Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B5/B6), Lexus IS300
Highlights:
Premium interior, refined ride, strong safety, Mercedes-Benz engineering reputation
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing, cooling, lubrication
Engine Electrical:
Ignition, fuel injection (EFI), starting, charging, ECU diagnosis, sensor data
Transmission Automatic:
Operation, diagnosis, overhaul, fluid changes, electronic control
Chassis And Body:
Suspension, steering, brakes, body panel removal/installation, doors, windows
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, HVAC controls, power accessories, diagnostics
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter), brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension bushing replacement, exhaust system repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability and electrical issues
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, fault code retrieval and analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Engine Type:
3.2L SOHC V6
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
ECM:
ME 2.0 / ME 2.8 (depending on specific market/options)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type Optional:
None (5-Speed Automatic was standard for C280 in these years)
Features:
Electronic control, lock-up torque converter, manual mode (Touchshift)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Specification 236.10 (e.g., Fuchs Titan ATF 4134, Mobil ATF 134)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags)
Active Safety Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation - Traction Control)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional), 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional Bose sound system
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (APS)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Climate Control:
Optional automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMATIC)
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; typically analog cell phone integration via optional cradle
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Transmission Service Interval:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (fluid and filter)
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1 or 229.5 (e.g., 0W-30, 5W-40 synthetic)
Coolant Type:
MB Specification 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant)
Common Problems:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, idle control valve problems, ABS sensor failures, coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and coolant pipes, aging vacuum lines, potential for SRS (airbag) module issues.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter HU 718/1 Y, Mahle KL 434/1 (Verify specific fitment)
Brand Legacy:
Long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety
W202 Generation:
First generation C-Class (1993-2000)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Thailand
