Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact executive sedan/coupe.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37, Acura TL.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty yet elegant design, emphasizing Mercedes-Benz's heritage with modern styling cues.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Comfortable ride with capable performance, particularly with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its automotive engineering, luxury, safety, and innovation, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC.
Specific Systems Listed:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this model/year).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, ignition system, basic engine compartment overview.
Chassis:
Braking system basics, steering system basics, suspension system basics (as described in operation).
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster indicators, battery maintenance, basic accessory operation.
Interior:
Climate control operation, entertainment system usage, seating adjustments, safety restraint systems.
Driver Interface:
Driver controls, locks and security features, dashboard indicators and warnings.
Routine Maintenance:
Engine oil checks and top-offs, fluid level checks, battery terminal inspection, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement instructions (likely).
Owner Maintenance:
Information on cleaning the vehicle, basic care of interior and exterior surfaces.
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of safety restraints, child seat installation guidelines, information on reporting safety defects (US).
Troubleshooting Basic:
Explanation of warning lamps and indicators, basic guidance for common driver-experienced issues (e.g., low fluid warnings).
Depth:
Consumer-level operational and maintenance information. Does not contain detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or complete component overhaul instructions. Focuses on user understanding and basic upkeep.
Format Details:
PDF, requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible software. Compatible with most modern devices.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF due to factory compilation.
Quality:
Digital representation of original factory manual; quality depends on source scan/conversion but generally high fidelity.
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
2997 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.0 mm (estimated for M272)
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1 (estimated for M272)
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated for 3.0L M272)
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm (estimated for 3.0L M272)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Design:
60-degree V6
Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Type:
None (7G-TRONIC was standard for C300 4MATIC in 2009)
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes selectable by driver.
Torque Converter Lockup:
Yes, for improved efficiency.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Rear Crash Rating:
Good
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Yes (integrated with ESP)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags for driver and passenger
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Mercedes-Benz COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, often with integrated radio, CD player, optional navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Display:
Central dashboard display for infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, optional media interface for iPod/USB connection.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors and rearview camera.
Lighting Features:
Automatic headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination.
Rain-Sensing Wipers:
Optional feature, providing automatic wiper activation and speed adjustment.
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, typically based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators on the instrument cluster, often around 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the 'Maintenance Schedule' section in the manual for specific mileage/time-based service items such as spark plug replacement, coolant flush, and transmission fluid service.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved synthetic engine oil.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 is commonly recommended.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (typically a blue or green silicate-free formula), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 approved ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus or DOT 4 High Performance.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 approved hydraulic fluid.
Differential Fluid Type:
MB 235.7 approved gear oil (for 4MATIC).
Wiper Blade Part Number Driver:
Likely 212 820 10 45 or similar (verify with VIN).
Wiper Blade Part Number Passenger:
Likely 212 820 12 45 or similar (verify with VIN).
Oil Filter Part Number:
Likely A 272 184 01 25 or A 272 184 00 25 (verify with VIN).
M272 Engine Om Design Issue:
The M272 engine has had documented issues with its intake manifold flap adjuster and balance shaft sprocket, potentially leading to check engine lights and performance issues. Regular inspection and maintenance are key, and the manual will outline basic checks.
Transmission 7G Tronic Performance:
While generally robust, early versions could exhibit occasional harsh shifting. Software updates or fluid changes can often address this. The manual provides operational guidance.
Electronic Modules:
As with most modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles, various electronic control units (ECUs) manage different systems. Ensuring proper battery voltage and avoiding aftermarket electrical modifications are crucial for system longevity.
W204 Generation:
The W204 generation (2007-2014) represented a significant design shift for the C-Class, adopting a more aggressive and modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor.
2009 Updates:
The 2009 model year saw the introduction of the C300 4MATIC, offering all-wheel-drive capability as a key differentiator for markets with challenging weather conditions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants included Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.