🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

E-Class

Model Variant:

E320

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

W211

Engine Code Variant:

M112 (E320)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury Sedan

Positioning:

Competed against other premium sedans known for comfort, technology, and refinement.

Key Competitors:

BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C6), Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS.

Brand Reputation:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, safety, and engineering.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on refined driving experience, advanced comfort features, and robust build quality.

Purpose:

To provide owners with essential information for operating, maintaining, and understanding their 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, 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 factory owners manuals of this era and model)

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, basic engine compartment checks, engine oil specifications, fuel information, air filter maintenance. (Detailed repair procedures for engine are typically in a separate Service Manual).

Electrical Systems:

Instrument cluster operation, basic lighting controls, entertainment system interface, climate control system operation.

Chassis Systems:

Driver controls, locks and security features, seating and safety restraints, basic cleaning instructions.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate controls, entertainment system operation, driver controls, locks and security.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and refilling engine oil, checking battery, fuel recommendations, air filter information. Specific service intervals are typically outlined.

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting related to dashboard indicators and warning lights. Customer assistance contact information.

Operation:

Detailed instructions on operating all vehicle systems including climate, entertainment, lighting, and driver controls.

Safety:

Information on airbags, seat belts, child seat installation, and reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).

Depth:

Focuses on user operation, owner-level maintenance checks, and understanding vehicle features. Does not contain in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a factory service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, assuming proper OCR was applied during conversion.

Quality:

Dependent on the source factory manual and conversion process; generally good for digital display.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Access Method:

Instant Download

Device Compatibility:

Any device capable of reading PDF files (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones).

Reader Software:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.2L V6 SOHC

Displacement:

3199 cc (3.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 84.0 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical for M112)

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

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

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributorless ignition system (DIS)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converters, secondary air injection (depending on market).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Model:

722.6 (Mercedes-Benz G-TRONIC)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB Approved ATF (e.g., Mobil ATF 134 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

190.9 inches (4850 mm)

Width:

71.7 inches (1820 mm)

Height:

57.5 inches (1460 mm)

Wheelbase:

112.4 inches (2855 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3600-3700 lbs (1633-1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4600-4700 lbs (2087-2132 kg)

Trunk Volume:

15.9 cubic feet (450 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

5-Star (for driver and front passenger - typical for this era and model)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Likely a Top Safety Pick or equivalent for its model year due to Mercedes-Benz safety focus.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side airbags (front), head curtain airbags (front and rear), optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Type:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system

Navigation System:

Optional GPS Navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Various audio options, including standard radio, CD player, and optional Bose sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear).

Lighting:

Automatic headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with active cornering.

Telematics:

Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system for emergency assistance.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the Flexible Service System - 'Assyst Plus').

Major Service Interval:

Various checks and replacements at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 miles, etc., including transmission fluid, coolant, filters.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 (Synthetic) - SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended.

Coolant Specification:

MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Glysantin G05 or equivalent - Pink/Red color)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

MB 236.3 (ATF Dexron II or III equivalent)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water with approved washer fluid additive.

Common Issues To Be Aware Of:

Examples include: SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system issues (requiring replacement/service), EGS (Transmission Control Module) failure, early W211 models may have rust issues, headlight condensation, coolant leaks from the thermostat housing or valley pan, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil filter housing.

Engine Oil Filter Part Number:

Refer to genuine Mercedes-Benz parts catalog for specific part numbers (e.g., A0001802609 for some variants, but always verify for exact VIN).

Air Filter Part Number:

Refer to genuine Mercedes-Benz parts catalog for specific part numbers (e.g., A2118300018 for cabin filter, A1120940101 for engine air filter for some variants).

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) - including filter

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 9.0 Liters (9.5 US Quarts)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for a fluid change (dry fill is higher).

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

DaimlerChrysler AG (at the time of production)

Generation:

Third Generation E-Class (W211)

Introduction Year:

2002 (for the 2003 model year)

Design Language:

Marked a departure from the C3 styling of the W210, featuring more angular lines and prominent headlamps.

Production Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Acknowledgment:

The E-Class in this generation was generally well-received for its comfort, safety features, and build quality, often earning praise in automotive reviews for its segment.

Safety Reviews:

Consistently scored well in safety tests by organizations like NHTSA and IIHS for its era.

Standard Certifications:

Meets all relevant federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for its model year.