🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class Coupe

Chassis Code:

CLX203

Generation Code:

W203

Model Years Covered:

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Coupe

Predecessor:

CLK (W208) Coupe

Competitors:

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E92), Audi A5 Coupe, Lexus IS Coupe (though less directly competitive in this specific generation).

Design Philosophy:

Sporty, elegant coupe styling derived from the C-Class sedan (W203), emphasizing performance and luxury.

Platform:

Based on the W203 C-Class platform, shared with the C-Class sedan and estate.

Premium Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, and a focus on driver engagement.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

Covers all engine variants offered for the CLX203 Coupe within the specified model years, likely including petrol engines such as the C180 Kompressor (M271), C200 Kompressor (M271), C230 (M272), C350 (M272), and potentially AMG variants if applicable to the CLX203 designation.

Transmission Variants:

Includes detailed information for both manual and automatic transmission options (e.g., 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic 5G-TRONIC, 7-speed automatic 7G-TRONIC) fitted to the CLX203 models.

Body Styles:

Specifically targets the Coupe body style (CLX203).

Regions:

Likely covers specifications and procedures relevant to global markets where the C-Class Coupe (W203) was sold, with potential regional variations noted.

Estimated Page Count:

Typically between 1500-3000 pages for a comprehensive workshop manual of this scope and era.

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals (M271, M272, etc.), engine management systems (ME/MED), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, turbocharging (where applicable), clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission (5G-TRONIC, 7G-TRONIC), driveline, axles, driveshafts.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, body control modules (BCM), CAN bus communication, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all systems.

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, windows, mirrors, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, HVAC system, heating and air conditioning.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing, sensor data interpretation, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component replacement, bodywork repair, HVAC system repair.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, component dimensions, electrical specifications, diagnostic data.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic routine maintenance and adjustments to complex system diagnostics, component removal and installation, and complete rebuild procedures. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting trees.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Download (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

Designed for clear digital viewing, typically with high-resolution diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Example:

M271 (e.g., C180 Kompressor, C200 Kompressor)

Engine Type Example:

Inline-4 Supercharged (Kompressor) Petrol

Displacement Example:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Horsepower Example:

143 hp (C180K) to 184 hp (C200K)

Torque Example:

220 Nm (C180K) to 250 Nm (C200K)

Engine Code Example V6:

M272 (e.g., C230, C350)

Engine Type Example V6:

V6 Naturally Aspirated Petrol

Displacement Example V6:

2.5 Liters (2496 cc) for C230, 3.5 Liters (3498 cc) for C350

Horsepower Example V6:

204 hp (C230) to 272 hp (C350)

Torque Example V6:

245 Nm (C230) to 350 Nm (C350)

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

6-speed Manual Transmission (likely for lower trims)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed automatic (722.6 5G-TRONIC) or 7-speed automatic (722.9 7G-TRONIC)

Automatic Features:

Tiptronic/Touchshift manual shifting mode, adaptive shift programs.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB spec 236.10 or 236.12 (5G-TRONIC), MB spec 236.14 (7G-TRONIC) - consult manual for exact requirements.

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB spec 235.10 or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 specification manual gearbox oil (consult manual for exact viscosity).

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approx. 4526 mm

Width Mm:

Approx. 1728 mm

Height Mm:

Approx. 1391 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

Approx. 2715 mm

Trunk Volume Liters:

Approx. 455 Liters

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1400-1550 kg depending on engine and configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating General:

Likely achieved 4 or 5 stars in NHTSA frontal/side impact tests based on contemporary Mercedes-Benz standards (specific rating for coupe may vary).

Euro Ncap Rating General:

Likely achieved 4 or 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Brake Assist (BAS)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags (curtain airbags), potentially active front head restraints (NECK-PRO).

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Crash Structure:

Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, Audio 20 CD system.

Navigation:

Integrated GPS navigation available with COMAND APS.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic system (PTS) front and rear parking sensors.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free telephony.

Auxiliary Input:

Likely available for Audio 20 and COMAND systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Petrol:

Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Flexible servicing intervals (ASSYST PLUS) may apply, which adapt based on driving style and conditions.

Major Service Interval:

Around 60,000 km for significant checks, spark plug replacement (often at 60k-100k km depending on plug type), transmission fluid service (e.g., 7G-TRONIC at 60,000 km or 4-5 years).

Engine Oil Spec:

MB spec 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol EDGE Syntec 0W-30). Always verify specific oil grade for engine variant.

Coolant Spec:

MB spec 325.0 or 326.0 (Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Plus (MB spec 331.0)

Engine M271 Issues:

Timing chain tensioner wear leading to rattling noises, particularly on startup; potential balance shaft issues in early M271 variants; MAF sensor issues.

Engine M272 Issues:

M272 V6 engines are known for balancer shaft sprocket wear and associated DTCs (P0017, P0018, P0019, P0020) due to material defects; ignition coil failures.

Transmission 7G Tronic Issues:

Mechatronic unit issues, torque converter solenoid failures, potential software glitches leading to harsh shifting or no-start conditions.

Suspension Issues:

Front lower control arm bushings can wear, leading to knocking noises and alignment issues.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulator failures, SAM module (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, headlight condensation, ABS/ESP sensor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, luxury, and performance in the automotive industry, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

W203 Generation:

The W203 C-Class generation (2000-2007) introduced a more modern and sporty design language for the C-Class line. The CLX203 Coupe was introduced later in this generation's lifecycle, offering a sleeker, two-door alternative.

Design Changes:

The CLX203 Coupe shared its front-end design with the W203 sedan but featured a distinct sloping roofline, frameless doors, and a unique rear end. Facelifts to the W203 generation (around 2004) would have influenced the styling of these later coupe models.

Production Years Coupe:

The W203 C-Class Coupe (including CLX203 designation) was produced from 2000/2001 to 2007. The specific model years 2008-2011 mentioned in the product name likely refer to a misunderstanding or an overlap with the subsequent W204 generation (which did not offer a direct coupe variant initially in those exact years before the C207 E-Class Coupe took over the premium coupe segment for Mercedes-Benz). The CLX203 chassis code strongly points to the earlier W203 generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The W203 C-Class, in its sedan and coupe forms, received numerous awards for design, safety, and overall quality during its production run from automotive publications worldwide. Specific awards for the coupe variant might include 'Best Luxury Coupe' or similar accolades.

Reliability Ratings:

J.D. Power and Consumer Reports generally rated Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era well for build quality, though some specific powertrain issues (as noted in maintenance) could impact long-term reliability perceptions.

Manufacturing Standards:

Manufactured to stringent Mercedes-Benz quality and safety standards (ISO 9001, QS-9000).