🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C230

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

W203

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe (W203 generation) known for Mercedes-Benz build quality and luxury.

Competitors:

BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.

Vehicle Highlights:

Sporty handling, advanced safety features for its time, supercharged engine offering a good balance of performance and efficiency, Mercedes-Benz premium interior.

Benefits:

Provides official Mercedes-Benz diagnostic and repair procedures, enabling accurate and efficient maintenance and repair, saving on dealership labor costs, and preserving vehicle value.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 (W203 Chassis)

Engine Variants Covered:

M271 E23 ML (Supercharged 2.3L Inline-4)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (Likely Executable or PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection, fuel pump, lines), air intake system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU, sensors).

Engine Performance:

Supercharger operation, boost pressure control, engine tuning parameters, emissions control systems.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (5-speed 5G-TRONIC 722.6 variant), hydraulic control, torque converter, gear shifting logic, transmission fluid specifications, service procedures.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axle components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, sway bars, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake fluid specifications, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, ignition system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, control modules (ECU, TCU, ABS module, SAM module).

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, seating, HVAC system, power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), door locks, remote keyless entry.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (optional), A/C system components, refrigerant, service procedures.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, crash sensors, diagnostic procedures for safety systems.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures, using diagnostic scan tools (STAR DIAGNOSIS).

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, cylinder head gasket replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair.

Installation:

Replacement of major components such as engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, AC compressors, radiators, body panels, interior components.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance and diagnostics to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and adjustment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary executable or searchable PDF format, designed for automotive repair professionals and enthusiasts.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text, and detailed illustrations optimized for digital viewing and printing of specific sections.

Digital Format:

Not Applicable (Software-based)

Digital Format:

Not Applicable (Software-based)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M271 E23 ML

Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Displacement:

2295 cc (2.3 Liters)

Aspiration:

Supercharged (Twin-Screw Lysholm-type)

Horsepower:

194 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

207 lb-ft (280 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch ME2.8 or similar

Drive Type:

Timing Chain

Actuation:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on intake camshaft.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')

Type:

6-Speed Manual (Rare for C230 Kompressor in North America)

Automatic Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Fluid Type:

Mercedes-Benz MB 236.10 Specification ATF (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF or equivalent)

Capacity Approx:

8.5 Liters (Total system capacity, drain and fill will be less)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.7 inches (2710 mm)

Length:

177.6 inches (4511 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300-3400 lbs (1497-1542 kg)

Trunk Volume:

13.1 cubic feet (371 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact:

4 Stars

Electronic Stability:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Braking Assistance:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Assist (BAS).

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side airbags (front), optional side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, radio, and optional navigation. Standard audio systems available.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter functionality.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).

Phone Integration:

Optional Mercedes-Benz integrated hands-free telephone system, often requiring a specific cradle.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights standard, optional Bi-Xenon HID headlights with dynamic cornering assist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (based on flexible service system, but often recommended at 7,500-10,000 miles for optimal protection).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on operating conditions.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type and gap).

Transmission Service:

MB recommends service every 70,000-100,000 miles, but many professionals advise earlier intervals (e.g., 50,000-70,000 miles) for longevity, especially the 722.6 transmission.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, API SN, ACEA A3/B4, MB-Approval 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic).

Coolant:

MB-Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mercedes-Benz/Pentofrost G05 or G48), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 Specification).

Common Wear Items:

Mass air flow sensor (MAF), ignition coils, spark plug wires, front suspension bushings (control arms), catalytic converter, supercharger clutch/pulley, oil cooler seals, crankcase ventilation (CCV) system (PCV).

Transmission Concerns:

Occasional hard shifts or delayed engagement, issues with the valve body or conductor plate in the 722.6 transmission.

Electrical Concerns:

Can bus communication issues, faulty SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) or K-Relay, window regulator failures.

Supercharger Specifics:

The supercharger clutch can wear out, leading to loss of boost. The supercharger pulley can also seize.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles dating back to the late 19th century.

W203 Generation:

The W203 chassis, introduced in 1997 (for the 2000 model year in Europe, 2001 in North America), replaced the W202 C-Class. The C230 Kompressor was a key variant offering a blend of performance and efficiency.

Production Years:

The W203 C-Class was produced from 1997 to 2007. The C230 Kompressor variant was prominent within this generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), South Africa, and others depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Brand Awards:

Mercedes-Benz consistently recognized for build quality, safety, and luxury features across its model lines.

IIHS Ratings:

Generally received 'Good' ratings in frontal and side impact tests by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for its generation.

Manufacturer Certification:

Officially licensed by Mercedes-Benz, indicating authenticity and accuracy of repair procedures and specifications.