Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking comfort, performance, and advanced features.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Vehicle Highlights:
Sophisticated interior, advanced safety systems, multiple engine options, rear-wheel drive bias (optional 4MATIC).
Benefit To Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring proper upkeep.
Benefit To Professional:
Provides factory-level diagnostic procedures and specifications for efficient and accurate repairs.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drive Axles, Differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic & ABS), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules (BCM), Gateway Modules (CGW)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Interior Trim, Restraint Systems (Airbags)
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Component Testing, Common Faults & Remedies
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Flushes
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement
Adjustment And Calibration:
Wheel Alignment, Headlight Aiming, Throttle Body Calibration, Idle Speed Adjustment
Component Replacement:
Alternator, Starter Motor, Water Pump, Fuel Pump, Radiator, AC Compressor, Power Steering Pump
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics.
Depth:
Factory-Level Diagnostic and Repair Information
Diagnostics:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and explanations of sensor readings.
Rebuild Information:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.
Engine Families Covered:
M271 (Inline-4 Supercharged/Turbocharged), M111 (Inline-4 Supercharged - early models), M272 (V6), M112 (V6 - early models), M113 (V8 - C32/C55 AMG)
Popular Inline 4:
C200 Kompressor (M271), C230 Kompressor (M271)
Popular V6:
C240 (M112), C320 (M112), C280 (M272), C350 (M272)
C200 Kompressor Hp:
163 hp (approx.)
C320 Hp:
215 hp (approx.)
C55 Amg Hp:
369 hp (approx.)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Direct Injection (DI) on some later models.
Fuel Grade:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved G48 (Antifreeze/Coolant, blue)
Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)
Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically 6.5-8.5 liters.
Transmission Types:
5-Speed Manual (early), 5-Speed Automatic (722.6 'NAG'), 7-Speed Automatic (722.9 '7G-TRONIC' - later models)
All Wheel Drive:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
Automatic Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes on automatic transmissions.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic: Typically every 60,000 miles or as per service indicator. Manual: Typically inspected, fluid change less frequent.
Wheelbase:
2715 mm (106.9 in)
Length:
4526 mm (178.2 in) (Sedan)
Height:
1423 mm (56.0 in) (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
Varies by model, approx. 1450-1600 kg (3200-3500 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft) (Sedan)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (where tested)
IIHS Front Overlap:
Good (for applicable models/years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASR)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side, Curtain Airbags standard; Optional Front-Seat Active Head Restraints.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
Audio System:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system, Audio 20, Audio 5.
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system integrated with COMAND.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control; Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control on some models.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC) sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
HVAC:
Manual climate control or optional THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control.
Oil Service:
Flexible service interval based on 'ASSYST' system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year. Check Service A/B indicators.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine; typically 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (varies by engine)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Common Problems:
Balance shaft issue in M272 V6 engines (check for recall or service bulletins), O-ring leaks in the balance shaft assembly, sagging headliner, SRS module failure, MAF sensor issues, oil cooler seals, crankcase ventilation issues.
Common Repairs:
Replacement of PCV valve and breather hoses, repair/replacement of ABS/ESP module, replacement of suspension bushings, intake manifold runner flap issues (M272).
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury.
W203 Generation:
Second generation of the C-Class, introduced in 2000/2001. Replaced the W202 C-Class.
Facelift:
Facelift in 2004 (model year 2005) introduced updated styling, engines, and technology.
Production Years:
2000-2007
Production Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen)
