Segment:
Compact Executive / Premium Compact Hatchback
Unique Selling Proposition:
Innovative sandwich construction for compact exterior with spacious interior, advanced safety features, and premium Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5).
Safety Innovations:
Sandwich floor concept for enhanced crash safety and lower center of gravity, optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Design Philosophy:
Maximizing interior space within compact exterior dimensions, focusing on safety and practicality.
Coverage Scope:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact count not specified in product info, typically 800-1500+ pages for such manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English (Assumed, standard for dealership technicians in many markets)
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF, common for modern distribution)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul for all W168 engine variants (e.g., M166 petrol, OM668 diesel).
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., 5-speed manual, AUTOTRONIC continuously variable transmission).
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum or disc (depending on model), ABS system diagnostics and repair.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU diagnostics, lighting, ignition, charging systems.
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear torsion beam axle. Repair, replacement of components, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Rack and pinion, power steering system diagnostics and repair.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, pump, thermostat, heater core, climate control system service.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, fuel tank, emissions control systems.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, underbody corrosion protection.
Air Conditioning:
Refrigerant handling, component testing, leak detection, performance checks.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and component replacement procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, step-by-step troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator control, fault code clearing.
Calibration:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, basic module calibration where applicable.
Testing:
Component testing procedures using multimeter, oscilloscope, and specialized diagnostic tools.
Depth:
Dealership Level / Professional Technician
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, tolerances, electrical resistance values, diagnostic voltage readings.
Completeness:
Vehicle-specific, not generic. Covers all factory-specified procedures.
Petrol Engines:
M166 family: 1.4L (A140), 1.6L (A160, A190), 1.9L (A190), 2.1L (A210 Evolution).
Diesel Engines:
OM668 family: 1.7L CDI (A160 CDI, A170 CDI).
Horsepower Range:
60 hp (A160 CDI) to 102 hp (A210 Evolution).
Torque Range:
95 Nm (A160 CDI) to 190 Nm (A210 Evolution).
Petrol Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI/SPI variations).
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) for diesel variants.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, transverse mounting.
Timing Drive:
Chain-driven camshaft (M166), belt-driven (OM668 - though some early OM668 used chains, service manual would clarify for 1997).
Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual Transmission.
Transmission Options:
AUTOTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) available on select models.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (manual).
Manual Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific MB specification (e.g., MB 235.10 or equivalent GL-4).
Automatic Fluid:
Specific CVT fluid (e.g., MB 236.20 or equivalent, depending on exact AUTOTRONIC variant).
Euro Ncap:
4 Stars (Early Euro NCAP assessment, high for its time).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard), side airbags (optional).
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts with belt-force limiters.
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 1 year (refer to manual for specific intervals and conditions).
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically 7,500-10,000 km or 1 year for CDI (refer to manual for specific intervals and conditions).
Major Service:
Often around 40,000-60,000 km, including spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters (petrol/diesel).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for MB specification (e.g., MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 for petrol, MB 229.5 or MB 228.51 for diesel) and viscosity (e.g., 10W-40, 5W-40).
Coolant:
MB specification antifreeze/coolant concentrate (e.g., G48, DB-Vollhydrauliköl-Konzentrat) mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific MB specification).
Early Models:
Potential issues with early CDI engines (e.g., injector problems), electrical gremlins, suspension wear, AUTOTRONIC transmission behaviour.
Common Repairs:
Ignition coil packs, catalytic converters, suspension bushings, clutch wear (manual), automatic transmission servicing.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a global leader in luxury and automotive engineering.
Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the compact car segment.
Design Concept:
Revolutionary 'sandwich' floor design, placing drivetrain components beneath the passenger cabin for improved safety and interior packaging.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Rastatt, Germany.
Production Years:
1997-2004 (W168 generation).