Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking luxury, performance, and advanced engineering
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46/E90), Audi A4 (B6/B7), Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Brand Reputation:
Known for build quality, safety, comfort, and advanced technology
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, driver-focused interior, and refined driving dynamics
Powertrain Options:
Range of efficient yet powerful inline-four and V6 engines
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, emissions control
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensor data
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, internal components, shifting mechanisms
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, transmission control module (TCM) diagnosis, fluid service, overhaul
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), ABS, ESP, brake hydraulics, pad/rotor replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power windows, seats, mirrors, fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, upholstery, climate control system
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, diagnostics
Infotainment:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), display units, antenna systems
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module diagnosis
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Electrical Repairs:
Wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, component replacement, module programming (where applicable)
Body Repairs:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust treatment, door/window adjustments
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment
Tire Replacement:
Specifications for tire sizes, pressures, and replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics)
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions use of OEM diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis System) and associated procedures
Specifications:
Includes torque specifications, tolerances, electrical values, and fluid capacities
Engine Options 2006:
C230 (2.3L Supercharged I4), C280 (3.0L V6), C350 (3.5L V6), C32 AMG (3.2L Supercharged V6 - discontinued but manual may cover prior service)
Common Engines Covered:
M271 (1.8L/2.0L CGI/Kompressor), M272 (3.0L/3.5L V6), M111 (2.3L Kompressor)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 189 hp (C230) to 268 hp (C350)
Torque Range:
Approx. 200 lb-ft (C230) to 258 lb-ft (C350)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (CGI variants)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Timing Belt Chain:
Timing Chain (M271, M272, M111 variants) - requires periodic inspection, no specific replacement interval typically, but guide/tensioner issues are known
Spark Plug Type:
Specific iridium or platinum tipped spark plugs (e.g., NGK PLFR5A-11, Bosch Y7MPP33)
Oil Type Spec:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 synthetic engine oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Automatic (722.6) for most V6 models, 6-speed Manual (716.6) available on some C230 models
Transmission Type Optional:
7-speed Automatic (722.9 '7G-Tronic') for later V6 models, including C350
Automatic Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Spec 236.10 or 236.12 ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, ZF Lifeguardfluid 5)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB Spec 235.10 (e.g., Shell Spirax S5 ATE 75W-90) or equivalent GL-4 rated fluid
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.7 inches (2710 mm)
Length:
Approx. 178.3 - 180.3 inches (4530 - 4580 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 - 56.1 inches (1415 - 1425 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3300 - 3600 lbs (1500 - 1630 kg) depending on engine and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4500 - 4700 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not typically advertised or recommended for significant towing
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.0 - 15.0 cubic feet (sedan/coupe)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using approved synthetic oil)
Major Service Intervals:
Service A/B schedule, typically every 10,000 miles or as indicated by the car's computer (ASSYST)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic: Check every 30,000 miles, typically serviced every 50,000-70,000 miles. Manual: Check as needed, typically serviced every 60,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Typically every 5 years or 100,000 miles (using Mercedes-Benz approved coolant)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., Zerex G-05)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 or Pentosin CHF 11S
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Engine M271 Kompressor:
Timing chain tensioner and guide wear, camshaft magnet wear, oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Engine M272 V6:
Balance shaft gear wear (leading to check engine light and misfires), intake manifold flap failure
Transmission 722.6 Automatic:
Conductor plate failure, erratic shifting, TCU failure
Suspension:
Front lower ball joint wear, rear spring perch corrosion
Electrical:
Window regulator failure, CAN bus communication issues, SAM unit failures
Body:
Sunroof drain blockage leading to water ingress, door seal wear
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, formerly DaimlerChrysler AG
Heritage Focus:
Pioneering automotive safety and engineering innovation
Generation Introduction:
W203 generation introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, facelift in 2004
2006 Model Year Positioning:
Represents the post-facelift iteration of the W203 C-Class
Production Period:
2000-2007
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), South Africa, Hungary, Brazil