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1. INTRODUCTION
- Intro
- Service A & B Explained
- Service Codes & Service Scope Explained
- Resetting the Service Light Indicator
2. FLUIDS
3. ENGINE OIL
4. AIR FILTERS
5. CABIN AIR FILTERS
6. TRANSMISSION
7. FRONT/REAR DIFFERENTIAL
8. BRAKES
9. BULBS
10. MISC
- Fuse Allocation Guide (M272)
- List of Factory Option Codes (VIN Decoding)
- Belt and Pulley System (M272)
- Engine Mounts
- Transmission Mount
- Spark Plugs
- Thermostat
- Windshield Washer Fluid Pump
- Windshield Wiper Blades
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Windshield Washer Fluid Nozzle Adjustment Tool
- Battery
- Auxiliary Battery
- Key FOB Battery Replacement
- Fuel Filter
- Blower Motor
- PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve Cover/Gasket (Centrifuge Cover) (M272)
- Secondary Air Injector (M272)
- Panoramic/Sunroof Lubrication
- Wheel Lug Bolts
- Wheel Center Caps
*DISCLAIMER: I have only compiled this information. I am in no way taking credit for any of the information that I may have found on the internet while researching for this guide.
Intro
Hi all,
I have created this thread so that everyone has the service information available for the 2008-2015 W204 with the M272 & M276 engines. As these cars are getting older, the used market for them grows and we get a whole new crowd of users (myself included) coming to the forums to ask any questions they need answered. My hope is that this thread gives users, both new and old, a single repository that contains all the information needed to help them service their own vehicle.
Service A & B Explained
Easily explained, an A service is a Minor Service and a B service is a Major Service. Rather than retype everything both services entail, I have attached the Maintenance/Service Booklets for a 2010, 2011, 2012 C-Class (M272) and a 2013 C-Class (M276) for U.S and Canadian users. Canadians can use the 2012 Service Booklet for 2008-2012 as it lists both 722.9 & 722.9+ service intervals. I have also attached the following:
W204 2011 Maintenance Sheet (Use this for 2008-2011)
W204 2014 Maintenance Sheet (Can be used for 2013-2015)
You now have a checklist to complete your own inspection.
Service Codes & Service Scope Explained
When your car is due for a service, it will have a Workshop Code and a Service Code with either an A or B followed by a number shown in your instrument cluster. The number determines what additional services will be needed along with the A or B service. Here is a picture showing what the additional services are:
These additional services are shown on the next screen of your cluster. Here is an example where a B2 Service is due, along with the additional services 2, 3, 4, 10 shown on the next screen:
If we look at the chart below and compare it to the Service Code and Service Scope, we should know what to expect when a service is due and we check the Service Code.
Service 3 (oil change) is default for every service.
I have also attached the Assyst Plus Maintenance Model Series W204 document that will explain the Assyst system (and Workshop Codes) in depth.
Resetting the Service Light Indicator
To reset the Service Light Indicator, please open the Assyst Plus Maintenance Model Series W204 document to page 28 and follow the instructions for either the 4 button wheel or 12 button wheel for the 2008-2011 W204s.
Here is a list of compatible fluids and their number to cross reference with the site above:
Engine Oil -
229.3 (M272)
229.5 (M272 & M276)
229.6 (M276)
Front Differential - 235.74 (M272 & M276)
Rear Differential - 235.7 (M272 & M276)
Brake Fluid - 331.0 (DOT4+)(M272 & M276)
Power Steering - 236.3 (M272 & M276)
Coolant - 325.0 (M272 & M276)
Automatic Transmission
2008 to 06/18/2010 - 236.14 (Red)
06/21/2010 to 2015 - 236.15 (Blue)
Capacities & Service Intervals
Engine Oil
Type: M272
Interval: 20,000 KM or once a year
Capacity:
RWD: 8.0 L (8.5 US qt.)
AWD: 7.0 L (7.4 US qt)
Specification: 229.5
Type: M276 Interval: 20,000 KM or once a year
Capacity: 6.5 L (6.9 US qt.) Specification: 229.5
Automatic Transmission
Type: 722.9
Interval: 60,000 KM
Capacity:
RWD:
C250 (V6 CDN): 8.5 L (9.5 US qt.)
C300/C350: 9.0 L (9.5 US qt.)
AWD:
C250 (V6 CDN): 9.7 L (10.3 US qt.)
