Vehicle Class:
Compact Executive Car (entry-level luxury)
Brand Perception:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into the more accessible luxury segment, offering typical Mercedes quality and engineering.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS, Volvo S40.
Design Philosophy:
Marked a departure from the more rounded styling of its predecessor (190E/W201) with sharper lines and a more modern aesthetic.
Target Audience:
Younger professionals, first-time luxury car buyers, those seeking a reliable and high-quality European sedan.
Usefulness To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, understand complex repairs, and diagnose issues, saving on labor costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train, timing systems, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch KE-Jetronic, HFM), ignition systems, emissions control systems, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis and repair.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, overhaul, clutch, torque converter, shift control mechanisms.
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, universal joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system, steering column, tie rods, adjustments.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers), disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting systems, instrumentation, body electronics, fuses, relays.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning (compressor, refrigerant), heater core, climate control unit.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, dashboard, trim, sound insulation.
Chassis And Frame:
Body structural components, corrosion protection, chassis components.
Safety Systems:
Airbag systems, seatbelt mechanisms, ABS.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid level checks and replacements.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting charts, common problems and solutions, diagnostic codes (OBD-I/II if applicable to model year).
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and replacement.
Alignment Adjustments:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, steering system adjustments.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis, connector pinouts.
Depth Level:
Professional, including complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams for visual guidance.
Engine Options 1997:
C180 (M111.920 - 1.8L I4), C200 (M111.921 - 2.0L I4), C220 (M111.960 - 2.2L I4), C230 Kompressor (M111.974 - 2.3L Supercharged I4), C280 (M104.940 - 2.8L I6), C200 Diesel (OM604.910 - 2.0L I4 Diesel), C220 Diesel (OM604.915 - 2.2L I4 Diesel), C250 Diesel (OM605.910 - 2.5L I5 Diesel), C250 Turbo Diesel (OM605.911 - 2.5L I5 Turbo Diesel), C36 AMG (M104.941 - 3.6L I6).
Typical Hp Range:
120 hp (C180) to 276 hp (C36 AMG)
Typical Torque Range:
136 lb-ft (C180) to 284 lb-ft (C36 AMG)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Electronic Diesel Control (EDC) for diesel engines.
Engine Management System:
Proprietary Mercedes-Benz EMS, often based on Bosch components (e.g., HFM - Hot Film Mass Airflow).
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specs).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters, coolant flushes typically recommended at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil recommended. (Refer to manual for specific engine recommendations and MB-Approval numbers like MB 229.1 or 229.3).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz specified antifreeze/coolant concentrate (e.g., G48 or equivalent) mixed with distilled water, typically a 50/50 ratio.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
MB Spec 236.10 or 236.12 for automatic transmissions. (e.g., ATF 3.0 / Dexron III equivalent for older transmissions, 722.6 transmissions require specific MB fluid).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Cracked dashboard plastic (especially in hot climates), sagging headliner, coolant leaks from O-rings or hoses, MAF sensor issues, rust on wheel arches and sills, ABS sensor failures, distributor cap/rotor wear (on older ignition systems).
Diesel Specific Issues:
Glow plug issues, injector pump leaks, turbocharger problems (on turbo diesel models).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Continues Mercedes-Benz's tradition of engineering excellence, safety, and build quality.
W202 Introduction:
Introduced in 1993 as the successor to the popular W201 ('190E'), positioning itself as the compact entry-luxury sedan.
Facelift:
Received a facelift in 1997, featuring revised bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, and interior trim.
Production Period:
1993-2000
Manufacturing Locations:
Various Mercedes-Benz plants globally, including Germany and South Africa.
