Positioning:
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) represented Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact executive car segment, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and performance. It competed with vehicles like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS (first generation).
Vehicle Highlights:
Renowned for build quality, comfortable ride, sophisticated styling, and a range of efficient engines. The W202 introduced significant advancements in safety and refinement for its class.
Value For Owners:
This manual provides the same authoritative information used by Mercedes-Benz dealership technicians, enabling owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and carry out repairs efficiently, saving time and money.
Engine:
Full coverage including maintenance, repair, diagnosis, control systems, fuel service, emission control, intake, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, ignition, starting, and charging systems.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (service, diagnosis, repair), Manual Transmission (service, diagnosis, repair), Clutch.
Drivetrain:
Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension, Tire & Wheel.
Brakes:
Brake Control, Brake System (service, diagnosis, repair), Parking Brake.
Steering:
Steering Column, Power Steering System (service, diagnosis, repair).
Climate Control:
Air Conditioning System (service, diagnosis, repair).
Safety Systems:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS - Airbags), Seat Belt Systems, Engine Immobilizer.
Electrical Systems:
Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, multiplex/CAN communication systems, instrument panel, meters, audio/visual systems, horn, wiper & washer systems, door lock systems.
Body And Interior:
Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior components, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Seats, Instrument Panel.
Cruise Control:
Cruise Control System (service, diagnosis, repair).
Repair Procedures:
Complete step-by-step instructions for all repairs, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension work, and electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic trees, troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, and specific fault code explanations.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and component checks.
Wiring Schematics:
Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.
Illustrations Diagrams:
High-quality illustrations and diagrams to clarify repair procedures and component locations.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic troubleshooting charts and diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon vehicle problems.
Depth:
Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and system diagnostics.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, alignment specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component resistance values, voltage checks, and detailed specifications for engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems.
File Format Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.
Printability:
All pages are printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual as needed. Ability to enlarge images for detailed viewing.
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF) - No physical binding.
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).
Engine Options 1998:
Likely includes 4-cylinder (e.g., M111 inline-4) and 6-cylinder (e.g., M104 inline-6) gasoline engines. Diesel options (e.g., OM60x series) may also be available depending on market. Specific displacements and variants covered by the manual.
Engine Power Torque:
Detailed specifications for horsepower and torque output for each engine variant are provided within the manual.
Fuel Delivery Type:
Includes information on Bosch Motronic or similar electronic fuel injection systems, fuel pump specifications, injector service, and pressure testing.
Cooling System Details:
Covers radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant types, and bleed procedures.
Oil Specifications:
Provides oil type (e.g., SAE 5W-40, 10W-40 API SJ/CF), oil capacity, and filter part numbers (e.g., Mann-Filter, Mahle). Specific Mercedes-Benz approval numbers likely listed.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2715 mm (106.9 in)
Length:
Approx. 4488 mm (176.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1720 mm (67.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Varies by model and engine, typically ranging from 1350 kg to 1550 kg.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specified by model variant, available in the manual.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically a primary focus for this model, but specifications might be available in certain market variants.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft)
Crash Test Results:
While specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for the 1998 W202 may vary by country, the W202 was designed with advanced safety features for its era, including a robust body structure.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), often optional or standard depending on trim, Traction Control System (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) on some models.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, often side airbags (optional or standard on higher trims), crumple zones, side-impact protection beams, pretensioners for seat belts.
Srs System Coverage:
Detailed diagrams and diagnostic procedures for the Supplemental Restraint System (airbags and related components).
Audio Systems:
Covers factory radio units, speaker systems, and potential upgrade paths. The manual includes wiring for audio components.
Cruise Control System:
Detailed operational and diagnostic information for the electronic cruise control system.
Multiplex Communication:
Information on the vehicle's multiplexed wiring systems and CAN communication, crucial for diagnosing electronic faults in modern vehicles of that era.
Instrument Cluster Diagnostics:
Includes troubleshooting for the instrument cluster, warning lights, and gauges.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The manual will specify exact intervals and service indicator reset procedures.
Major Service Intervals:
Details for spark plug replacement, transmission fluid/filter changes, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and other major service items at specific mileage or time intervals are provided.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz recommends its own coolant concentrate (e.g., MB 325.0, 326.0) mixed with distilled water. Specific type and mixture ratio will be in the manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 specification brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Typically specified as Pentosin CHF 11S or a Mercedes-Benz approved equivalent (e.g., MB 343.0).
Common W202 Concerns:
While the W202 is generally robust, common issues can include: sagging headliner, ASR light illumination (often due to ABS sensor or module issues), vacuum leaks affecting central locking or engine performance, rust on wheel arches and sills, and potential transmission conductor plate failures in automatic transmissions. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these and other potential problems.
Oil Filter Example:
Example Part Numbers: Mann-Filter HU 718/1x, Mahle OX 34D (specific part numbers will be engine dependent and detailed in the manual).
Air Filter Example:
Example Part Numbers: Mann-Filter C 20 226, Mahle LX 441 (specific part numbers will be engine dependent and detailed in the manual).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, which the C-Class (W202) aimed to bring to a more accessible market segment.
W202 Introduction:
The W202 C-Class was introduced in 1993 as the successor to the 190 (W201). The 1998 model year falls within the first generation (1993-2000), which received a facelift in 1997, introducing updated styling, engines, and features.
Production Locations:
Primarily produced in Germany, with potential assembly in other international locations.
