Class:
Compact Premium Sports Roadster
Competitors 1997:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster (introduced later), Chevrolet Corvette (larger class but similar intent), Mazda Miata MX-5 (lower price point).
Vario Roof:
One of the R170's signature features is the electro-hydraulic 'Vario-roof' system, a retractable hardtop that transforms the car from a coupe to a roadster at the touch of a button.
Compact Size:
Compact dimensions for agile handling and a sporty driving experience.
Mercedes Engineering:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact sports car segment, leveraging established brand quality and engineering.
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnosis, component testing, wiring diagrams, ECU functions, fuel injection, ignition systems.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (5-speed 5G-Tronic): operation, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, control module diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, axle components, troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, diagnosis of noise and handling issues, component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings).
Brakes:
Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper repair, hydraulic system bleeding, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse locations and assignments, relay functions, lighting system, power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, instrument cluster, battery and charging system.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism (Vario-roof system) operation and repair, interior trim, exterior trim.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, diagnosis of cooling and heating issues, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis, component replacement, safety precautions, seatbelt systems.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, brake fluid flushes, coolant checks/changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all components, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnostics, fault code interpretation, specialized diagnostic tools and procedures.
Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance from basic to advanced.
Type:
5-speed Automatic (5G-Tronic)
Type:
5-speed Manual (not commonly specified for the 230 Kompressor in all markets, but available)
Automatic Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141, Pentosin ATF 1)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 Liters (including torque converter, dry fill)
Length:
Approx. 3995 mm (157.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1717 mm (67.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1293 mm (50.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2072 mm (81.6 in)
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1350 - 1400 kg (depending on equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Approx. 1700 kg
Crash Test Standards:
Meets or exceeds all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) often standard or integrated with ESP.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags may have been optional.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bar structure behind the seats and pop-up roll-over bars behind the head restraints (deploy automatically if a rollover is detected).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult specific manual for precise interval.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 60,000 - 100,000 miles for automatic transmission, or as per specific service indicator. Manual transmission fluid change interval typically longer.
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium, platinum).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 compliant synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 quarts (including filter)
Vario Roof Actuators:
Common issue with hydraulic leaks or failure of the Vario-roof actuators and pumps, often due to aging seals and electrical connections.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling and poor performance.
Ignition Coils:
While less common on early R170s than later models, ignition coil failures can occur, causing misfires.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Some instances of rear main oil seal leaks on the engine.
Window Regulators:
Window regulator mechanisms can wear out, causing windows to operate slowly or not at all.
