Segment:
Compact Executive / Entry-Level Luxury
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking premium quality, comfort, and performance in a compact luxury vehicle
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS, Volvo S60
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, refined interior, strong emphasis on safety and comfort
Powertrain Options:
Range of efficient and powerful inline-4 and V6 gasoline engines, and common-rail diesel engines
Innovative Technologies:
Advanced safety systems (e.g., ESP, PRE-SAFE availability), sophisticated climate control
Comprehensive Coverage:
Yes
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline and diesel variants for the specified years
Transmission Coverage:
Automatic and Manual transmissions
Body Style Coverage:
Sedan, Coupe, and Wagon (T-Model)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for a complete workshop manual)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Purpose:
Diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and overhaul procedures
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (typically PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU), sensors, emission control
Transmission Mechanical:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.6 '5G-TRONIC') overhaul, manual transmission overhaul, clutch
Transmission Electronic:
Transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics, shifting solenoids, mechatronics unit
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends
Electrical System Overview:
12V battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body Electrical:
Lighting, wipers, power windows, door locks, mirrors, seats, interior trim
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, climate control module
Infotainment Audio:
COMAND system, Audio 20, speaker systems, antenna module (coverage may vary)
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seatbelt pretensioners, crash sensors
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs
Component Removal Installation:
Engine, transmission, suspension components, brake assemblies, body panels, interior components
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical testing procedures
Rebuild Procedures:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, detailed step-by-step instructions
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams interpretation, component testing, signal tracing
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust prevention (general guidelines)
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information to guide the use of Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis)
Engine Codes Examples:
M271 (1.8L/2.0L Supercharged I4), M111 (2.0L Supercharged I4), M112 (2.6L/3.2L V6), OM611 (2.1L Diesel I4), OM646 (2.1L Diesel I4)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 120 HP (C200 CDI) to 272 HP (C350)
Torque Range:
Approx. 200 Nm (C200 CDI) to 350 Nm (C320 CDI)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Multipoint Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)
Supercharging:
Availability of supercharged engines (e.g., M271 Kompressor)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Emission Control:
Catalytic converters, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for diesel models
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed or 6-speed Manual Transmission (RWD)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed or 7-speed Automatic Transmission (RWD, 4MATIC AWD available on select models)
Automatic Features:
Tiptronic (manual shifting capability), Comfort/Sport modes
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios provided in the manual for each engine variant
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.14 (e.g., ATF LT 71141 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 235.10 or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity to be checked)
NHTSA Rating:
Good in frontal offset and side impact tests (IIHS, based on available data for the era)
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 stars (for early W203 models, updated ratings might apply)
Stability Control:
Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) across most models
Traction Control:
Standard TCS (Traction Control System)
Braking Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, optional curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Structural Safety:
High-strength steel passenger cell, crumple zones
Audio Systems:
Audio 20 (basic radio/CD), COMAND 2.0/2.5 (enhanced system with navigation, color screen)
Navigation:
Optional COMAND navigation system (CD-ROM based)
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control and speed limiter (TEMPOMAT)
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone systems, Bluetooth interface (later models)
Seating:
Electrically adjustable seats with memory functions (optional)
Lighting:
Xenon headlamps with automatic leveling (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on 'FlexService' interval, can vary)
Major Service Interval:
e.g., 'Service B' at approx. 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 24 months, including air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs (depending on engine)
Transmission Service:
Automatic: Typically around 60,000 km (37,000 miles) for fluid and filter change. Manual: Less frequent, check clutch wear.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil Specification:
MB-Approval 229.3, 229.5, or 229.51 (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 depending on engine and climate)
Coolant Specification:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant - typically blue or green)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 (Pentosin CHF 11 S equivalent) or MB-Approval 345.0
Common Wear Items:
Front control arm bushings, ball joints, blower motor resistor, MAF sensor (certain engines)
Electrical Concerns:
Window regulator failures, SAM unit issues (Signal Acquisition Module), CAN bus communication problems
Engine Specific:
M271 Kompressor: Timing chain stretch, oil leaks from valve cover gasket. OM646/OM611: Glow plug issues, potential turbocharger problems.
Transmission Specific:
722.6 (5-speed auto): Conductor plate failure, torque converter seal leaks, solenoids.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and longevity
W203 Introduction:
Introduced in 2000, succeeding the W202 C-Class. Designed to be more modern and competitive.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 2004, introducing revised styling, interior enhancements, and updated technology.
Performance Variants:
Included AMG variants like the C32 AMG and C55 AMG, offering enhanced performance.
Production Period:
2000 - 2007
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), also South Africa, and other international locations.
Previous Generation Acclaim:
The W202 C-Class (predecessor) was highly acclaimed, setting a high bar for the W203.
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the W203 might be varied, its design was generally well-received for its modern and sophisticated appeal.
Safety Acclaim:
Consistently ranked well in safety tests for its era, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety.
Customer Satisfaction:
Generally high customer satisfaction for build quality, comfort, and driving dynamics, despite some noted mechanical and electrical quirks.
