Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E39), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Lexus GS300, Volvo S80
Unique Selling Points:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, refined ride, powerful inline-6 engine, advanced safety features for its era
Sections Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Body, Electrical, HVAC, Safety Systems
Diagnostic Codes:
Comprehensive listing of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with their corresponding symptoms and diagnostic steps.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500+
Type:
Factory Authorized Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (KE-Jetronic/HPE), ignition, exhaust, transmission (5-speed Automatic - 722.6), differential, drive axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP - if equipped), wheels, tires
Electrical:
12V system, battery, charging, lighting, instrumentation, starter, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Comfort:
Interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, HVAC system, climate control
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, coolant service, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission service, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault finding, symptom-based diagnostics, specific component testing
Recalibration Procedures:
Procedures for recalibrating electronic modules after component replacement (e.g., throttle body, ABS sensors).
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed diagnostic procedures, component specifications, and torque values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, HVAC, and power accessories.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic M2.8.3 or HPE (Hydraulically Actuated Electronic Fuel Injection) with Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Distributor and Coil
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant, blue (e.g., MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (synthetic)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 822, Mahle OX 161, Bosch 72220
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6 'NAG' - New Automatic Gearbox)
Optional Transmissions:
None (5-speed automatic was standard for E320 in 1997)
Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up, multiple shift modes (Comfort/Sport)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.8, MB 236.81, or equivalent (e.g., Mobil ATF 220, Pentosin ATF 9)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for dry fill, ~4.5 Liters for torque converter drain/fill
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (1997)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), later integrated into ESP
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners
Body Structure:
High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Optional Bose sound system, various Becker head units with cassette and CD capabilities.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system (Becker MAP PILOT or similar).
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronically controlled cruise control.
Telecommunications:
Optional integrated cellular telephone system (older analog/digital technology).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Transmission Service Interval:
Every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Fluid and filter replacement recommended.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 or equivalent hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S, Febi Bilstein 02576)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Water ingress in SAM modules, headliner sagging, vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum lines), transmission conductor plate issues (722.6), rust (especially around wheel wells and sills), front suspension components (control arms, ball joints), idle control valve issues.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability since its founding.
W210 Introduction:
The W210 E-Class replaced the W124 and introduced a significantly different styling, moving away from the 'box' design to a more aerodynamic and flowing aesthetic.
W210 Mid Cycle Refresh:
The W210 received a significant facelift in 1999, including revised front and rear styling, updated interior, and improved safety features. The 1997 model is part of the pre-facelift generation.
Production Years:
W210 E-Class: 1995-2002
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), USA (Tuscaloosa, Alabama - for specific variants)
