Market Position:
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) represents the premium compact executive sedan segment, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology for its era.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against models like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Acura TL, emphasizing Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality and sophisticated engineering.
Key Features:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system, potent V6 engine, refined interior appointments, advanced safety systems, and the characteristic Mercedes-Benz driving dynamics.
Coverage Areas:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety features, basic troubleshooting, controls, interior, exterior, technical data
Page Count:
Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and complexity)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Systems Covered:
Engine, drivetrain (4MATIC all-wheel drive), transmission, braking system, steering, suspension, climate control, electrical system, lighting, infotainment, safety systems (SRS, ABS, ESP)
Procedures Included:
Pre-drive checks, basic maintenance checks (fluids, tires), understanding dashboard warning lights, operating climate control, adjusting seats and mirrors, using infotainment system, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) reset, jump starting, changing a flat tire
Technical Depth:
Covers user-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 (M272 E30)
Engine Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Aluminum Block and Cylinder Heads
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
228 hp (170 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft (300 Nm) @ 2500-5000 rpm
0-60 Mph:
Approximately 6.8 seconds (with 4MATIC)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 9.7)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic ME 9.7
Emission Control:
California/Federal LEV-2
Transmission Type:
7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for C280 4MATIC in 2006
Transmission Features:
TouchShift manual shifting mode, lock-up torque converter, adaptive shift logic
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.12 or 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Test:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS), 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (multi-stage), front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats
Headlight Type:
Halogen (standard), Bi-Xenon with Active Curve Illumination (optional)
Infotainment System:
Audio 20 (standard), COMAND APS (optional)
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM radio, CD player, optional navigation system, optional auxiliary input, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, optional Parktronic parking assist, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering illumination.
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system (UHI interface).
Comfort Features:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC), power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated front seats, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, based on Flexible Service System (ASSYST PLUS)
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles depending on type), transmission fluid (approx. 60,000 miles or as indicated by ASSYST), brake fluid (every 2 years), coolant (every 5 years or 100,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
MB-Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40, Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB-Approval 325.0 (Glycol-based, silicate-free) - typically blue or green
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 343.0 (Hydraulic Oil)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water with Mercedes-Benz approved windshield washer fluid additive
Known Issues:
Potential for the M272 engine's balance shaft gear wear (though less common on later models and 3.0L compared to 3.5L), MAF sensor issues, oil cooler seal leaks, early versions of the 7G-TRONIC transmission having software glitches or mechatronic unit issues, sunroof drain clogging leading to water ingress.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mann-Filter HU 821 x, Mahle OX 166/1 De
Standard Tire Size:
205/55R16 (front and rear)
Optional Tire Size:
225/45R17, 245/40R17 (depending on wheels)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Indirect system (uses ABS sensors), requires reset after tire pressure adjustments.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x112
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive innovation, safety, and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile by Karl Benz in 1886.
Model Evolution:
The W203 C-Class, introduced in 2000, represented a significant styling and technological evolution from its predecessor, the W202. The 2006 model year saw a mid-cycle refresh (facelift) with updated styling, engines, and interior features.
Production Period:
2000-2007 (W203 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Sindelfingen, Bremen), South Africa, Hungary
Recognitions:
The C-Class generally received positive reviews for its comfort, safety, and build quality. Specific awards for the 2006 C280 4MATIC may vary by publication and region, but the W203 generation as a whole was well-regarded in its segment.
Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS crash test ratings were generally excellent for this generation.
Certifications:
Compliant with global safety and emissions standards for its model year.
