🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C280

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

W202

Engine Code Typical:

M104.941

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz C280 of 1999 represented the upper-mid tier of the compact executive sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess.

Competitors:

Competed directly with vehicles like the BMW 328i (E46), Audi A4, Lexus ES 300, and Cadillac Catera.

Vehicle Appeal:

Known for its refined ride, robust build quality, powerful inline-six engine, and sophisticated interior appointments.

Value:

This manual provides the essential technical documentation needed for accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, empowering owners and independent technicians to maintain this premium vehicle effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete service and repair procedures for 1999 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202 chassis).

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive MB service manuals of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Likely searchable and printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (ECU).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (5-speed 5G-TRONIC) - diagnostics, overhaul, fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gearbox, linkages, steering column.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, components, diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, components.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, structural components.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, components.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBDI/OBDII interface information.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, major component overhauls (engine, transmission), brake system repairs, suspension and steering repairs.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit analysis.

Diagnostics:

OBDII scanning, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU troubleshooting.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameter data.

Depth:

Comprehensive - Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Engine Code:

M104.941

Displacement:

2799 cc (2.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 73.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

194 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil packs

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (depending on market), EGR (less common on M104).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC, 722.6)

Manual Transmission:

Not typically offered for the C280 in this model year for the North American market. Primarily available with the automatic.

Torque Converter Lockup:

Yes

Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134) - Crucial to use the correct fluid.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed within the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.93, 2nd: 2.39, 3rd: 1.57, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73, Reverse: 3.16)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 177.7 inches (4513 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.5 inches (2705 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3350 - 3450 lbs (1520 - 1565 kg), varies by equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4586 lbs (2080 kg)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 14.5 cubic feet (410 Liters)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112 mm

Typical Tire Size:

205/60R15 or 205/55R16 (depending on trim/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999 model year, based on available data for W202 platform)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for similar models, specific W202 data may vary)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Often standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (SRS).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front-belt tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Original systems were typically AM/FM cassette or CD players with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).

Navigation:

Optional Becker or Mercedes-Benz navigation systems were available, often with a trunk-mounted head unit and dash-mounted screen.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Parktronic parking assist sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone systems or cradles.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) or as per manual specifications for the 5G-TRONIC.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting MB Spec 229.3

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze/Coolant meeting MB Spec 325.0 (typically a silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant, often blue or green).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Mass Airflow Sensor:

Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling, poor acceleration, and check engine lights.

Valve Cover Gaskets:

Prone to leaking oil due to age and material degradation.

ABS Esp Sensors:

Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS and ESP warning lights.

Transmission Conductor Plate:

On the 722.6 transmission, the conductor plate can fail, causing shifting issues or no gear engagement.

Headlight Leveling Actuator:

Mechanical actuators for headlight leveling can fail.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles dating back to the late 19th century.

W202 Introduction:

The W202 generation of the C-Class was introduced in 1993 (as a 1994 model year in North America), marking Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact executive segment with a more modern and youthful design than its predecessors.

W202 Facelift:

The W202 received a significant facelift in 1997 (for the 1998 model year), which included revised styling, updated interior features, and improved powertrains. The 1999 C280 features these updates.

Production Period:

W202 production ran from 1993 to 2000.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen) and South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

While the C280 itself may not have individually won, the C-Class platform (W202) was a consistent performer and often featured in comparisons with top-tier vehicles in its class, contributing to the model's reputation.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports generally rated the W202 C-Class favorably for its build quality, driving dynamics, and safety, though specific reliability scores could vary by year and component.