🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class

Model Code:

W203

Year:

2001

Variant:

C240

Engine Code:

M112.911

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan

Key Competitors 2001:

BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Acura TL

Premium Appointments:

Known for Mercedes-Benz quality, comfort, and advanced (for its time) safety features

Styling:

Introduced a new design language for the C-Class with a more rounded, flowing aesthetic compared to its predecessor

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 (W203)

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

All Systems:

Comprehensive coverage of all owner-accessible systems and features

Vehicle Operation:

Detailed explanations of vehicle controls, instruments, and operation

Climate Control:

Operation of HVAC system, air conditioning, and heating

Lighting Systems:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and auxiliary lights

Infotainment:

Radio, CD player, and any integrated entertainment systems

Locks Security:

Central locking, keyless entry, alarm system operation

Seating Restraints:

Seat adjustment, seat belts, airbag system information

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, transmission shifter, pedals

Maintenance Basic:

Owner-level checks and basic maintenance procedures

Engine Compartment:

Identification of key components, fluid reservoir locations

Fuel System:

Fuel recommendations, fuel cap operation

Electrical System:

Battery care, fuse box locations (general information)

Cleaning Care:

Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations

Customer Assistance:

Information on roadside assistance and dealer services

Safety Defects Reporting:

U.S.-specific information on reporting safety defects

Driving Operation:

Guidance on proper driving techniques and vehicle operation

Instrument Cluster Interpretation:

Explanation of all warning lights and indicators

Routine Checks:

Instructions for checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid)

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Information on recommended tire pressures and checking them

Wiper Blade Operation:

Usage and basic care of windshield wipers

Refueling:

Proper procedure for refueling the vehicle

Battery Jump Start:

Guidance on jump-starting the vehicle (with safety precautions)

Tire Changing:

Instructions for changing a flat tire (if applicable)

Troubleshooting Basic:

Common issues and their potential solutions (owner level)

Depth Level:

Owner-level information focused on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting

Diagnostic Level:

Does not cover advanced diagnostics or repair procedures

Repair Level:

Does not provide step-by-step repair instructions for mechanical or electrical components

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Quality Description:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC, 18-valve (3 valves per cylinder)

Engine Code:

M112.911

Displacement:

2.6 Liters (2597 cc)

Horsepower:

168 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque:

177 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Timing Mechanism:

Single Silent Timing Chain (per cylinder bank)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection (specifics vary by market)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Optional Transmission:

None for C240 in 2001 model year

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - typically MB 236.10 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.7 inches

Width:

68.3 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Wheelbase:

106.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3500 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, consult specific vehicle plate

Trunk Volume:

12.6 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated for 2001 models in the same way as modern vehicles, but generally performed well for its class.

IIHS Crash Test:

Good (for frontal offset crash tests performed on later W203 models, typically representative)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Brake System:

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags Standard:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags

Airbags Optional:

Rear side-impact airbags, full-length window curtain airbags (if equipped)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose sound system

Display Type:

Dot-matrix or basic LCD display for audio and climate information

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Connectivity Options:

Limited by modern standards; may have provisions for optional CD changer or early cellular phone integration.

Keyless Entry:

Standard on most models, often with a fob-style key

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional

Automatic Headlights:

Optional (light sensor)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Service (ASSYST) system, typically 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific indicator.

Major Service Interval:

Around 30,000 miles for spark plug replacement, cabin air filter, etc. (specifics in the manual).

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 synthetic oil, typically meeting MB-Approval 229.3 or 229.5

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-40 or 5W-40 (depending on climate and specific MB approval)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz specified coolant (e.g., MB 325.0, a silicate-free OAT coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (low viscosity, e.g., DOT 4 PLUS)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Specific Mercedes-Benz washer fluid or a high-quality commercial equivalent

Refill Capacities Engine Oil:

Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 Liters (including filter)

Refill Capacities Coolant:

Approx. 8.5 Liters

Common Problems 2001 C240:

Variable depending on maintenance: Camshaft position sensors, MAF sensor issues, early signs of rust on wheel arches, occasional SAM unit (Signal Acquisition Module) failures, transmission conductor plate issues (less common on early models but possible).

Oil Filter Example:

Mann Filter HU 718/1y, Mahle OX 151/3D (use VIN to confirm exact)

Air Filter Example:

Mann Filter C 24 002, Mahle LX 771/1 (use VIN to confirm exact)

Cabin Filter Example:

Mann Filter CU 2939 (often includes activated carbon)

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and durability.

W203 Introduction:

The W203 generation replaced the W202 C-Class and was produced from 2000 to 2007. The 2001 model year represents the early phase of this generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen), with later production in other global facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards General:

Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era consistently received high safety marks from organizations like IIHS and Euro NCAP, though specific awards for the 2001 C240 might be general to the W203 platform.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by year and specific components; typically rated average to above average for a luxury European vehicle of its time.