Mercedes C280 1998 Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C280 Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: W202 Engine Code: M104.941 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Executive Sedan (E-Segment in European classification)...

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Type: Car

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Sku: 510014

Tags: 1998 C280 Car Cars Mercedes Misc

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

Engine Code:

M104.941

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan (E-Segment in European classification)

Target Audience:

Professionals, luxury car buyers seeking German engineering and build quality.

Competitive Analysis

Direct Competitors:

BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200, Volvo S40.

Key Features

Brand Reputation:

Mercedes-Benz known for engineering excellence, safety, and durability.

Premium Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, sophisticated design, and advanced features for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, though not explicitly stated in description)

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

500-1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, component testing, specifications, disassembly, assembly

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (EFI/MPI), ignition system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing

Transmission Automatic:

Operation, diagnosis, removal, installation, component overhaul, fluid specifications

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Brake system operation (ABS likely), disc brake service, drum brake service (if applicable), hydraulic system, components

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component location, testing procedures, battery, charging system, starting system

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, component testing, refrigerant handling (safety precautions)

Body And Interior:

Panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, locks, glass, exterior trim

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable, common problems and solutions

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs

Component Diagnostics:

Testing of sensors, actuators, electrical components, mechanical assemblies

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed circuit diagrams for all electrical systems

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters

Special Tools:

Identification of any specialized tools required for specific repairs

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Digital Format:

Presumed PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Print Quality

Image Clarity:

Expected to be high, with clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Type

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type

Physical Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2799 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 73.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Performance

Horsepower:

201 hp @ 5,700 rpm

Torque:

199 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EIS) with individual coil packs per cylinder.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')

Optional

Transmission Type Opt:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Less common in the US market)

Features

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up, selectable drive programs (e.g., Comfort/Sport).

Fluid Specifications

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB Specification 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 220/3309 - check manual for exact superseded spec)

Fluid Capacities

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 7-8 liters (dry fill, check manual for exact capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

106.9 inches (2715 mm)

Length:

179.1 inches (4550 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Weights

Curb Weight Auto:

Approximately 3400 - 3500 lbs (1542 - 1588 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4500 lbs (2041 kg)

Cargo

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.0 cubic feet (0.42 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (based on era testing for similar vehicles, exact data may vary).

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional or standard depending on market and specific options (ASR - Acceleration Skid Regulation).

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags may be optional.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure, though specific rollover ratings were less common in this era.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system with cassette player, optional CD changer. Basic AM/FM radio functionality.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (Becker Traffic Pilot) was available, a rarity for the era.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Connectivity

Phone Integration:

Optional provisions for early car phones or hands-free kits.

Convenience Features

Climate Control:

Optional automatic climate control (Thermatic or Thermotronic) with cabin air filter.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 miles (64,000 to 96,000 km), or per manual's severe service schedule.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum or iridium plugs typically last 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Check for specific recommendations in manual.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic API SJ or higher, MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.3 (check manual for precise MB spec).

Coolant:

MB Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, blue or greenish-blue color, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (check manual for specific Mercedes-Benz approval, e.g., MB 331.0).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Specification 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).

Known Issues

Oil Leaks:

Commonly oil cooler seals, valve cover gaskets, and oil pan gaskets.

Cooling System:

Water pump failure, plastic thermostat housing cracks, heater control valve leaks.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded connectors, failing SAM modules (Signal Acquisition Module), headlight switch issues.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends are common wear items.

Maintenance Tasks

Belt Replacement:

Serpentine belt and tensioner replacement recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury, safe, and technologically advanced vehicles since its inception.

Model Evolution

W202 Introduction:

The W202 chassis was introduced in 1993 as the successor to the 190 (W201) series, marking Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact executive segment with a more modern and sportier design.

C280 Placement:

The C280 served as a mid-to-high-range model within the C-Class lineup, offering a smoother inline-six engine compared to the four-cylinder variants.

Production

Production Years:

The W202 chassis was produced from 1993 to 2000. The C280 with the M104 engine was available for a significant portion of this period, including 1998.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany, with production also occurring in South Africa and other international facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Segment Awards:

The W202 C-Class generally received positive reviews for its build quality, ride comfort, and safety features, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's strong market presence.

Ratings

Consumer Ratings Era:

Consistently ranked high for reliability and owner satisfaction within the luxury compact segment at the time of its release.

Certifications

Engineering Standards:

Adheres to Mercedes-Benz's stringent internal engineering and safety standards.