Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Premium buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and technology
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Design:
Sporty and dynamic styling, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's modern design language
Powertrain Emphasis:
Emphasis on performance with a potent V6 engine and rear-wheel or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Technology:
Incorporation of advanced infotainment, comfort, and safety technologies for its era.
Primary Coverage:
North America
Secondary Coverage:
Global (Technical principles are universal)
Estimated Pages:
500-700+
Type:
Owner's Manual / Operators Manual
Additional Types Implied:
Service Guide, Repair Information
Delivery Method:
Digital Download
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes
Electrical:
Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio, Climate Control, Power Accessories
Body:
Doors, Locks, Security, Seating, Body Panels
Safety:
Airbags, Seatbelts, Child Restraints, Driver Assistance Features
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and refills, filter replacement
Troubleshooting:
Common issues, diagnostic guidance, error code explanations
Repair Basic:
Minor adjustments, component replacement guidance
Diagnostics:
Instrument cluster readouts, system checks
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, basic diagnostic and maintenance procedures
Focus:
Operation, basic care, safety, and common troubleshooting for the vehicle owner.
Searchable:
Yes (typical for factory PDFs)
Compression:
May be zipped (.zip, .rar) requiring extraction
Printability:
Printable on any printer
Illustration Quality:
Illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions, zoomable illustrations
Binding:
N/A (Digital download only)
Paper:
N/A (Digital download only)
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 SOHC
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Oil Capacity:
8.0 US quarts (7.6 liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A2048300022 (Note: Always verify with VIN)
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Drive Wheels:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Drive Wheels Option:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transmission Features:
Driver-adaptive shifting, manual mode (with paddle shifters or selector)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.14 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5-9.0 US quarts (7.0-8.5 liters) for dry fill/overhaul
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength Rating:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESP)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags:
Front, Side, Curtain, Knee (Driver)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX
Head Unit:
COMAND APS (optional), Audio 20
Display:
Central color display in dashboard
Audio Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming (optional or standard depending on package).
Parking Sensors:
Optional (front and rear)
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional
Bi Xenon Headlights:
Optional, with active curve illumination
Climate System:
Automatic climate control (THERMATIC), dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC)
Seating Features:
Power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats (optional), memory function for driver's seat (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, based on 'service A' or 'service B' indicators, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year.
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles), transmission fluid (approx. 40,000-80,000 miles), coolant (approx. 100,000 miles or 5 years), brake fluid (every 2 years).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (e.g., BASF Glysantin G05 or similar HOAT)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Engine M272 Timing Chain:
Potential wear of timing chain tensioners and guides, leading to rattling noises and potential timing issues (though less prevalent than in earlier M272 variants).
Balance Shaft Gear:
Early M272 engines had issues with the balance shaft gear material, but this was largely addressed before the 2008 C300.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Occasional failure of ignition coils and wear of spark plugs can lead to misfires.
Suspension Components:
Wear on control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can occur over time, especially with spirited driving.
Brand Focus:
Luxury, innovation, safety, and engineering excellence.
C-Class Generation Context:
This is the first generation of the C-Class to utilize the W204 chassis code.
C300 Introduction:
The C300 replaced the C280 in the lineup, offering a slightly more powerful yet efficient engine option in certain markets.
Production Start Year:
2007
Production End Year:
2014 (for W204 chassis)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, China (for specific markets)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The W204 C-Class platform often received IIHS Top Safety Pick awards in its model years due to strong crash test performance.
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Generally received positive reviews for its sporty driving dynamics, luxurious interior, and advanced technology for its segment.