Segment:
Compact sports car / Grand Tourer
Positioning:
Premium, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports coupe/roadster with European styling and engineering influences.
Competitors:
BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK (direct platform sibling)
Design:
Distinctive styling by DaimlerChrysler's European design studio, distinctive 'wave' beltline.
Performance Variants:
Available in Coupe and Roadster body styles, with standard and SRT-6 performance variants.
Value Proposition:
Essential for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians seeking accurate repair and maintenance information.
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, ignition system, driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear, ABS, ESP)
Electrical:
12V battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, comfort and convenience systems, infotainment
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, climate control, seats, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and repair procedures for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit descriptions, diagnostic flowcharts, sensor data interpretation
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, and alignment procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on utilizing manufacturer-specific diagnostic scan tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis interface, though covered generically)
Engine Code:
M111 E20 ML (2.0L Supercharged)
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (I4)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (Roots-type supercharger)
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
192 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic (specific variant based on model year and region)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue
Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts)
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (API SN or newer, ACEA A3/B4 or A5/B5)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 Liters (5.8 Quarts) with filter change
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar MO-899 (or equivalent MANN W719/5, Bosch 0986452030)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/6)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 W5A380)
Manual Features:
Hydraulic clutch actuation, close-ratio gearing
Automatic Features:
Touchshift (manual shifting mode), torque converter lock-up
Manual Fluid:
SAE 75W-85 GL-4 (or equivalent GL-3/GL-4 blend)
Automatic Fluid:
MB 236.10 Specification ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not extensively rated as a niche vehicle, but design incorporates modern safety principles.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars for Roadster models
Audio System:
Optional Boston Acoustics premium sound system, AM/FM/CD player, optional navigation system.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Tire Pressure:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on some models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by 2005 standards; primarily basic audio inputs.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (NGK Iridium)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Synthetic
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 Specification Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)
Common Issues:
Supercharger pulley bearing noise, occasional electrical gremlins, soft top mechanism issues (Roadster), early failure of the blower motor resistor.
Troubleshooting Focus:
The manual provides detailed procedures to diagnose and repair these common issues.
Parent Company:
Chrysler (part of DaimlerChrysler during this period)
Genesis:
Developed as a niche sports car, leveraging Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) platform and components.
Production Period:
2003-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)
Sales Context:
Attempt to fill a gap in Chrysler's portfolio with a European-style sports car.
