Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204 generation) represents the entry-level luxury sedan and coupe offering from the brand, competing in a highly contested segment against rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Competitors:
Key competitors during this period included the BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93), Audi A4 (B8), Lexus IS, Acura TL, and Infiniti G37. The C-Class often positioned itself with a focus on comfort and safety alongside performance.
Highlights:
The W204 C-Class is known for its robust build quality, refined interior, advanced safety features, and characteristic Mercedes-Benz driving dynamics. The 2010 model year typically saw updates to infotainment and possibly powertrain efficiency.
Applicable Models:
2010 Mercedes-Benz C 230, 2010 Mercedes-Benz C 300, 2010 Mercedes-Benz C 350
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 350-450 pages (typical for this era and complexity)
Type:
Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual
Format:
Printed Booklet (Original Equipment)
Systems:
Vehicle Operation, Safety Systems, Climate Control, Infotainment System, Lighting, Wipers, Seats, Steering, Mirrors, On-board Computer, Doors and Locks, Cargo Management, Maintenance and Care, Tires and Wheels, Breakdown Assistance, Technical Data
Procedures:
Basic operation of all vehicle features, safety precautions, seat adjustment, mirror adjustment, climate control operation, driving and parking techniques, using the on-board computer, loading cargo, basic maintenance checks, tire pressure monitoring, jump-starting, changing a flat tire, emergency procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive for the vehicle owner. Covers everyday operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for common issues. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes.
C230 Engine:
2.5L M272 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
C300 Engine:
3.0L M272 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
C350 Engine:
3.5L M272 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
C230 Horsepower:
201 hp @ 6100 rpm
C230 Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
C300 Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
C300 Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm
C350 Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
C350 Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Injection System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Length:
181.4 inches (4607 mm)
Width:
69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
56.3 inches (1430 mm)
Curb Weight C230:
Approx. 3500 - 3600 lbs (1588 - 1633 kg)
Curb Weight C300:
Approx. 3550 - 3750 lbs (1610 - 1701 kg)
Curb Weight C350:
Approx. 3600 - 3800 lbs (1633 - 1724 kg)
Gvw:
Varies by model and drivetrain, consult specific vehicle data plate.
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (for 2010 models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2010 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and curtain airbags standard. Optional front-knee airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front-seat belt tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seats:
ISOFIX (LATCH) anchors for child safety seats.
Comand System:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional navigation.
Audio Options:
Standard audio system with auxiliary input, optional upgrades including Harman Kardon surround sound.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).
Adaptive Cruise:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Lane Keeping:
Optional Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Minor Service Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' prompts on the instrument cluster.
Major Service Interval:
Includes more extensive checks and replacements, often around 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km), correlating with 'Service C', 'Service D', etc.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 synthetic engine oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, 5W-40 or equivalent). Consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Blue or Green ethylene glycol based coolant), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for 7G-TRONIC.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0) brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, PCV valves (especially on M272 engine), suspension components (bushings, control arms), water pumps, and potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housings.
M272 Engine Issue:
M272 V6 engines from this era can be prone to timing chain guide wear and variable intake manifold actuator failures due to plastic components degrading. Early detection is crucial.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 liters (6.9 - 7.9 US quarts) for V6 engines, consult manual for exact capacity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 liters (9.5 US quarts), consult manual for exact capacity.
Tire Pressure:
Varies by tire size and load. Typically around 30-35 PSI (2.1-2.4 bar) front and rear. Refer to the sticker on the driver's side B-pillar or the manual.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz boasts a long and storied history in automotive innovation, dating back to the invention of the automobile itself by Karl Benz in 1886. The brand is synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence, and safety.
W204 Generation:
The W204 generation C-Class was introduced for the 2008 model year, replacing the W203. It represented a significant redesign with a more angular and muscular exterior styling and a more driver-focused interior. The 2010 model year typically saw minor updates and potential equipment package revisions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen), with production facilities also located in South Africa and China for various markets.
IIHS Awards:
Consistently awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick for its segment during the W204 generation's production years, demonstrating strong crashworthiness.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for this model year often highlighted strengths in performance and safety, but sometimes noted average reliability for certain powertrain components or electrical systems.
Emissions:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the applicable model year.
