Market Position:
Premium compact executive sedan, competing with BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS.
Key Competitors Further:
In addition to BMW and Audi, key competitors included the Volvo S60, Acura TL, and Cadillac CTS in the premium compact/mid-size segment.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2002 C-Class (W203) offered a blend of Mercedes-Benz's traditional luxury, safety, and engineering quality, with a focus on comfort and refinement. COMAND APS was a key feature for advanced infotainment and navigation in its segment at the time.
Key Features:
The COMAND APS system represented Mercedes-Benz's premium infotainment solution, integrating essential driving and entertainment functions into a single, intuitive interface.
Systems Covered:
COMAND APS Head Unit, Navigation System, Radio/Tuner, CD Player, Telephone Integration (if equipped), Voice Control (if equipped), Climate Control Interface (if integrated)
Specific Navigation Features:
Entering destinations (address, points of interest), destination memory, route guidance options (fastest, shortest), route recalculation, map display modes (2D, 3D bird's-eye), destination search by category, compass display.
Audio System Operation:
AM/FM radio tuning (seek, manual, presets), RDS (Radio Data System) features (PTY, AF), CD playback (track selection, shuffle, repeat), audio settings (bass, treble, balance, fader), sound presets (e.g., 'Concert Hall').
Procedures Included:
System startup, basic operation, radio tuning, CD playback, navigation system setup (destination entry, route planning), map display, voice command usage, Bluetooth pairing (if applicable), display settings, audio settings, troubleshooting common error messages
Voice Control Usage:
Initiating voice commands, common voice commands for navigation and audio, system feedback and confirmation.
System Settings Adjustment:
Adjusting screen brightness and contrast, clock settings, date format, language selection, units of measurement (miles/kilometers), navigation voice volume, personalization of vehicle settings accessible via COMAND.
Technical Depth:
User-focused operational procedures and basic troubleshooting for the COMAND APS system. Not a diagnostic or repair manual.
Nav Database Info:
Information on navigation map disc versions and how to install updates (though installation procedure may not be detailed).
Searchability:
Typically includes searchable text layer, allowing quick finding of specific terms and topics.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, factory-accurate digital reproduction (assuming original quality)
Readability:
Designed for clear on-screen reading and ability to print legible pages.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Primary Engine:
M271 (Supercharged Inline-4, 1.8L/2.0L) or M112 (SOHC V6, 2.6L/3.2L) - Specific engine not detailed in product info, but COMAND was available across variants.
Engine Code Examples:
C200 Kompressor (M271.940), C240 (M112.910), C320 (M112.954), C32 AMG (M112.960 - Supercharged V6)
Performance:
Varies by engine. Example: C230 Kompressor (1.8L) produced approx. 192 hp. C320 (3.2L V6) produced approx. 215 hp.
Torque Figures:
Example: C230 Kompressor (1.8L) - ~192 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM. C320 (3.2L V6) - ~221 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), typically multi-point.
Standard:
5-speed Automatic (722.6) or 6-speed Manual (for select models/markets)
Optional:
5-speed Automatic (722.6) available for all variants, some variants had AMG Speedshift enabled automatic.
Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift points, manual shifting mode (Tiptronic/Autostick).
Exterior Length:
Approx. 4526 mm (178.2 in)
Exterior Width:
Approx. 1728 mm (68.0 in)
Exterior Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs), depending on engine and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 2000-2100 kg (4400-4600 lbs)
Interior Volume:
Approx. 97.9 cu ft passenger volume
Ratings:
NHTSA: Frontal Driver/Passenger 5-star, Side Driver/Passenger 4-star (2002 model year typical). IIHS: Good in frontal offset.
Active Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Traction Control (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation), Brake Assist (BAS)
Passive Features:
Frontal airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), crumple zones, reinforced safety cell.
Infotainment:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) with integrated CD player, radio, and color LCD screen. Features include GPS navigation (with CD-ROM maps), RDS radio, and a system for vehicle settings.
Display Type Size:
Color LCD display, typically 5.8 inches or 7 inches depending on COMAND version and options.
Navigation Media:
DVD-ROM for navigation map data (Europe/North America specific discs).
Control Interface:
Rotary knob with push-button functionality, directional buttons, and dedicated function keys on the head unit. Steering wheel controls for audio and basic phone functions.
Driver Assistance:
Standard safety features like ABS, ESP, ASR. Optional features like parking sensors (Parktronic) and Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function.
Optional Driver Aids:
Adaptive Cruise Control (DISTRONIC - rare on C-Class at this time, more common on E/S Class), Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming mirrors.
Connectivity:
Pre-wiring for telephone, often with a cradle in the armrest. Later models might offer Bluetooth connectivity, although less common for 2002.
Service Intervals:
Flexible Service System (ASSYST) typically indicating service every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months. Specific items (e.g., brake fluid, coolant) have mileage/time-based intervals (e.g., every 2 years).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs, depending on engine variant.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 miles or as indicated by ASSYST.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic) or MB 229.3
Transmission Fluid Specification:
ATF 3.1 (for 722.6 transmission)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Proprietary coolant, usually a blue silicate-free type)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 236.3 (ATF Dexron II/III type)
Known Issues:
Early W203 models could experience issues with the HVAC blower motor resistor, ESP/ABS sensor faults, and occasional COMAND system freezing or failure. Some engine variants (e.g., M271 Kompressor) could have timing chain wear concerns over time.
Interior Wear Items:
Headliner sagging, wear on leather/MB-Tex seating surfaces, center console button wear.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, established in 1926, renowned for engineering, luxury, safety, and innovation in automotive design.
Model Evolution:
The W203 C-Class replaced the W202 generation and introduced a more modern platform, design, and significantly updated technology, including the COMAND system.
Chassis Code Evolution:
The W203 was the second generation of the C-Class to utilize the internal 'W' designation for sedans. It offered significantly more interior space and a more robust feel than its predecessor.
Production Years:
W203 C-Class produced from 2000 to 2007. 2002 represents the early production phase of this generation.
