Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Coupe
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Coupe, Lexus IS Coupe
Vehicle Philosophy:
Combines Mercedes-Benz's luxury and build quality with a sportier, more dynamic driving experience.
Target Demographic:
Younger professionals, style-conscious buyers, individuals seeking a premium compact coupe.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (M271, M111, OM646, OM647), Transmission (722.6, 716.x), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (ABS, ESP, SBC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical Systems:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), CAN Bus Communication, Lighting, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Seats, Interior Trim, Climate Control System
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections
Repair Procedures:
Engine Component Replacement (Alternator, Starter, Water Pump), Transmission Repair, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, Fault code interpretation, System diagnostics, Wiring diagrams analysis
Diagnostic Complexity:
Advanced diagnostic procedures including electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics and CAN bus troubleshooting.
Repair Scope:
From routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Graphic Resolution:
High-resolution, clear illustrations and diagrams suitable for printing.
Binding Style:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality Recommendation:
N/A (Digital Format) - Recommended for printing on quality paper for workshop use.
Text Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Common Gasoline Engines:
M271 (1.8L Supercharged I4, 2.0L Supercharged I4), M111 (2.3L Supercharged I4 - early models)
Common Diesel Engines:
OM646 (2.1L Turbocharged I4 Diesel), OM647 (2.7L Turbocharged I5 Diesel - less common in coupe)
Horsepower Range:
143 hp to 204 hp (gasoline), 122 hp to 170 hp (diesel)
Torque Range:
200 Nm to 300 Nm (gasoline), 270 Nm to 340 Nm (diesel)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch or Siemens components.
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)
Emission Standards:
Meets Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards, depending on model year and market.
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (716.x series)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Approval 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB Approval 235.10 (e.g., Gear Oil SAE 75W-85).
Length:
Approx. 4,488 mm (176.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,727 mm (68.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,392 mm (54.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,450 kg - 1,550 kg (3,200 lbs - 3,417 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 310 liters (10.9 cu ft)
Euro Ncap Rating:
Likely achieved 4 or 5 stars (based on W203 sedan/estate, specific coupe data may vary).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard on most models.
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), optional Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) on some early models.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, optional front-seat thorax airbags.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners and force limiters on front seats.
Audio Systems:
Audio 20, Audio 50 APS (optional), COMAND APS (optional) with CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation and CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Hands Free Calling:
Optional Bluetooth interface for mobile phones.
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights standard, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering.
Oil Service Interval:
Typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions and specific model).
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs (e.g., 60,000 miles), transmission fluid (e.g., 40,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic, less frequent for manual), coolant flush (e.g., 30,000 - 60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30) or 229.51 for diesel variants.
Coolant Specification:
MB Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, e.g., Mercedes-Benz Coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB Approval 331.0)
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, SAM unit failures, sensor issues (e.g., ABS wheel speed sensors), climate control blower motor resistors.
Common Mechanical Issues:
M271 engine timing chain wear, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil cooler seals), suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), rust in wheel wells and underbody.
Common Sbc Issues:
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system failures on earlier models requiring replacement or repair of the SBC hydraulic unit.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded on innovation, luxury, and engineering excellence since the early 20th century.
W203 Introduction:
The W203 generation replaced the W202 C-Class in 2000. The coupe variant (C203) was introduced in 2001, offering a sportier alternative to the sedan and wagon.
Facelift Details:
Received a facelift in 2004, introducing updated styling, new engine options, and improved interior features.
Production Years:
2001 - 2007 (for the C203 Coupe)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Bremen, Germany, with potential assembly in other global facilities.
Industry Awards:
While specific coupe awards are less documented than the sedan, the W203 generation received numerous accolades for its safety, engineering, and design in general.
Reliability Rankings:
J.D. Power and Consumer Reports ratings for the W203 generation were generally average to good, with specific model years and powertrains showing variations.
