Segment:
Compact Hatchback
Target Audience:
Younger demographic, urban dwellers, first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Honda Civic
Unique Selling Points:
Sandwich floor design for increased interior space and safety, compact dimensions for urban maneuverability, Mercedes-Benz brand prestige.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables comprehensive DIY maintenance and repair, reducing reliance on dealership service and preserving vehicle value.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Regions Covered:
Global (Factory specifications)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count varies by publisher, but comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, engine management (ECU diagnostics), manual transmission, automatic transmission (Autotronic CVT), drive shafts, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, comfort systems (HVAC, power accessories), engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams, component location, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures, component testing, live data analysis (via OBD-II).
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission repairs, brake caliper and disc replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation.
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul procedures.
Installation:
Component installation procedures, accessory installation guidelines.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.46/1.87/1.30/1.03/0.85, Final Drive 4.24)
Type:
Autotronic (Continuously Variable Transmission - CVT)
Features:
Fully automatic operation, often with manual shift modes (sequential shifting).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB 235.10 / SAE 75W-85 GL-4 (Check manual for exact spec)
Autotronic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.20 (Specific CVT fluid)
Length:
3626 mm (142.8 in)
Height:
1590 mm (62.6 in)
Wheelbase:
2373 mm (93.4 in)
Track Front:
1476 mm (58.1 in)
Track Rear:
1464 mm (57.6 in)
Cargo Volume Min:
390 Liters (13.8 cu ft) with rear seats up
Cargo Volume Max:
1140 Liters (40.3 cu ft) with rear seats folded
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1170 kg (2579 lbs) for manual transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1600 kg
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified for this model
Euroncap Rating:
4 Stars (Original 1999 testing)
Electronic Stability Program:
Optional (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Optional (BAS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with belt force limiters
Body Structure:
Sandwich concept with reinforced safety cell and deformable zones.
Head Unit:
Various Mercedes-Benz Audio systems (e.g., Audio 10, Audio 30 APS with optional navigation)
Speaker System:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker system.
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II compliant diagnostic port for engine management and emissions data.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the ASSYST service indicator).
Major Service Interval:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months (includes spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, etc.)
Engine Oil:
MB 229.1 / MB 229.3 / API SJ or SL / SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 (Check manual for specific recommendation based on climate)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid)
Common Problems:
Crankshaft position sensor failure, ignition coil pack issues, O2 sensor failure, catalytic converter issues, Autotronic transmission wear (especially early models), suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), rust in wheel arches and sills.
Manual Benefit For Issues:
Provides detailed diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults (CPS, ignition coils, O2 sensors) and repair guides for suspension and exhaust systems.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury since the early 20th century.
W168 Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the compact car segment, designed for urban mobility and efficiency while retaining brand quality.
Facelift:
Facelifted model introduced in 2001 with styling and feature updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Rastatt, Germany
Production Years:
1997 - 2004
