Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan (entry-level luxury)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians seeking in-depth knowledge of the Mercedes-Benz W201 chassis.
Competitors Era:
BMW 3 Series (E30), Audi 80/90, Volvo 240, Saab 900
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive, detailed, and professional-grade repair information for a beloved Mercedes-Benz model, offered in a convenient digital format.
Digital Advantage:
Ability to zoom for detail and print specific pages, enhancing usability for practical work.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine Overhaul and Rebuilding
Engine Performance:
Engine Performance Tuning and Diagnostics
Engine Timing:
Timing Belt Replacement and Service Procedures
Brakes:
Brake System Service and Repair
Suspension:
Front End Procedures and Specifications, Suspension Service
Transmission:
Transmission Information and Service
Electrical:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Climate Control:
Air Conditioning Service and Capacities
Body And Interior:
Sunroof Service Procedures
Drive Axle:
U-Joint and CV-Joint Service Procedures
Belts And Hoses:
Serpentine Belt Routings with Diagrams
Routine Maintenance:
Factory Maintenance Schedules and Charts
Troubleshooting:
Trouble Codes, Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Diagnostics:
Computer Diagnostic Codes, Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Repair:
Repair Procedures
Rebuilding:
Engine Overhaul and Rebuilding
Specifications:
Detailed Specifications Covered, Complete Torque Specifications
Firing Order:
Firing Orders
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilding and detailed electrical system diagnostics.
Visual Aid Quality:
Hundreds of Illustrations, detailed parts viewing with zoom capability.
Documentation Type:
Mechanic-grade documentation used by professionals nationwide.
File Type:
Requires WinZip (or equivalent archiving utility like Archive Utility or Stuffit Expander for Mac) for extraction.
Printability:
Printable pages without grease stains (digital advantage).
Zoom Functionality:
Zoomable PDFs for detailed part identification.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Operating Systems:
Works on all computers - PC & MAC
Engine Options Early Models:
M102 inline-4 gasoline (e.g., 190E 1.8, 190E 2.3, 190E 2.3-16), OM601 inline-4 diesel (e.g., 190D 2.0)
Engine Options Later Models Within Range:
M102 inline-4 gasoline (e.g., 190E 2.6 with M103 inline-6), OM602 inline-5 diesel (e.g., 190D 2.5-16)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 72 hp (190D 2.0) to 185 hp (190E 2.3-16 Cosworth)
Torque Range:
Approximately 130 Nm (190D 2.0) to 235 Nm (190E 2.3-16 Cosworth)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Carburetor (early models) and Bosch K-Jetronic or KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Fuel System Diesel:
Indirect injection with Bosch inline injection pumps
Transmission Options:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions, 4-speed automatic transmissions (with optional 'Sport' mode on some models).
Optional Transmissions:
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Automatic Transmission Control:
Hydraulic control, some models with electronic control elements (KE-Jetronic linkage).
Safety Design Philosophy:
Mercedes-Benz's characteristic emphasis on passive safety with a strong unibody structure.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on most models), optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) from 1985 onwards.
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column, padded interior surfaces, driver and passenger airbags (optional later in the production run).
Infotainment System Era:
Basic for its time: AM/FM radio, cassette player. Analog instrumentation.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional ABS, cruise control (vacuum operated or early electronic), power steering.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (no factory-integrated modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific grades).
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter with every oil change; air and fuel filters at specified intervals (e.g., 30,000-50,000 km).
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
API SG or higher; SAE 5W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-50 depending on climate (refer to manual for precise specifications and OEM recommendations).
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CF or higher; SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz specified OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB 236.1 specification (e.g., Dexron III or equivalent) - check manual for exact MB specification.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 hypoid gear oil, viscosity grade 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings (front suspension), fuel pump relay, vacuum leaks, rust (especially around wheel arches and jacking points).
Diesel Specific Concerns:
Glow plug system, injector pump calibration, oil cooler seals (potential leaks).
Electrical Concerns:
Wiring harness degradation over time, issues with K-Jetronic components, failing relays (especially fuel pump relay).
Brand Reputation:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, build quality, and safety.
Design Era:
Bruno Sacco's design era, characterized by clean, aerodynamic lines and a robust appearance.
Key Development:
Designed to be a more compact and accessible Mercedes-Benz, bridging the gap between luxury sedans and smaller vehicles.
Production Location:
Various Mercedes-Benz plants, primarily Germany.
Production Period Covered:
1982-1993 (W201 chassis), manual covers 1982-1988 models.
