Vehicle Segment:
Entry-level luxury coupe and convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC300/SC400
Brand Prestige:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to build quality, luxury, and performance
Powertrain:
Powerful V8 engine for enhanced performance
Design:
Stylish and timeless coupe/cabriolet design
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, emissions
Engine Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 5G-TRONIC), maintenance, overhaul, control systems
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, suspension components
Braking System:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake discs, pads, lines, calipers
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering column, linkage
Electrical System:
12V battery, charging system, lighting, starter, ignition, power windows, locks, mirrors, seats
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, safety restraints
Climate Control:
HVAC system, refrigerant, controls, actuators
Infotainment And Audio:
Radio, navigation, speaker systems (specific details may vary by trim)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and repair
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness testing, component testing, diagnostic tool usage
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust prevention, painting procedures
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), alignment procedures
Brake System Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures
Depth:
Full factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams
Diagnostic Information:
Extensive troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Configuration:
4.3L V8 (90-degree bank angle)
Displacement:
4266 cc (4.3 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm (SAE net)
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm (SAE net)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, secondary air injection system
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings not readily available for specific year/model, but Mercedes-Benz of this era generally performed well.
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (optional or standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning seat belts with force limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5 specification
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent blue/green ethylene glycol-based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 specification
Interior Quirks:
Aging electronics, climate control blower motor resistor failure, seat bolster wear
Mechanical Concerns:
Mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, vacuum leaks, crankshaft position sensor failure, transmission control module (TCM) issues
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items
