Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 C220.
The 1996 Mercedes‑C220 is a refined passenger‑car offering that sits on the C‑class platform, powered by a robust inline‑four engine that balances performance with fuel efficiency. Its standout feature is a refined interior coupled with a high‑quality suspension system that delivers a comfortable ride, while the vehicle’s single recall this year underscores its overall safety compliance. In terms of owner feedback, the 1996 model recorded 48 complaints—primarily related to its electrical system—placing it at the lower end of the C‑class complaint spectrum during the 1994‑1996 period, where the 1995 model saw a peak of 119 complaints. This relative steadiness in reliability signals that the 1996 C220 remains a dependable choice within its generation, offering a blend of luxury and practicality with a comparatively clean service record.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
| Engine air filter | 6040941304 |
| Fuel filter | 0024774401 alt 0024774501 |
| Spark plug | 0031596803 |
| Battery | 0009823308 |
| Thermostat | 015997234864 alt 1112000915 |
| Cabin air filter | 2108300818 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 177.6 in |
| Overall width | 67.7 in |
| Overall height | 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in |
| Curb weight | 3153 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 58.7 / 57.5 in |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine 85W-90 · GL-5 in the differential. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.4 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
| Differential Gear Oil | 85W-90 · GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.5 Pints |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 18.4 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | 33.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.031 in |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.80 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | MB part number 0019890803 or equivalent |
| Oil Capacity | 5.20 oz |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 14-17 ohms |
| Engine Compression | 159-199 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 43.5 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure RPM | 3000 rpm |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque to Knuckle | 85 ft-lbs |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 38 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.005 in / 0.006 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 0.866 in / 0.354 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 0.866 in / 0.354 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.787 in / 0.299 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 0.764 in / 0.287 in |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 1996 Mercedes C220 dominate in one area — the electrical system, 17 of 48 reports (35%), well ahead of the next concern. NHTSA has issued no recalls for this vehicle, so these are owner-reported concerns only. 4 of the reports describe a crash and 2 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the electrical system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 48 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 5 of 17 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI54.30-P-072145 | 2020-12-10 | Electrical System | NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock |
| LI42.47-P-067502 | 2020-12-09 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there… |
| LI27.50-P-071658 | 2020-09-30 | Power Train | Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R |
| LI33 30-P-056665 | 2019-08-05 | Suspension | Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle |
| LI91 45-P-066075 | 2018-07-23 | Seat Belts | Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.