Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact executive sedan/coupe/wagon
Positioning:
Competes with BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Cadillac CTS
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E90/E92), Audi A4 (B8), Lexus IS (XE20), Infiniti G35/G37 Sedan
Brand Prestige:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to quality, safety, and luxury in a more accessible package.
Drivetrain:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Design Philosophy:
Combines sporty aesthetics with classic Mercedes-Benz elegance and advanced technology.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety features
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument cluster, climate control, infotainment, lighting, security, seating, driver controls
Maintenance Topics:
Engine oil, battery, fuel, air filter, refill capacities, lubricant specifications
Safety Topics:
Restraints, safety defect reporting (U.S. only)
Other Topics:
Introduction, driving, customer assistance, cleaning, accessories
Estimated Page Count:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication system (oil), battery
Chassis Systems:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system (implied by model designation)
Interior Systems:
Instrument cluster, climate controls (HVAC), entertainment systems, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, battery maintenance
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using vehicle controls and features
Maintenance:
Checking and topping up engine oil, battery care, fuel requirements, air filter inspection/replacement guidance, refill capacities, lubricant specifications
Safety:
Proper use of safety restraints, understanding safety warnings, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific)
Troubleshooting Basic:
Basic operational advice, customer assistance information
Care:
Cleaning recommendations
Depth:
Consumer-level understanding for operation and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures typically found in service manuals.
Reader Requirement:
PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Device Compatibility:
Any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone)
Quality:
Digital (Reproduction of factory manual, quality dependent on original scan)
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Code:
M272 (commonly used in this generation)
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2400-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR)
Drivetrain Safety:
4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced stability
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear window airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters
Child Seats:
ISOFIX / LATCH-compatible rear seats
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system or Audio 20 (depending on original option package).
Display Size:
Typically 5.8-inch color display (Audio 20) or 7-inch display (COMAND).
Audio Sources:
AM/FM radio, CD player, optional satellite radio, optional auxiliary input (often in glovebox), optional USB interface.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, speed limiter, optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC), optional rearview camera.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming (available with optional packages).
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions and oil quality (check manual for specific indicator system 'Assyst Plus').
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' indicators via the Assyst Plus system, typically occurring every 10,000-20,000 miles or 1-2 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
MB Approval 325.0 / 326.0 (Blue/Green Ethylene Glycol Based)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approval 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB Approval 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A 204 830 00 00 (Cabin Air Filter), A 272 094 00 04 (Engine Air Filter)
M272 Engine Timing Chain Sprockets:
Early models (pre-facelift, though less common on later M272 variants like those in the 2010 C300) experienced premature wear on timing chain sprockets, leading to timing chain issues. The 2010 model generally had improved components.
Oil Leaks:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Regular replacement is crucial for HVAC system performance and cabin air quality.
Heritage Summary:
Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is synonymous with automotive engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.
C Class Lineage:
The C-Class, introduced in 1993 (W202), replaced the iconic 190E (W201) and established Mercedes-Benz's compact executive presence.
W204 Generation:
The W204 generation (2007-2014) marked a significant design departure with a more aggressive and sporty styling, introducing more advanced technology and safety features.
Production Years:
2007-2014 (W204 Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), USA (Tuscaloosa, Alabama - for certain markets/models)
