Segment:
Executive Mid-size Luxury Sedan/Wagon
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E60), Audi A6 (C6), Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type, Volvo S80.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, advanced technology, refined ride comfort, high-quality interior appointments.
Innovations:
Introduction of Intelligent Drive systems, advanced safety features, and sophisticated comfort technologies.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, engine management (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.6 NAG, 722.9 7G-TRONIC), manual transmission (less common), transmission control unit (TCU), fluid service, rebuild procedures.
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC, Airmatic, conventional), steering system (power steering, steer-by-wire), braking system (ABS, ESP, SBC), drive axles, wheels and tires.
Electrical System:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), multiplex communication (CAN bus), gateway modules.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, upholstery, climate control system (HVAC), safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), interior trim.
Infotainment And Electronics:
COMAND system, audio system, navigation, telematics, parking assist, Seat Comfort package, optional electronic systems.
HVAC:
Climate control system diagnosis and repair, including A/C compressor, blower motor, control modules, and refrigerant handling.
Safety Restraint System:
Airbag system diagnosis, component replacement, and system reset procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., sensors, pumps, gaskets), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, use of STAR Diagnosis tool (SDS).
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic trouble code explanations, and troubleshooting procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Factory Level
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, exploded views, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Codes Common:
M271 (Supercharged 4-cyl), M272 (V6), M112 (V6, early models), M113 (V8), OM646/OM647/OM651 (Diesel I4/I5).
Displacement Examples:
1.8L, 2.0L, 2.6L, 3.0L, 3.2L, 3.5L, 4.3L, 5.0L, 2.1L Diesel, 2.2L Diesel, 2.7L Diesel, 3.0L Diesel.
Horsepower Range:
140 hp (early diesel) to 470 hp (E63 AMG)
Torque Range:
250 Nm (early diesel) to 700 Nm (E63 AMG)
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Direct Injection (DI - later models), Common Rail Diesel Injection (CDI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91+), Diesel (Euro 4/5 compliant).
Diesel Engines:
OM646 (2.1L I4), OM647 (2.7L I5), OM651 (2.1L I4, later models), M270/M271 (early 2.7L diesel inline 5)
Transmission Types:
5-speed automatic (e.g., 722.6), 7-speed automatic (722.9 7G-TRONIC).
Optional Transmission Types:
6-speed manual (rare, primarily for E320 CDI and specific markets).
Driver Selectable Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB Approval 236.10, 236.12, 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC) - e.g., Shell ATF 134, Pentosin ATF134.
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally 5-star ratings for frontal and side impacts (varies by year and test configuration).
IIHS Ratings:
Good ratings in front, side, and rear impact tests.
Active Safety Systems:
ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Traction Control), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE® (predictive safety system), SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control - early models).
Passive Safety Features:
Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), crumple zones, high-strength passenger cell, active head restraints (NECK-PRO).
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) with features like GPS navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, optional TV tuner, and telematics.
Driver Assistance Features:
Distronic Plus (adaptive cruise control), Parktronic (parking sensors), Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Night View Assist.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, Mercedes-Benz telematics services (e.g., for emergency calls).
Service A B Schedule:
Based on 'Service A' and 'Service B' indicators, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. This manual details the specific checks for each service.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Approval 229.3, 229.5 (for gasoline engines); MB Approval 229.31, 229.51 (for diesel engines with DPF) - e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Edge 5W-30.
Coolant Spec:
MB Approval 325.0, 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approval 331.0)
Common W211 Issues:
SBC brake system failure (early models), 'biodegradable' wiring harness degradation, camshaft adjuster solenoids (M272/M273 V6/V8), oil leaks from valve covers and oil cooler seals, differential leaks, O2 sensor failures, air suspension compressor failure (Airmatic).
Common W211 Issues 2:
Immobilizer system faults, CAN bus communication errors, sunroof drain issues, headlamp condensation, tailgate struts failure (wagon).
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
W211 Positioning:
The W211 succeeded the W210 (E-Class) and introduced significant technological advancements, including the controversial SBC braking system on early models.
Facelift Details:
A significant facelift occurred in 2006 (model year 2007), addressing some of the earlier model's electronic issues, refining styling, and introducing the 7G-TRONIC transmission across more models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany. Assembly also occurred in other international locations.
