Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Description:
The 2004 E-Class represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's mid-size luxury offerings, combining comfort, advanced technology for its time, and robust engineering.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C6), Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS.
Features:
Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, powerful V6 engine, sophisticated interior, comprehensive safety features, optional advanced driver assistance systems (e.g., Distronic).
Primary Coverage:
Operation, Maintenance, and Safety Features of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 4MATIC
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints, driving procedures, customer assistance, reporting safety defects (U.S.), cleaning, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter(s), part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine (M112 E32), transmission (5-speed automatic), 4MATIC all-wheel drive system basics.
Chassis:
Braking system overview, suspension system overview, steering system overview, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, power accessories, basic electronic systems operation (e.g., central locking, power windows).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control operation, seat adjustments and heating/ventilation, power mirrors, infotainment system basic functions (radio, CD player), cruise control.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seatbelt operation and pre-tensioners, child seat LATCH system, anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation, electronic stability program (ESP) basics, central locking and alarm system, remote key fob functions.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving modes, parking, using the transmission, operating climate controls, using lights, operating infotainment system, adjusting seats and mirrors.
Maintenance:
Checking engine oil level, checking coolant level, checking washer fluid level, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, jump starting precautions.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic safety information. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level disassembly instructions.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from OCR of an original manual.
Quality:
Dependent on the original factory manual's print quality and the digitization process.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Good:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Child Safety:
Integrated LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, optional for this model year, typically with a CD player and radio. Harmon Kardon sound system was an option.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND navigation system with DVD-based maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control. Distronic (adaptive cruise control) was an optional feature on higher trims or with specific packages.
Parking Assist:
Optional parking sensors (front and rear).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system (often integrated with the COMAND system).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, subject to driving conditions (refer to Flexible Service System - FSS).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to FSS for specific service requirements based on mileage and time. May include spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, brake fluid service, etc.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5 approved) is commonly specified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.12 or MB 236.14 approved ATF (e.g., Febi Bilstein, Fuchs Titan ATF 4134).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 approved).
Common Problems:
Early W211 models (including this year) could experience issues with the ABC suspension (if equipped, though E320 4MATIC typically had conventional suspension), SBC brake system (Sensotronic Brake Control - check for recalls/updates), electronic modules (e.g., SAM unit), rust in certain areas, and oil cooler leaks.
Air Filter Part Number:
Typically Mercedes-Benz part number A2110940104 or equivalent (e.g., Mann-Filter C35154).
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Generation:
W211 E-Class (2002-2009). This model represented a significant redesign from the previous W210 generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Various Mercedes-Benz plants, primarily in Germany.