C300/C350: 9.9 L (10.5 US qt.)
Specification:
2008 to 06/18/2010 - 236.14 (Red)
06/21/2010 to 2015 - 236.15 (Blue)
Manual Transmission
Type: 716.6
Interval: Lifetime
Capacity:
C250 (V6 CDN): 1.2 L (1.3 US qt.)
C300: 1.5 L (1.6 US qt.)
Specification: 235.10
Rear Differential
Type: M272 & M276
Interval: Lifetime (My interval is 100,000KM)
Capacity:
C250 (V6 CDN): 1.0 L (1.06 US qt.)
C300/C350: 1.1 L (1.2 US qt.)
Specification: 235.7
Front Differential for AWD
Type: M272 & M276
Interval: Lifetime (My interval is 100,000KM)
Capacity: 0.6 L (0.63 US qt.)***
Specification: 235.74
Power Steering
Type: M272 & M276
Interval: Lifetime
Capacity: 0.8 L (0.85 US qt.)
Specification: 236.3
Brake Fluid
Type: M272 & M276
Interval: Every 2 year
Capacity: 0.5 L (0.53 US qt.)
Specification: 331.0 (DOT 4+)
Antifreeze/Coolant
Type: M272 & M276
Interval: 150,000 KM or every 15 years
Capacity: 4.8 L (5.07 US qt.)
Specification: 325.0
Windshield Washer Fluid
Type: M272 & M276
With Headlamp Cleaning System:
6.0 L (6.3 US qt.)
Without Headlamp Cleaning System:
C250 (V6 CDN): 4.0 L (4.2 US qt.)
C300/C350: 3.5 L (3.7 US qt.)
Fuel Tank
Type: M272 & M276
Capacity: 66 L including 8 L Reserve (17.4/2.1 US gal.)
***The Mercedes Maintenance Booklet has 1.1L as the capacity listed but a drain/refill should only be about 600ml. Any more and it will either blow out the breather or blow a seal if the breather is plugged.
RECOMMENDATION
My recommendation will always be OEM but I would also use a compatible Mobil1, Fuchs or Liqui Moly if OEM is not available.
Here is a list of compatible oil filters. This isn’t a complete list but will help get you started. You can use the OEM to cross reference with a filter that may not be listed here.
RECOMMENDATION
The OEM and MANN filters are one and the same so buy whatever is cheaper. Here is a picture to confirm they are the exact same filter, note the old and new Mercedes P/N and the MANN P/N:
OEM: A2760940004
MANN: C 43 139
NAPA: 9034
FRAM: CA11439
If you have lost one of the clips that hold the air box to the engine, the replacement part is:
OEM: A1120940041
RECOMMENDATION
For the M272, I recommend OEM/MANN Filters. For myself, I want the AEM filters. They are dry flow and washable/reusable so they will be the last air filters I will ever buy for the car. They are expensive upfront but pay for themselves after 2-3 B services so it depends on how long you’re planning on keeping the car. I plan on servicing them every year to keep them clean.
For the M276, I recommend OEM/MANN.
*** I did not list the K&N filters as I do not like oiled filters and believe they do more harm than good. If you’re a K&N fan, that’s great. I’ll leave it up to you to find the proper P/N but please don’t come into this thread to debate the use of oiled filters. Thank you
Here is everything you’ll need to complete a service on a 722.9 and 722.9+ transmission.
Please read Guide to 722.9 and 722.9+ Transmissions. At page 49, it starts to explain key differences in fluid/filters/overflow tubes/pan shape/etc. when servicing your 722.9 or 722.9+ transmission. The whole guide is very informative and well worth the read!
Transmission Filter: A2222772000
Transmission Pan Overflow Tube: A2222710097
TOOLS
MityVac MV6400 1.2 Gallon Fluid Dispensing System
MityVac MVA588 Transmission Pan Adapter
Laser Digital Infrared Thermometer
RECOMMENDATION
If you want this to be an easy job, purchase the 2 MityVac items under the TOOLS section above. It made the job mess free and a very easy clean up plus you can use it for the next service in the list (HUGE BONUS!). For fluids, get OEM for both or Fuchs as an aftermarket option.
I have attached a walkthrough to service both the front and rear differential. If you read them, the rear is a piece of cake. The walkthrough for the front probably made your jaw drop and say “Nope, not doing that!”. Then you’ve probably already phoned the dealer or an Indy to get a quote that made your jaw drop even further to the ground.
