🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class

Model Variant:

C280

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

W203

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (Pre-facelift and facelifted variants up to 2006)

Engine Code Common:

M272 (for C280)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan

Brand Perception:

Luxury, safety, engineering quality, performance

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, Volvo S60

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a premium compact sedan with comfort, technology, and brand prestige.

Model Characteristics:

Refined interior, comfortable ride, sophisticated styling, strong safety features.

Purpose:

To guide the owner in the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and utilization of their 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner's Information and Operation

System Scope:

Comprehensive overview of vehicle systems, controls, and maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 300-400 (typical for this model/year)

Type:

Owner's Manual / User Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil, fuel information, air filter, engine compartment layout, refill capacities, lubricant specifications

Electrical Systems:

Instrument cluster, battery operation, basic electrical system overview

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate controls, entertainment systems, locks and security, seating, driver controls

Restraints:

Seating and safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)

Operation:

Driving instructions, vehicle operation, use of various controls

Maintenance:

Basic maintenance checks, recommended service intervals (general), fluid level checks, cleaning procedures

Troubleshooting:

Instrument cluster warning lamps and indicators, basic troubleshooting guidance

Depth:

Owner-level; covers operation, basic checks, and general maintenance. Not a repair or diagnostic manual.

Diagnostics:

Limited to identification of warning lights and basic user-level checks.

Repair Instructions:

None (This is an Owner's Manual, not a Service Manual).

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from an original digital source.

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality dependent on original scan/source.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Scope:

Factory original content, full coverage of owner-relevant information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2996 cc)

Engine Code:

M272.920 (commonly found in C280)

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

88.0 mm x 83.0 mm

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

221 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher recommended)

Injection System:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (consult manual for exact recommendation)

Air Filter Part Numbers:

Refer to specific Mercedes-Benz parts catalog for W203 C280 (e.g., A2710900101 or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.12 or MB 236.14 (consult manual for exact specification and capacity)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Manual Mode:

TouchShift paddle shifters on steering wheel (standard on C280)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4526 mm (178.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1727 mm (68.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1417 mm (55.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2715 mm (106.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs) - varies with options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's compliance plate

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Good (for 2006 model year, check specific reports for nuances)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Good (for 2006 model year, check specific reports for nuances)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:

Good (for 2006 model year, check specific reports for nuances)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for 2006 model year, check specific reports for nuances)

Brakes:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags (front), window curtain airbags (front and rear)

Seat Belts:

Pretensioners and force limiters for front seats, 3-point seat belts for all positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH/ISOFIX system

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND APS (optional, features navigation, CD player, potentially Bluetooth connectivity)

Audio System:

Standard Mercedes-Benz sound system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.

Instrument Cluster:

Multi-function display with driver information system (trip computer, range, fuel economy, service indicator), analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature.

Cruise Control:

Standard Cruise Control

Parking Assist:

Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear)

Bluetooth:

Optional via Mercedes-Benz hands-free system or UHI (Universal Hands-free Interface) adapter.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights with automatic on/off function, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination.

Interior Lighting:

Map lights, dome light, illuminated vanity mirrors, ambient lighting (door panels, footwells).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically based on 'Assyst' service computer. Generally around 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (check manual for precise 'A' or 'B' service indicators).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles (consult manual or a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician for specific interval and procedure).

Brake Fluid Service:

Typically every 2 years.

Coolant:

MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (Hydraulic fluid, refer to manual for exact specification)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water with Mercedes-Benz approved washer fluid additive or commercial washer fluid.

Common Problems M272 Engine:

Balance shaft wear in early M272 engines (before redesign), although 2006 is on the cusp. Check for specific VIN range recalls or bulletins. Variable intake manifold actuator issues, though less common than on later models.

Common Problems Electronics:

Window regulator failures, ESP module issues (rare but possible), HVAC blower motor resistor failures.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, strut mount issues.

Oil Filter:

Refer to specific Mercedes-Benz parts catalog for W203 C280 (e.g., A1121800009 or equivalent)

Cabin Air Filter:

Refer to specific Mercedes-Benz parts catalog for W203 C280 (e.g., A2038300718 or equivalent, often a dual-filter setup)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and innovation since its inception.

W203 Generation:

The W203 C-Class, introduced in 2000, represented a significant departure in styling and technology from its predecessors. The 2006 model year saw the facelifted version, bringing updated styling, interior enhancements, and new powertrain options.

C280 Positioning:

The C280 variant typically represented a mid-to-upper tier of the C-Class lineup, offering a more potent engine and a higher level of standard equipment compared to entry-level models.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen) and potentially other global facilities.

Production Years W203:

2000-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Year Awards:

The W203 C-Class and its variants received various accolades during its production run for safety, design, and value. Specific awards for the 2006 C280 might be model-specific or regional. For instance, the C-Class was often praised for its upscale interior and driving dynamics.

Safety Certifications:

Met all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 2006. Mention of reporting safety defects in the US is included in the manual.