Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Vehicle Highlights:
Sophisticated engineering, premium interior, refined ride, advanced safety features for its era.
Powertrain:
Engine (M112 E26), transmission (5G-TRONIC automatic), fuel system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels, tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition, CAN bus communication, diagnostic troubleshooting
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, climate control (HVAC), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), body electrical (wipers, mirrors, windows)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), live data analysis, component testing procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, component specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhaul, including electrical system diagnostics and repair.
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC, 18 valves (3 per cylinder)
Displacement:
2.6 Liters (2597 cc)
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
177 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 68.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 (MB Approved 229.5 specification)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) of coolant/water mix
Transmission Type:
5G-TRONIC 5-Speed Automatic
Transmission Options:
None for C240 in this year (manual transmission not offered on C240 in North America)
Transmission Features:
Driver-adaptive shifting, Comfort/Sport modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approved ATF (e.g., Mobil ATF 134 or equivalent meeting spec 236.10/236.12)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 Liters (7.4 - 8.5 US Quarts) for a complete fill/overhaul, less for drain and fill.
Length:
178.0 inches (4520 mm) Sedan
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.4 inches (1407 mm) Sedan
Front Headroom:
Approx. 37.4 inches (950 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 33.5 inches (851 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft (370 Liters) Sedan
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3373 lbs (1530 kg) Sedan
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4409 lbs (2000 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) - Typical for models of this era, specific testing varies by date.
IIHS Side Impact:
Good - Typical for models of this era, specific testing varies by date.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver/passenger), front side airbags, optional front/rear curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and force limiter equipped front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory Mercedes-Benz audio system with CD player, optional navigation system (APS 30 or COMAND 2.0).
Display:
Central LCD display in dashboard for climate, audio, and vehicle settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (Parktronic).
Phone Integration:
Optional Mercedes-Benz integrated hands-free phone system (requires compatible cradle or Bluetooth module on later versions).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult manual for severe conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles. Transmission fluid and filter service recommended every 60,000-80,000 miles.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Common Faults:
Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor issues, ABS/ESP module failures (especially early W203 models), ignition coil failure, blower motor resistor failure, front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings).
Interior Common Issues:
Climate control panel malfunctions, sagging headliner, door seal degradation.
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, a German automotive manufacturer with a long history of luxury, engineering, and innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
W203 Generation:
The W203 generation (2000-2007) represented a significant redesign for the C-Class, introducing more modern styling, improved chassis dynamics, and a wider range of engines compared to its predecessors.
Production Years:
2000-2007 (W203 generation), C240 model offered in various markets within this period.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some production potentially in South Africa and other global facilities.