This is where the MityVac from the transmission service comes in! The MVA588 adapter also fits the drain plug of the front differential so all you need to do is remove the drain plug, drain the fluid, hook the MityVac up and pump the fluid back in. Make sure to pump a little extra fluid in to account for the very small loss when removing the MityVac and installing the drain plug. You have now completed a front differential service in about 30 minutes!
Rear Differential Notes:
It is recommended to replace the Fill/Drain plugs during servicing. Both plugs shares the same part number:
A3529970032 Torque plugs to 37ft-lbs (50Nm)
TOOLS
MityVac MV6400 1.2 Gallon Fluid Dispensing System
MityVac MVA588 Transmission Pan Adapter
RECOMMENDATION
Get the MityVac and adapter. The initial cost will pay for itself once you complete this service. Then your future differential/transmission services will be saving you a bunch of cash. For fluids, use OEM, Fuchs or Liqui Moly.
This lists what you need to make changing your brake fluid into a simple, one person job. I have listed 2 Motive Pressure Bleeders below:
0100 - European Bleeder is the basic bleeder with non-rotating plastic cap
0109 - Black Label European Bleeder has a metal, rotating cap for easy installation onto the master cylinder
1810 - Motive PowerBleeder Catch Bottle
OEM Brake Fluid: A000989080713
RECOMMENDATION
Use a catch can or you’ll make a mess and possibly get brake fluid on your calipers, rotors or pads. You can use anything for a catch can, such as a pop bottle/can and you can get a brake fluid resistant hose that fits over the bleeder screw from any auto store. For fluids, use OEM.
Here is a list of every bulb needed for a W204.
You can cross reference these numbers if needed.
2008-2011
Low Beam Headlight:
Halogen: H7
HID: D1S High Beam Headlight:
Halogen: H7
HID: H7 Fog/Driving Light (08-10):
Luxury(Oval Lens): H11
Sport(Round Lens): H7 Daytime Running Light (2011): LED Parking Light: W5WB or 2825 Front Turn Signal Light: 3457NA or 3157 Rear Turn Signal Light: 7507 or LED Front Side Marker Light: 12961 or 194 Rear Side Marker Light: 12961 or 194 Tail Light: P21W or 7506 or 1156 Brake Light: P21W or 7506 or 1156 High Mount Stop Light: LED Reverse Light: P21W or 7506 or 1156 License Plate Light: 12961 or 194 Map Light: 12961 or 194 Dome Light: 2886X or 6411 or 6418 Glove Box Light: 12961 or 194 Vanity Mirror Light: 12961 or 194 Rear Reading Light: 12961 or 194 Step/Courtesy Light: 12961 or 194 Trunk/Cargo Area Light: 12961 or 194
2012-2015
Low Beam Headlight:
Halogen: H7
HID: D1S High Beam Headlight:
Halogen: H7
HID: H7 Daytime Running Light: LED Parking Light:
Halogen: 12961 or 194
HID: LED Cornering Light: H7 or H7 LED Front Turn Signal Light:
Halogen: 12190NA or PSY24W
HID: LED Rear Turn Signal Light: LED Front Sidemarker Light: 12961 or 194 Rear Side Marker Light: 12961 or 194 Inner Tail Light: LED Outer Tail Light: LED Brake Light: P21W or 7506 or 1156 High Mount Brake Light: LED Reverse Tail Light: P21W or 7506 or 1156 License Plate Light: 12961 or 194 Map Light: 12961 or 194 Dome Light: 2886X or 6411 or 6418 Glove Box Light: 12961 or 194 Vanity Mirror Light: 12961 or 194 Rear Reading Light: 12961 or 194 Step/Courtesy Light: 12961 or 194 Trunk/Cargo Area Light: 12961 or 194
This is where I’ll add other maintenance items that need replacing and make recommendations on what to use.
Fuse Allocation Guide (M272)
I have attached a guide that explains what function each fuse covers and the correct rating that should be used.
List of Factory Options Codes (VIN Decoding)
I have attached a guide that shows all factory option code descriptions on your DataCard when decoding your VIN. The list goes back to the 1960’s, very interesting to see what options were available back then.
