Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning car owners seeking performance and luxury in a compact package
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300, Alfa Romeo 155
Distinguishing Features:
Supercharged engine, robust build quality, sophisticated suspension, premium interior appointments, hallmark Mercedes-Benz safety and comfort
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair data for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians, ensuring accurate and efficient maintenance.
Engine:
2.3L M111 Inline-4 (Supercharged)
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics), ignition system, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M2.8.3)
Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut, Rear: Multi-link independent
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electrical:
12V System, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Climate Control System (manual and automatic variants)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, structural components
Safety Systems:
Airbags (driver and passenger), seatbelt pre-tensioners
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs
Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuilds, bottom-end repairs, component replacement (e.g., belts, hoses, sensors, injectors, supercharger)
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter changes, diagnostic procedures, solenoid testing
Brake System Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleeding
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, tie rods), alignment procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, component testing, wiring harness repair, ECU diagnostics
HVAC System Repair:
Refrigerant system service, blower motor replacement, control module diagnostics
Bodywork And Interior:
Panel removal and installation, trim repair, glass replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based problem solving
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostics, detailed component specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, rebuild procedures
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Displacement:
2295 cc (2.3 Liters)
Aspiration:
Roots-type Supercharger with Intercooler
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
205 Nm (151 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M2.8.3)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1 / API SG or SH
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Optional Transmission:
None for C230 Kompressor in this year.
Transmission Features:
Electronic control, Comfort/Sport modes, lock-up torque converter
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (Shell ATF 134 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (Dry fill) / 5.5 Liters (Drain and fill)
Crash Test Ratings:
While specific 1997 IIHS/NHTSA ratings are scarce, the W202 chassis was known for robust safety engineering, exceeding many contemporary standards. Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety was a hallmark.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, crumple zones, side-impact protection bars, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Infotainment System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, optional Becker sound systems
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional parking assist sensors (on later W202 variants, less common on 1997 C230)
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; primarily analog cellular phone integration ports, no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Oil And Filter Interval:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Air Filter Interval:
Every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 24 months
Spark Plug Interval:
Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) (using long-life spark plugs)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 48 months
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 24 months
Common Complaints:
MAF sensor failures, OVP relay issues, rear axle mounting point rust, blower motor resistor failure, transmission conductor plate issues (on 722.6), oil cooler leaks, fuel distributor leaks (on earlier models).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (MB Power Steering Fluid)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (2002 C230 Kompressor, similar for 1997)
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
W202 Introduction:
The W202 generation C-Class was introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the aging 190 (W201), aiming to provide Mercedes-Benz quality and engineering in a more compact and accessible package.
C230 Kompressor Introduction:
The C230 Kompressor variant was introduced later in the W202's lifecycle, offering a performance-oriented option with its supercharged M111 engine.
Production Period:
1993-2000 (W202 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen), South Africa, USA
