🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C-Class Model Variant: C300 4MATIC Year: 2011 Generation Generation Code: W204 Generation Years: 2007-2014 (facelifted in 2011) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon (depending on body style) Target Audience: Consumers seeking premium build quality, advanced technology, safety, and refined driving dynamics. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS. Key Features Brand Prestige: Represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into the premium compact segment with a focus on luxury and brand heritage. 4Matic System: The '4MATIC' designation signifies Mercedes-Benz's all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. 2011 Facelift: The 2011 model year represents a significant facelift for the W204 C-Class, including updated styling (e.g., new headlights, bumpers, grille), interior revisions, and technology enhancements. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Manual Secondary Coverage: Basic maintenance, operation, safety features, infotainment, climate control, instrument cluster, driver controls, security, seating, cleaning, engine compartment overview, fuel, oil, battery, air filter, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories, customer assistance, reporting safety defects (US). Page Count Estimated Page Count: 350-450 (typical for this era's Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Owner's Manual (Digital Compilation) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain Management: Engine operation, fuel information, oil specifications, air filter replacement, refill capacities, lubricant specifications. Chassis And Suspension: Brief mentions of driving, but detailed chassis/suspension operation not a primary focus of an owner's manual. Electrical And Lighting: Instrument cluster, lights operation, interior lighting, exterior lighting. Infotainment And Climate: Entertainment systems (COMAND NTG 4.0 for this era), climate controls (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC). Safety And Security: Seating, safety restraints (airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX), locks, security features, remote key operation. Driver Controls: Steering wheel controls, paddle shifters (if applicable), cruise control, transmission selector (selector lever), parking brake. Maintenance And Care: Cleaning, basic maintenance checks, service information and specifications, maintenance information and specifications, customer assistance. Procedures Included Basic Operation: Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using the infotainment system, adjusting climate controls. Safety Procedures: Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation (ISOFIX), airbag system explanation, emergency procedures. Maintenance Checks: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance (basic). Troubleshooting Basic: Instrument cluster warning lights explanation, basic system error indicators. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Owner-level information for daily operation, understanding vehicle features, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions typically found in a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Generally searchable text within the PDF, depending on the OCR quality of the original scan/compilation. Print Quality Print Quality Expectation: Depends on the original factory manual quality. Generally good for digital reproduction. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) Compatibility Device Compatibility: Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones) with a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M272 (typically) Engine Type: 3.0L V6 Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 2996 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 88 mm x 82 mm Compression Ratio: 11.3:1 Performance Horsepower: 228 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Injection: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), sequential multi-point Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: MB 325.0 (Blue/Green color, ethylene glycol-based) Engine Compartment Engine Layout: Front-engine, Longitudinal 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7G-TRONIC 7-speed Automatic Drive System: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive Optional Optional Transmissions: N/A for C300 4MATIC in this configuration, RWD typically paired with 7G-TRONIC. Features Transmission Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: MB 236.14 (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 179.1 inches (4549 mm) Width: Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm) Height: Approx. 56.3 inches (1430 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 108.7 inches (2760 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg) depending on options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by configuration, typically around 4850 lbs (2200 kg). Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Typically received 5-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests by NHTSA for the W204 generation. IIHS Ratings: Often a 'Top Safety Pick' by IIHS, demonstrating good performance in crashworthiness tests. Active Features Electronic Stability Program: Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Antilock Braking System: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS) Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (ASR) Passive Features Airbags Front: Dual-stage front airbags for driver and passenger Airbags Side: Front side-impact airbags, front and rear head-curtain airbags (window bags) Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters, active head restraints (NECK-PRO) Child Seat Anchors: ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchor points 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: COMAND...
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS.
Key Features
Brand Prestige:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into the premium compact segment with a focus on luxury and brand heritage.
4Matic System:
The '4MATIC' designation signifies Mercedes-Benz's all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
2011 Facelift:
The 2011 model year represents a significant facelift for the W204 C-Class, including updated styling (e.g., new headlights, bumpers, grille), interior revisions, and technology enhancements.
Instrument cluster warning lights explanation, basic system error indicators.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Owner-level information for daily operation, understanding vehicle features, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Generally searchable text within the PDF, depending on the OCR quality of the original scan/compilation.
Print Quality
Print Quality Expectation:
Depends on the original factory manual quality. Generally good for digital reproduction.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Compatibility
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones) with a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
N/A for C300 4MATIC in this configuration, RWD typically paired with 7G-TRONIC.
Features
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (ATF)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 179.1 inches (4549 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.3 inches (1430 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg) depending on options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically around 4850 lbs (2200 kg).
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Typically received 5-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests by NHTSA for the W204 generation.
IIHS Ratings:
Often a 'Top Safety Pick' by IIHS, demonstrating good performance in crashworthiness tests.
Active Features
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASR)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags for driver and passenger
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags, front and rear head-curtain airbags (window bags)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters, active head restraints (NECK-PRO)
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchor points
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (NTG 4.0) - Navigation, Radio, CD/DVD, Bluetooth connectivity (audio streaming and hands-free calling).
Display:
Central high-resolution color display (typically 7-inch).
Audio System:
Standard sound system with multiple speakers, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free operation and audio streaming.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear).
Lighting Features:
Halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) or optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Standard or optional rain-sensing windshield wipers.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS).
Major Service Interval:
Examples include spark plug replacement (approx. 60,000 miles), transmission fluid service (variable, often around 40,000-60,000 miles depending on driving style and service indicator).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Edge 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 US quarts (7.5 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (ATF Dexron III equivalent)
Washer Fluid:
Approved windshield washer fluid, often with winter additive or insect remover.
Known Issues
M272 Engine Issues:
Timing chain balance shaft gear wear (affecting earlier M272 engines, less common in later production years like 2011, but still a consideration for thorough inspection). Check for Check Engine Light.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional rough shifting or transmission control module (TCM) issues, typically resolved with software updates or fluid service.
Electrical Issues:
Complaints about window regulators, sunroof drains, and occasional sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors).
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter HU 718/5 y, Hengst E445H D320 (verify for specific engine build).
Air Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter C 24 123, Mahle LX 1338 (verify for specific engine build).
Cabin Air Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter CU 25 009 (often with activated carbon).
Maintenance Information
Service Indicator Reset:
Procedure covered in the manual for resetting the ASSYST PLUS service indicator.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, a German automotive brand, is renowned for its luxury vehicles, pioneering safety innovations, and engineering excellence dating back to the late 19th century.
Model Evolution
C Class Lineage:
The C-Class represents Mercedes-Benz's compact executive offering, succeeding models like the 190E (W201). The W204 generation debuted in 2007.
W204 Facelift:
The 2011 model year brought a significant mid-cycle refresh (facelift) to the W204 chassis, updating its aesthetics and technology to remain competitive.
Production
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Bremen plant), with potential for assembly in other global locations.
Production Period:
W204 C-Class: 2007-2014. The 2011 model is part of the facelifted phase.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Safety Pick:
The 2011 C-Class often received IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this generation varied, with some components showing average to below-average reliability compared to Japanese luxury brands, but generally solid for a German premium vehicle. Specific data for 2011 models is nuanced.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Meets all applicable U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.