Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system, fuel injection system (mechanical aspects).
Engine Management:
Engine Control Module (ECM) operation, sensors, actuators, ignition system, emission control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Mechanical:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 7G-TRONIC PLUS), manual transmission (if applicable), clutch, torque converter, gear selection, hydraulic control system.
Transmission Electronics:
Transmission Control Module (TCM) operation, shift solenoids, sensors, adaptive learning, troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Drive shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential, axles, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, airmatic (if applicable), alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering rack, tie rods, steering angle sensor.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake discs, brake pads, brake calipers, brake lines, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), horns.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, windows, sunroof, chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, cabin filter.
Infotainment And Electronics:
COMAND infotainment system, navigation, audio system, instrument cluster, comfort electronics, seat controls, keyless-go, telematics.
Driver Assistance Systems:
PARKTRONIC, DISTRONIC PLUS, LANE KEEPING ASSIST, BLIND SPOT ASSIST, adaptive cruise control, radar sensors, camera systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, belt inspections.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, component testing, electrical circuit testing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems. Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements, and adjustment procedures.
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions, including disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly with critical tolerances.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, pin-out data for ECUs and connectors, troubleshooting flowcharts for electrical faults.
Body Repairs:
Body panel alignment, dent repair, welding procedures, paint preparation, door and window mechanism adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component rebuilds.
Documentation Level:
Official OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) level detail, used by certified technicians.
Engine Options Examples:
E 350 (M272 V6, later M276 V6), E 550 (M273 V8, later M278 V8 Bi-turbo), E 250 CDI (OM651 Diesel), E 350 CDI (OM642 Diesel).
E350 M272 V6 3.5L:
3.5L V6, approximately 268-295 hp, 258-273 lb-ft torque.
E550 M278 V8 4.7L Biturbo:
4.7L V8 Bi-turbo, approximately 402 hp, 443 lb-ft torque.
E250 Cdi Om651 Diesel 2.1L:
2.1L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel, approximately 201 hp, 369 lb-ft torque.
Engine Management System:
Bosch MED 17.x, Siemens SIM 271KE based ECUs.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane RON), Diesel Fuel (for CDI models).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel.
NHTSA Rating 2011:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating (for sedan models where tested).
IIHS Top Safety Pick 2011:
Yes (for models meeting criteria).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control.
Driver Assistance Optional:
DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control), Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE® braking.
Airbags:
Front, front-side, rear-side airbags, window airbags, driver knee airbag (standard or optional depending on market/trim).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) compatible mounting points.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific model/engine for exact interval and oil type, often indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B').
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 recommended).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Typically sealed for life, but recommended change interval for severe use or at higher mileage (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles) depending on specific transmission and fluid type.
Spark Plug Interval:
Varies by engine: e.g., M272/M273 ~ 100,000 miles; M276 ~ 60,000-100,000 miles; OM651 ~ 60,000-80,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40, Castrol Edge 5W-40).
Coolant Spec:
MB Spec 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 (for hydraulic systems, if equipped).
M272 Engine Timing Chain Sprockets:
Early M272 engines (prior to ~2007 but can sometimes affect early W212 derivatives) had issues with timing chain sprocket wear leading to timing deviations. The 2011 model year largely uses the improved M276 engine, mitigating this.
Om651 Diesel Injectors:
Some reports of injector issues, particularly in earlier OM651 variants, requiring specialized diagnostic and replacement procedures.
Suspension Components:
Wear on control arm bushings and ball joints can occur with mileage, impacting ride quality and alignment.
7G Tronic Mechatronics:
Occasional electronic module (mechatronic unit) issues can arise, affecting shifting performance.