I bought the Corteco 4MATIC engine mounts from FCP Euro for the lifetime warranty. This was the first job I paid someone else to do so the only info I do have is to buy an offset 16MM wrench to make this job easier as a lot of people struggle trying to loosen/tighten those bolts (part number of wrench below). My tech was able to get it finished in 3 hours so the 8-10 hour labor quotes I have seen and received for 4MATIC engine mounts to be replaced seem a little far off.
I bought a Corteco 4MATIC transmission mount from FCP Euro for the lifetime warranty. It turned out to be an easy install. I drove up on Rhino ramps, removed the last plastic panel covering the transmission pan and used a small jack with a block of wood across the end of the pan to support the transmission. I then removed 5x 13mm nuts holding the mount to the cross member, 8x E12 bolts to remove the cross member and 4x E10 to remove the mount from the transmission. Install in reverse. This job was about 1 hour for me from start to finish.
Spark Plugs
Service Interval: 100,000KM or 4 years
Torque for Spark Plugs: 17ft-lb
Torque for Coil Packs: 10ft-lb
This is actually a really simple job if you have a ratchet, wobble extensions, T30 torx and a 5/8” thin walled spark plug socket. I used a 1/4” ratchet with wobble extensions and removed the original, factory Bosch spark plugs then replaced them with NGK Ruthenium spark plugs in about 45 minutes.
**Check the attachments to find an excellent “How-To” guide on replacing and properly indexing the spark plugs for your M276**
Thermostat M272
OEM: A2722000415
Gasket (OEM): A272203018064
Temperature Sender Unit (OEM): A0005425118
I bought a thermostat from RockAuto for $87 CDN. It was from Beck & Arnley and turned out to be an OEM unit.
Make sure to use an OEM metal gasket, do not use a cheap cork gasket as it will end up leaking and you’ll just have to pull the thermostat again.
I recommend changing out the temperature sender unit if you’re changing the thermostat as you’ll already have the coolant drained. It was about 20 minutes to change the unit, I purchased an Ultra Power brand from RockAuto for $5.
Use OEM coolant, see post #2 FLUIDS for the correct coolant.
**Check the attachments to find an excellent “How-To” guide on replacing the Thermostat**
I’ve never had a washer pump go on me but there’s always time for a first! I checked the Mercedes shop, $98 CDN for the the pump.... I went ahead and bought one from Amazon for $51. Same exact pump sans Mercedes Symbol.
Took about 20-30 min to do, very simple job.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Size: 24”
There were several variations of wiper arms & blades from 2008-2015, please check your wiper blades before purchasing a set.
Here is the OEM list:
Windshield Washer Fluid
I use OEM fluid as I have the heated reservoir and headlamp washers and don’t want to chance putting in a generic fluid that leaves behind a film or residue that may clog the system or ruin seals.
OEM: BQ6020412
Windshield Washer Fluid Nozzle Adjustment Tool
If you need to adjust the spray area from your windshield washer fluid nozzles, you will need a special tool that has the correct head to fit into the 4/6mm slots on the nozzle. The OEM piece is ridiculously overpriced ($62!!!) but I didn’t want to use a flathead screwdriver/etc. so I ordered an OEM replica from Amazon for $8.
OEM: W001589021600
Main Battery
OEM: A0009823308
Specifications: 12v 100Ah 760CA
Group Size: 94R (H7)
Auxiliary Battery
OEM: A0009827080Q2 (Made by FIAMM)
Specifications: 12V 12Ah 170A
Group Size: AUX14 AGM
Key FOB Battery Replacement
Size: CR2025
I used a CR2032 for more battery life as it is the same size around as a CR2025 but a bit thicker.
*** This will also get rid of the KEY NOT DETECTED error. I was plagued with this error on both key fobs, even after installing new, quality CR2025’s. The error hasn’t returned since the installation of a CR2032 on July 22 2019 (4+ months).
The gasket is the failure part here, which results in an oil leak at the rear passenger side of the engine. If it gets bad enough, oil will leak down on your exhaust and you’ll smell burning oil in the cabin. I needed an E10 wrench in order to get all the bolts out. For a replacement, I bought a Beck & Arnley brand and it ended up being a repackaged OEM part but for less than half the price.
**Check the attachments to find an excellent “How-To” guide on replacing the PCV/Centrifuge Cover**
To replace this, I needed a ratchet, a small and medium extension and a T30 torx bit. It took about 30 minutes to removed the 3 hoses, 4xT30 torx, the electrical connection then swap the bracket over to the new injector (3xT30 torx) then reinstall.
