Category:
Compact Luxury Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking professional-level repair and maintenance information.
Competitors:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster (entry-level variants), Audi TT (early models)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Vario-Roof retractable hardtop, supercharged engine for its class, Mercedes-Benz build quality and brand prestige.
Manual Value:
Provides official, manufacturer-specific data essential for accurate and efficient servicing.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams
Type:
Official Licensed Service Manual Software
Format:
Software (likely digital executable or PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical (M111.973 Kompressor), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6), Manual Transmission (if applicable variant)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS/ASR), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Climate Control, SRS Airbag System, COMAND Infotainment (if equipped), Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top System (Vario-Roof), HVAC System
Maintenance:
Routine Inspections, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, Convertible Top Mechanism Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Fault Codes (OBD-II), Component Testing, System Diagnostics, Wiring Harness Testing
Special Procedures:
Convertible Top (Vario-Roof) System Operation and Troubleshooting, Kompressor Supercharger Maintenance and Repair, ECU/ECM Programming and Calibration (if detailed)
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Supercharged (Kompressor)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 92.4 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5300 rpm (SAE net)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (SAE net)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic ME 2.1/2.8 ECU
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Supercharger Type:
Roots-type (Lysholm)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.6)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (M-Class)
Automatic Features:
TouchShift (driver-selectable manual shifting), electronically controlled
Fluid Type Automatic:
MB Spec 236.10 / 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
Fluid Type Manual:
MB Spec 235.10 (e.g., SAE 75W-85 GL-4)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated for this specific year/model in readily available public databases.
IIHS Crash Tests:
Not rated for this specific year/model in readily available public databases.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
Stability Control:
Optional ESP (Electronic Stability Program) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Optional Side Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bar behind seats, automatically deploying rollover protection system (if equipped).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Head Unit:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system, or standard Audio 10/20 cassette/CD player.
Speaker System:
Bose premium sound system often available as an option.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assist:
Optional front and rear parking sensors available on some models.
Telematics:
Optional telematics systems (e.g., Tele Aid) may have been available, dependent on region and options.
Climate Control:
Standard manual or optional automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the 'Service A'/'Service B' system).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to 'Service B' intervals, typically around 20,000-30,000 miles for more comprehensive checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 or equivalent (MB Spec 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.8 US quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB Spec 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT - MB 325.0 Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Common Problems:
Vario-Roof hydraulic leaks and cylinder failures, Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ignition coil failures, front suspension component wear (ball joints, bushings), rust in wheel wells and rocker panels, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, catalytic converter failure.
Supercharger Maintenance:
Regular inspection for belt tension and pulley bearing noise. Supercharger oil is typically a lifetime fill, but can be serviced.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of producing high-quality, innovative, and luxurious vehicles, particularly in the sports car segment.
Introduction Year:
1997 (for the R170 generation)
Generation:
R170 (1997-2004)
Facelift:
Minor facelift in 2000 model year, with exterior styling tweaks and interior updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
