights.
Service A:
Typically at 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Includes oil and filter change, safety inspection.
Service B:
Typically at 20,000 miles or 2 years (following Service A). Includes Service A items plus brake fluid change, cabin air filter replacement, more comprehensive checks.
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 miles for gasoline engines (e.g., using iridium spark plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 miles for the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Engine Oil:
Refer to MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1, Castrol Edge 0W-30/5W-30).
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (e.g., Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (usually a Pentosin CHF 11S or similar hydraulic fluid)
Common Problems:
Examples: Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals, timing chain wear on early M271 engines, rear main seal leaks, ABS/ESP module issues, sunroof drain blockages leading to water ingress, potential carbon buildup on intake valves for direct-injection engines.
Maintenance Focus:
The manual provides specific procedures to address and prevent these common issues.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of innovation and engineering excellence.
Generation:
W204 represents the fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, succeeding the W203.
Facelift:
The W204 received a significant facelift for the 2012 model year, introducing updated styling, interior refinements, and enhanced technology.
Production Years:
2007-2015 (W204 chassis)
Manufacturing Locations:
Global production including Germany, USA, South Africa, China.
