Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Brand Philosophy:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, safety, and performance in a more accessible package.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Sport Package:
Reflects a sportier tuning, potentially including suspension upgrades, unique wheels, and styling cues.
Kompressor Engine:
Supercharged engine offering a blend of performance and efficiency.
Instrument Cluster:
Indicator lights, gauges, warning messages
Entertainment Systems:
Audio system operation, radio, CD player, speaker layout
Climate Controls:
HVAC system operation, automatic climate control, air recirculation
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps, adaptive lighting features
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel functions, cruise control, turn signals, wipers
Locks And Security:
Keyless entry, central locking, immobilizer, alarm system
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belts, SRS airbags, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH)
Driving:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake, driving aids (e.g., ESP, ABS)
Engine Compartment:
Component identification, fluid level checks
Maintenance And Specifications:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid types, capacities, tire pressure, part numbers
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel octane, fueling procedure
Cleaning:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations
Customer Assistance:
Contact information, roadside assistance, warranty information
Reporting Safety Defects:
US-specific information on reporting defects
Routine Maintenance:
Checking oil, coolant, brake fluid; tire inflation; wiper blade replacement
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and indicators, basic fault diagnosis
Operation:
Detailed instructions on how to use all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive for owner operations, fluid checks, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Supercharged Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 85.0 mm (approx.)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with supercharger
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) with filter change (approx.)
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40)
Part Number Air Filter:
A2710900101 (example, verify with VIN)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6, NAG1)
Automatic Features:
Touchshift, Driver-adaptive shifting program
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
7.5 quarts (7.0 liters) (approx., dry fill)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134)
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm)
Width:
68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
55.8 inches (1417 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches (2710 mm)
Curb Weight:
3,240 - 3,360 lbs (1470 - 1525 kg) (approx., depending on transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,520 lbs (2050 kg) (approx.)
Trunk Volume:
13.1 cubic feet (370 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger, 2003 model year tests)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for 2003 model year)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional)
Seat Belts:
3-point active front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seat belts
Iso Fix:
ISOFIX/LATCH mounting points in rear seats
Head Unit Options:
Various Audio 20, Audio 30, and COMAND APS systems available depending on original specification. Features may include CD player, radio, cassette player (early models), navigation (COMAND).
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, electronic speed limiter
Parking Assistance:
Parktronic (optional parking sensors front and rear)
Bluetooth:
Optional MHI (Mobile Handset Interface) for Bluetooth connectivity on some models/options.
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible service system (ASSYST), typically 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific ASSYST display messages.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs (around 60,000 miles), serpentine belt, coolant flush (around 30,000-60,000 miles), transmission fluid/filter service (around 40,000-60,000 miles)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze (Glysantin G48, blue) - 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S, or MB-approved equivalent)
Common Issues Kompressor:
Intermittent loss of power (cracked intercooler hoses, supercharger belt issues), MAF sensor failures, vacuum leaks, early E55 AMG compressor clutch failures (though less common on M271), oil cooler seals.
Common Issues General:
Window regulator failures, CAN bus communication issues, headlight condensation, sagging headliner, rust (especially on wheel arches and door bottoms).
Oil Filter Part Number:
A2711800109 (example, verify with VIN)
Cabin Air Filter Part Number:
A2038300718 (example, verify with VIN)
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
Generation Codes:
W203 generation replaced the W202 C-Class, introducing a more modern design and technology.
Platform:
Shared platform elements with other DaimlerChrysler vehicles of the era.
Production Years W203:
2000-2007
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen)
