Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Wagon
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a premium, sporty, and technologically advanced compact luxury vehicle.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E90 generation), Audi A4 (B7 generation), Lexus IS250/IS350 (XE10 generation), Infiniti G35.
Sport Package Highlights:
Enhanced suspension tuning, sportier exterior styling cues, upgraded interior trim, larger alloy wheels, potentially sport-tuned exhaust and steering.
Kompressor Engine Advantage:
Supercharged engine provides strong low-end torque and responsive acceleration.
General Coverage:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. 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 250-350 pages (typical for this model and year).
Vehicle Systems:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Electrical System, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Lighting System, Infotainment System, Power Steering, Braking System, Suspension, Chassis, Security System, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags, Power Accessories (windows, seats, locks).
Maintenance Procedures:
Engine oil checks and changes, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), battery maintenance, air filter replacement, tire pressure checks and adjustments, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, basic cleaning procedures.
Operational Procedures:
Starting and stopping the engine, operating transmission, using climate controls, operating infotainment system, adjusting seats and mirrors, using cruise control, operating lighting functions, locking/unlocking doors, child seat installation and safety, understanding instrument cluster warnings and indicators.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level maintenance, operation, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Mercedes-Benz Service Manual.
Engine Type:
Supercharged Inline-4
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Engine Code:
M271.940 (E18ML)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft (270 Nm) @ 3,000-4,500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with supercharger.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher).
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Length:
177.7 inches (4513 mm) Sedan / 179.9 inches (4570 mm) Wagon
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.0 inches (1397 mm) Sedan / 56.3 inches (1430 mm) Wagon
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg), depending on body style and transmission.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for 2005 models).
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good (for 2005 models).
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR).
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (windowbags).
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Factory installed AM/FM/CD stereo system, optional Bose sound system.
Display:
Centralized LCD display for radio, climate, and vehicle information. Optional COMAND navigation system with larger display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear Parktronic parking sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed Bluetooth phone interface (UHI connector).
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (FSS).
Major Service Intervals:
Key inspections and fluid changes (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid) at approximately 30,000-60,000 mile intervals, depending on the specific service code (e.g., Service A, Service B).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved synthetic engine oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended.
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (typically blue or green) meeting MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0).
Transmission Fluid Specification Auto:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 approved ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Transmission Fluid Specification Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (typically GL-4 or GL-5 rated).
Common Problems:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil cooler seals, front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, catalytic converter issues, rust on fenders and door sills (depending on climate).
Kompressor Specific:
Supercharger belt wear, potential for supercharger clutch failure.
Engine Oil Filter Example:
Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A000 180 26 09 (example, always verify for VIN).
Air Filter Example:
Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A271 094 01 04 (example, always verify for VIN).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 Liters (5.8 Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts).
Brand Reputation:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and long-standing automotive innovation.
W203 Generation Context:
The W203 C-Class, introduced for the 2001 model year, represented a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz design and technology, aiming to attract a younger demographic while retaining core brand values. The C230 Kompressor was a key model in offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Sindelfingen, Germany, and other global facilities.
