Segment:
Entry-level luxury sedan.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Acura TL.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty yet elegant design, comfortable and refined interior, characteristic Mercedes-Benz engineering and safety.
Target Audience:
Younger professionals and those seeking a well-built, safe, and luxurious compact sedan.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, maintenance, safety, and basic troubleshooting for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320.
Specific Sections:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era).
Powertrain:
Engine lubrication, fuel, cooling, air intake systems, battery maintenance, fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, basic electrical system operation.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control system operation, entertainment system functions, locks, security features, power accessories.
Safety:
Seating and safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), child seat installation recommendations.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping off fluids (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Safety Related:
Proper use of safety restraints, child seat installation, reporting safety defects.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes found in a Service Manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Engine Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Engine Configuration:
SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 RPM
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models with earlier crash test data, as ratings evolve)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (window airbags).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit:
Standard Mercedes-Benz Audio 20 (CD player, AM/FM radio) or optional COMAND 2.0 (navigation, larger display).
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker system; optional Bose premium sound system available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Pre Wiring:
Optional pre-wiring for cellular phone and CD changer.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on service indicator).
Major Service A:
Scheduled at specific mileage or time intervals, usually involving synthetic oil change, filter replacement, and comprehensive inspection.
Major Service B:
More extensive service typically occurring after Service A, involving additional checks and potential replacements like brake fluid, cabin filter, spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, 5W-40).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 ATF (Dexron III equivalent acceptable for some applications, but MB spec is preferred).
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free, blue coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0).
Common Wear Items:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, Idler pulley and tensioner, catalytic converters, O2 sensors, vacuum leaks, blower motor resistor, crank position sensor, potential transmission control module (TCM) issues.
Interior Components:
Pewter or chrome paint flaking on interior buttons/switches, headliner sagging.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 718/5y (or equivalent OEM MB part number like A2711840125).
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 26 124/1 (or equivalent OEM MB part number like A2030940104).
Heritage Summary:
Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive innovation since the late 19th century, is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.
Generation:
W203 generation, introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, replacing the W202 C-Class.
2003 Updates:
Minor updates for 2003 models, often including minor feature packaging changes or refinements to existing systems. The C320 variant was a key model in this generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen).
