Segment:
Compact Premium Sports Car / Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, accessible, and quality-engineered German roadster.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z3/Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 Spyder
Distinctive Features:
Vario-Roof (Power Retractable Hardtop), Supercharged Engine, Mercedes-Benz Engineering and Brand Prestige
Philosophy:
Focus on safety, comfort, build quality, and driving dynamics.
Infotainment:
Radio, CD Player, Cassette (if equipped), Antenna, Speaker System
Climate Control:
Manual and Automatic Climate Control Operation, Air Conditioning, Heating, Recirculation, Defrost
Lighting:
Headlights (low/high beam, automatic), Daytime Running Lights, Taillights, Brake Lights, Turn Signals, Fog Lights, Interior Lighting
Driver Controls:
Steering Wheel Functions, Pedal Operation, Gear Selector, Parking Brake, Cruise Control, Windshield Wipers and Washers
Locks Security:
Central Locking System, Remote Key Fob Operation, Immobilizer, Alarm System, Convertible Top Lock
Seating Safety:
Front and Side Airbags, Seatbelt System (Pretensioners, Load Limiters), Seat Adjustment (Manual/Power), Headrests, Child Seat Anchorage (ISOFIX)
Instrument Cluster:
Warning Lamps, Indicator Lights, Gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, Temperature), Odometer, Trip Odometer, Service Interval Indicator (ASSYST)
Vehicle Operation:
Starting the Engine, Driving in Various Conditions, Parking, Fueling, Convertible Top Operation
Customer Assistance:
Contacting Dealership, Roadside Assistance, Warranty Information
Cleaning Care:
Exterior and Interior Cleaning Recommendations, Convertible Top Care
Maintenance Specs:
Fluid Specifications, Refill Capacities, Filter Part Numbers, Lubricant Requirements, Tire Pressure Recommendations
Engine Compartment:
Component Identification, Fluid Check Points, Filter Locations
Basic Maintenance:
Checking Oil Level, Coolant Level, Windshield Washer Fluid, Tire Inflation, Bulb Replacement
Routine Checks:
Pre-drive Checks, Weekly/Monthly Checks
Safety Features:
Operation and Limitations of Airbags and Seatbelts
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of Warning Lights, Basic Diagnostic Tips
Fueling:
Correct Fuel Type and Octane Rating, Fuel Door Operation
Convertible Operation:
Power Retractable Hardtop Operation, Manual Lock Release (if applicable), Weather Sealing
Depth:
Comprehensive Owner-Level Information for Vehicle Operation, Maintenance, and Basic Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Level:
Focuses on understanding dashboard indicators and basic system status, not deep electronic diagnostics.
Repair Level:
Does not provide detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes (DTCs) typically found in a Service Manual.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (Roots-type blower)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 92.4 mm
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5300 RPM
Torque:
200 lb-ft (270 Nm) @ 2500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Recommended Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (per MB specification)
Specification Compliance:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.3
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Refer to specific NHTSA reports for 2003 model year; typically performed well for its class.
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS)
Traction Control:
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Side Airbags (integrated into seats)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Roll Bar System (automatically deploys in case of rollover detection)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, Belt Force Limiters
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Radio with CD Player, optional Cassette Player, and premium sound system (e.g., Bose).
Display:
Central LCD display for audio, climate, and trip information.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system (likely a cassette-based or early CD-ROM based system).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Optional UHI (Universal Hands-free Interface) for Bluetooth or cellular phone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, as indicated by the ASSYST service reminder system.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to ASSYST for specific service A, B, etc., which involve checks and replacements of various components (e.g., spark plugs, filters) at specific mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000 miles, 50,000 miles).
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 specification (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (MB specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 specification
Common Issues R170:
Vario-Roof hydraulic leaks, actuator failures, sensor issues, MAS Air Flow sensor failure, vacuum leaks, blower motor resistor failure, rust (especially on older models/underbody), ignition coil failure.
Engine Kompressor Specific:
Supercharger belt wear, idler pulley bearing noise.
Oil Filter Example:
Bosch 3323, Mann-Filter HU 719/3
Air Filter Example:
Bosch 1457433603, Mann-Filter C 26 135
Cabin Filter Example:
Mann-Filter CU 29 005
