🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

E-Class

Model Variant:

E320

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

W211

Generation Name:

Third Generation (W211)

Engine Code:

M112 (for E320 Sedan/Wagon), M271 (for E200 Kompressor - *Note: E320 typically refers to the V6 or later E350 in this generation, M112 is the V6 for 2004 E320*)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan/Wagon

Target Demographic:

Affluent consumers seeking luxury, comfort, and advanced engineering.

Key Competitors:

BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C6), Lexus GS (JZS160/GRS190), Cadillac CTS

Design Philosophy:

Mercedes-Benz's 'Avantgarde' design language, emphasizing elegance, aerodynamics, and a sophisticated aesthetic.

Innovation:

Introduction of advanced safety systems like PRE-SAFE, advanced infotainment (COMAND), and electronic stability control.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, ergonomic design, advanced climate control, and refined ride comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Information and Operation

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Safety, Basic Troubleshooting, Features Explanation

Estimated Page Count:

300-450 (typical for this model year and segment)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (basic overview)

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation, selector lever positions, basic care

Brakes:

Brake system operation, ABS, parking brake

Steering:

Power steering operation

Suspension And Steering:

Basic description of suspension components

Electrical System:

Lighting systems, battery care, fuses (location and identification)

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC) operation, air conditioning, heating

Infotainment And Electronics:

Audio system operation, COMAND system (if equipped), navigation (basic operation), instrument cluster functions, displays

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, ESP, Traction Control

Body And Interior:

Doors, windows, seats, mirrors, interior lighting, storage compartments

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure monitoring, tire changes, wheel specifications

Maintenance And Care:

Cleaning and care of exterior and interior, fluid level checks, wiper blade replacement

Troubleshooting:

Warning indicators and their meaning, basic fault diagnosis

Driving Operations:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear shifting, parking

Pre Drive Checks:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressures, lights

Comfort And Convenience:

Adjusting seats, steering wheel, mirrors, operating climate control, infotainment

Security:

Keyless entry operation, anti-theft alarm system

Emergency Procedures:

What to do in case of a breakdown, use of hazard lights, spare tire location

Fueling:

Fuel type recommendations, refueling procedure

Tire Maintenance:

Checking tire pressure, changing a flat tire, checking tread depth

Depth:

Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does NOT cover detailed mechanical repairs or advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typical for factory PDFs)

Printability:

High quality, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder with 2 spark plugs per cylinder (2004 E320)

Engine Displacement:

3199 cc (3.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine Code Specific:

M112.949

Horsepower:

221 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE net)

Torque:

232 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm (SAE net)

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (CDI - Capacitive Discharge Ignition) with two spark plugs per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 series)

Gear Ratios:

Typical ratios: 1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.16

Transmission Fluid:

MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - e.g., MB 236.10, MB 236.14 (check specific vehicle requirement)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for E320 in this configuration (though other E-Class models had different transmissions)

Drive Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Control:

Touchshift (manual shifting capability via selector lever)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.9 inches (4874 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.5 inches (1816 mm)

Height:

Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 115.1 inches (2925 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.5 inches (978 mm)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 37.3 inches (947 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 41.7 inches (1059 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 35.1 inches (892 mm)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 15.9 cubic feet (450 Liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3600 - 3800 lbs (1633 - 1724 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4700 - 4900 lbs (2132 - 2223 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars (for models tested)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars (for models tested)

IIHS Front Offset Crashworthiness:

Good (for models tested)

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)

Traction Control System:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Anti-Lock Braking System:

Standard (ABS - Anti-lock Braking System)

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System)

Airbag System:

Dual front airbags, side airbags (front), window curtain airbags (front and rear), optional pelvic airbags.

Seat Belt Pretensioners:

Standard on front seats

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX rear seat anchorage points

Pre Safe System:

Optional (Pre-Safe initiates occupant protection measures when a critical driving situation is detected)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system (optional), or a simpler Audio 20 system.

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, CD player, optional cassette player, optional CD changer, harman/kardon surround sound system (optional).

Navigation:

Integrated GPS navigation system (part of COMAND).

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear).

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.

Lighting Technology:

Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination (optional), automatic headlights, cornering lights.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (via cradle or integrated system).

Voice Control:

Optional Linguatronic voice control system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Refer to the manual for 'flexible' service intervals (Service A/B).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 10,000-20,000 miles (16,000-32,000 km) or annually.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendation. Often recommended as part of 'Service B' or specific transmission service.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting MB-Approval 229.5

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 - typically a long-life silicate-free coolant, usually blue or green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid meeting MB-Approval 331.0

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Approved Power Steering Fluid (e.g., MB 236.3)

Common Issues W211:

SBC (Sensors, Brakes, Control) hydraulic unit failure (expensive repair, often requires replacement), rust issues (especially on earlier W211 models), MAF sensor issues, oil cooler leaks, transmission conductor plate issues (in some cases), suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, bushings).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

E Class Lineage:

The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz's executive car line, tracing its roots back to models like the Ponton (W120/W121) and the 'Stroke 8' (W114/W115).

W211 Introduction:

The W211 generation of the E-Class was introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year, replacing the W210. It was a significant redesign featuring new styling, advanced technology, and improved safety.

E320 Positioning:

The E320 badge in 2004 denoted the use of the 3.2-liter V6 engine, a popular and well-regarded powertrain known for its smooth operation and refined performance.

Production Years:

2003-2009 (W211 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), South Africa, Egypt, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Russia, China (CKD assembly).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The W211 E-Class consistently received high safety marks from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant protection.

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 E320 model year are numerous and often segment-based (e.g., 'Best Luxury Sedan'), the W211 generation was generally praised for its engineering, comfort, and safety advancements.