Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan (Entry-Level Luxury)
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking premium German engineering, comfort, and technology in a more compact package than larger Mercedes-Benz sedans.
Primary Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Acura TL.
Design Philosophy:
Modern, clean design with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and Mercedes-Benz's signature quality and comfort.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Smooth, refined V6 engine performance and sophisticated chassis dynamics.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Information, Operation, Maintenance, and Specifications
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks, Security, Seating, Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (US), Cleaning, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filters, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling system basics, exhaust system identification.
Chassis Systems:
Brake system overview, steering system identification, suspension components.
Electrical Systems:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, power accessories, battery maintenance, fuse box identification (general).
Interior Systems:
Climate control operation, entertainment system basics, seat adjustment, safety restraint system explanation.
Security Systems:
Central locking, alarm system operation, keyless entry functions.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking engine oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant levels; tire pressure checks; basic cleaning procedures.
Driver Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, using cruise control, operating windows and mirrors.
Safety Procedures:
Correct use of seat belts, child seat installation guidance, airbag system explanation.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic fuel guidance, advice on what to do in case of minor issues.
Depth:
Owner-level operational and basic maintenance guidance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if the source PDF was OCR'd.
Quality:
Digital reproduction quality, dependent on source. Typically clear and legible for on-screen viewing.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Device Compatibility:
Any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones).
Reader Software:
Requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Engine Type:
V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder and 2 spark plugs per cylinder (M112.946)
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Engine Placement:
Front-mounted, Longitudinal
Engine Cooling:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver & Passenger) - 2002 Model Year
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Skid Regulation)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS - Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags (standard), rear side-impact airbags (optional).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters (front).
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, ISOFIX anchor points in rear seats.
Head Unit Options:
Various Audio 20, Audio 30, or COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) systems available, depending on original factory options.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND system with integrated GPS navigation (may use CD-ROM based maps).
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional on some models.
Telephony:
Optional factory-installed tele-aid or hands-free communication system (e.g., Motorola V60 or similar cradle).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to flexible service intervals indicated by the 'Service A', 'Service B' system, which are typically triggered by mileage and time, and communicated via the instrument cluster.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 - 7.5 quarts (6.6 - 7.1 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic engine oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, meeting Mercedes-Benz Specification 229.5.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or similar with the correct silicate content), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Front control arm bushings, Idler pulleys and tensioners, HVAC blower motor resistor, Crankshaft position sensor, Mass airflow sensor (MAF).
Common Electronic Issues:
SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, door lock actuators, window regulators.
Oil Filter Example:
A0001802609 or equivalent.
Air Filter Example:
A2030940004 or equivalent.
Cabin Filter Example:
A2038300618 or equivalent.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz, established in 1926, known for pioneering automotive safety, luxury, and engineering.
C Class Generation:
W203 generation (2000-2007), representing a significant design and engineering update from the W202 predecessor.
C320 Introduction:
The C320 designation was introduced with the W203, offering the smooth V6 engine as a core offering in the lineup.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany.