I purchased the injector from Rock Auto for $182 shipped.
Panoramic/Sun Roof Lubrication
OEM: 001 989 50 51 MB Special Lubricant - For lubricating outer guide rail of panorama roof
OEM: 001 989 46 51 MB Lubrication Paste - For cleaning outer/inner channel, shift gate, pivot arm of wind deflector of top sliding roof (panorama roof)
Alternative:
Dupont Krytox GPL 105 (Equivalent to what MB uses to lubricate the Panoramic/Sun Roof)
Wheel Lug Bolts
Size: M14 x 26.5 x 1.5 mm R14 Ball Seat
Wheel Center Caps
Size: 75mm
Fits 2008-2015 C-Class OEM Wheels
Here is a partial list, there is also a Raised Star style and a cap that actually sticks out a couple inches:
Star w/ Laurel Wreath, Classic Design (Blue)
OEM: A17140001255337
Star w/ Laurel Wreath, Classic Design (Black)
OEM: A17140001259040
Star w/ Laurel Wreath, Classic Design (Silver)
OEM: A17140001257P70
I found a set of 4 perfectly fitting replicas on eBay for $13 CDN then I used a $5 promotion to get them to $8. OEMs are $22.95 CDN a piece so eBay or Amazon are the best place to buy these. What ever route you choose, spray a few coats of external use lacquer on them before you install and they’ll look new for years.
FLUIDS
Automatic Transmission
2008 to 06/18/2011 - 236.14 (722.9)(Red)
06/21/2011 to 2015 - 236.15 (722.9+)(Blue)
M272 Capacities & Service Intervals
Automatic Transmission
Type: 722.9
Interval: 60,000 KM
Capacity:
RWD: 9.0 L (9.5 US qt.)
AWD: 9.9 L (10.5 US qt.)
Specification:
236.14 (up to 2010-06-18)
236.15 (as of 2010-06-21)
Note: Make sure to drain Torque Converter
Thank you so so much for all this. Much appreciated.
I have one comment regarding the above to ensure the information is 100% accurate. The 2012 C300 4MATIC Sport, which I own, has the M272 and the 722.9+ transmission and the latter has a 70k miles or 112,654 km service interval and not the 40k miles/60k km service interval. I thought I would draw your attention to this so that it's fixed in the "M272 Capacities & Service Intervals" section.
Personally, I am not going to wait until 112,654 km to change the transmission fluid and filter. I will be doing it at 60k km to keep the fluid fresh for the sensitive transmission with the 4MATIC system.
I have updated the post and also fixed the dates, I had put 2011 by accident. I’ll see if I can find the capacity for the 722.9+ and add it in as well.
I have updated every post and added a bunch of stuff under MISC.
If anyone has any suggestions, additions or corrections, please list it here or IM me and I'll make sure to add or check any information. Let's try and make this the best guide for our community, make sure to rate the thread and request for it to be stickied if you find it valuable!
I have updated my engine air filter recommendation as I feel it is better for everyone now.
I have also found a walkthrough to replace spark plugs on an M276 engine, along with the proper indexing for the DI engine. It has been updated and added under MISC.
If anyone has any suggestions, additions or corrections for this guide, please list it here or IM me and I'll make sure to add or check any information.
If you like this guide, please rate it 5 stars and request for it to be stickied.
- Removed a few duplicate documents under INTRODUCTION and then edited the post for clarity
- Edited BRAKES section for clarity
- Added a better guide to replace the CABIN AIR FILTER
- Added a guide to help identify, locate and replace the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve Cover/Gasket (Centrifuge Cover) (M272)
As a new owner of a 2008 C300 this is a wonderful write up especially part numbers and quantities.
So many have "Change oil with suitable replacement".
This guys attention to detail is unparalleled.
The original owner of my ride was a dedicated MB person, so I am going to try and see if they will provide records of what's been done, so I don't double up on service work. She said the 90K service ran close to 2 grand, so it should be pretty extensive.
Looks like all I may need is 2 front tires, and will replace the TPMS all way round, as I'm getting dash lights for the system and want to start fresh. I suspect they are oem sensors, 315 mhz, and at 11 years old, probably done.
11-27-2019, 05:29 PM
