Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster / Personal Luxury Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking authoritative technical data.
Competitors Circa 2000:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000
V Rocco Roof:
The signature Vario-roof retractable hardtop is a key mechanical feature covered.
Build Quality:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's engineering and build quality standards of the era.
Performance Focus:
Designed for spirited driving with a focus on handling and power delivery from the supercharged engine.
Engine:
2.0L Inline-4 Kompressor (M111 EVO)
Engine Management:
ME 2.0/2.8 Engine Control Unit, Fuel Injection, Ignition, Emissions Control
Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6) & 6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Differential, Axles
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-Link, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings
Brakes:
Front & Rear Discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Brake Actuation
Steering:
Power-Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
12V Battery System, Charging System, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Chassis, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top Mechanism (Vario-Roof)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (Climate Control)
Comfort Features:
Power Seats, Power Windows, Central Locking, Keyless Entry
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelt Pretensioners, ABS, ESP
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II Procedures
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Adjustment:
Wheel Alignment, Belt Tension Adjustment, Door/Hood Latch Adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Wiring Diagrams for Fault Finding, Step-by-Step Diagnostic Flowcharts
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Mercedes-Benz specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic procedures, and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Supercharged (Kompressor)
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Horsepower:
163 hp @ 5300 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
230 Nm @ 2500-4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Supercharger
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection (where applicable), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star rating based on contemporary testing for similar vehicles.
IIHS Side Impact:
N/A (vehicle segment and era typically not tested by IIHS for side impact)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (later models might use 'ESP' branding)
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), integrated with ESP
Airbags:
Driver, Passenger, Side Airbags (standard)
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars behind headrests
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners
Audio System:
Optional Becker audio systems with CD/Radio, Cassette. Limited digital integration compared to modern vehicles.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (older CRT-based displays).
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Parking Assistance:
No factory parking sensors or backup cameras for this model year.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Aux Input:
Rarely available, typically requires aftermarket modification.
Oil Change Interval:
10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Major Service Interval:
30,000 miles or 2 years (includes various inspections and fluid checks)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic, check manual for manual transmission.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 Liters (with filter) (approx.)
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 (ATF or specific power steering fluid)
Common Wear Item:
MAF Sensor (Mass Airflow Sensor) - can cause rough idle, poor acceleration.
Common Wear Item 2:
Ignition Coils/Spark Plugs - Misfires, rough running.
Common Wear Item 3:
Vario-Roof Hydraulic System - Leaks, slow operation, pump failure.
Common Wear Item 4:
Window Regulators/Motors - Failures leading to stuck windows.
Common Wear Item 5:
Front Suspension Bushings/Ball Joints - Wear leading to clunking noises, poor handling.
Common Wear Item 6:
ABS/ESP Sensor Issues - Illuminated warning lights.