Segment:
Entry-luxury compact executive car
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a premium compact sedan with a focus on comfort, performance, and brand prestige.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B5/B6), Lexus IS, Infiniti G20/G35.
Powertrain Highlight:
Supercharged inline-4 engine (Kompressor) offering a good balance of performance and efficiency.
Chassis And Suspension:
Comfort-oriented suspension tuning typical of Mercedes-Benz, yet capable of sporty handling.
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, refined interior design, and a focus on driver ergonomics.
Primary Sections:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (US Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/model)
Infotainment And Convenience:
Radio operation, CD changer (if equipped), navigation system (if equipped), climate control system (manual and automatic), power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, fog lamps), interior lighting, power mirrors, windshield wipers and washers, heated rear window, horn, cruise control, power seats, steering wheel adjustments.
Driver Controls And Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster layout (gauges, warning lights, telltales), steering wheel controls, gear selector operation, parking brake, dashboard controls, trip computer, odometer, tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system operation and warning indicators, seat belt usage and adjustment, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH), anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (ASR/ESP), immobilizer, central locking, anti-theft alarm system.
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine compartment layout, fluid checks and capacities (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), battery maintenance, fuel recommendations, air filter replacement, basic troubleshooting for engine warning lights.
Maintenance And Care:
Regular checks of fluid levels, tire pressure monitoring, cleaning instructions for exterior and interior, jump starting procedures, replacing fuses and bulbs, proper use of vehicle accessories.
Driving And Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear shifting, parking procedures, driving in various conditions (rain, snow), using cruise control, understanding dashboard indicators, proper braking techniques.
Troubleshooting And Assistance:
Basic diagnostic information related to warning lights, guidance on contacting customer assistance, reporting safety defects (US specific).
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle systems. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder with Supercharger
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft (270 Nm) @ 2500-4800 rpm
Induction:
Supercharged (Roots-type blower) with intercooler
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Spark Plugs:
Typically NGK Platinum or Iridium (e.g., NGK PFR5G-11 or BKR5EGP) - refer to manual for exact part numbers.
Air Filter Part Number:
Likely A111 094 01 04 or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., Mann-Filter C27003/1).
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (less common in US market for C230 Kompressor)
Automatic Features:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes for shift point selection.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 3309) - critical to use correct fluid.
Automatic Capacity:
Approximately 7-8 liters (1.8-2.1 US quarts) for a fluid and filter change, but check dipstick/level plug.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for driver and passenger, when equipped with specific airbag configurations)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags)
Braking:
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, and optional head curtain airbags (windowbags).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Restraint:
ISOFIX/LATCH system for child seat installation.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional CD changer, premium sound system options (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (COMAND system, often with early color screen displays).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronically controlled cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (Parktronic) on some models.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system with a cradle for a specific mobile phone model, or Bluetooth preparation on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (based on 'Assyst' service indicator system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first).
Major Service A:
Typically around 15,000 miles/1 year: Oil and filter change, check all fluid levels, inspect brakes, check tire pressure, check windshield wipers.
Major Service B:
Typically around 30,000 miles/2 years: Includes Service A items plus cabin air filter replacement, engine air filter inspection/replacement, transmission fluid and filter change (often recommended around 30k-50k miles), brake fluid flush, spark plug replacement (often around 60k-100k miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 meeting MB 229.5 specification.
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (or MB 325.5 / 326.0 if specified) antifreeze/coolant concentrate (typically a blue/green color).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4 ISO 4925 Class 4, SAE J1703) meeting MB 331.0 specification.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 specification hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).
Common Problems W202 C230K:
Mass air flow sensor (MAF) issues, vacuum leaks, ignition coil failure, oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, front suspension component wear (control arms, ball joints), rust on fenders and rocker panels, blower motor resistor failure, OVP relay issues (older models).
Common Problems W203 C230K:
Balance shaft bearing wear (specific early W203 engines), valve cover gasket oil leaks, ignition coil failure, ABS/ESP sensor faults, HVAC system issues (clogged evaporator drain, blend door actuator failures), rust, headlight leveling sensor failure.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.8-6.5 quarts (5.5-6.2 liters) with filter change, depending on exact engine variant and oil pan.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0-7.5 quarts (6.6-7.1 liters) for the entire system.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Generation Introduction:
The W203 generation C-Class debuted for the 2001 model year (in Europe) and 2002 (in North America), replacing the W202. The 2000 model year is the final year of the preceding W202 generation.
C230 Kompressor Introduction:
The C230 Kompressor variant, featuring the supercharged engine, was introduced to the US market for the 2002 model year within the W203 platform. This manual pertains to a model year (2000) that predates the W203 C230 Kompressor's introduction, which implies a potential discrepancy or that the manual may be from a later W203 model year that is being marketed for a 2000 C-Class, though the C230 Kompressor was not a 2000 model. *Correction: If this is indeed a 2000 C230 Kompressor, it refers to the W202 generation, not W203. The W202 C230 Kompressor (M111.973 engine) was available for 2000-2001.*
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen) and later in other global locations.
