🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class

Trim:

C32 AMG

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

W203

Engine Code Primary:

M112 E32 ML

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2002 C32 AMG represented Mercedes-Benz's entry into the high-performance compact executive sedan segment, competing with BMW's M3 and Audi's S4. It offered a potent blend of luxury, comfort, and significant V6 power.

Competitors:

BMW M3 (E46), Audi S4 (B6), Cadillac CTS-V (first generation).

Amg Performance:

Supercharged V6 engine, AMG-tuned suspension, upgraded braking system, aggressive exterior styling.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated audio system, typical Mercedes-Benz build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Information and Operation

Secondary Coverage:

Basic Maintenance, Specifications, Safety Features

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital PDF, content based on factory original)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Cluster:

Indicators, warning lights, gauges, driver information system (DIS)

Entertainment Systems:

Audio system operation, radio functions, CD player (if equipped), speaker layout

Climate Controls:

Manual and automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), A/C operation, recirculate, temperature, fan speed, air distribution

Lighting:

Headlights (low/high beam), fog lights, interior lighting, parking lights, automatic headlight activation (if equipped), bulb replacement information

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, shifter operation, cruise control, wiper/washer controls, turn signal operation

Locks And Security:

Central locking, remote key fob operation, child safety locks, anti-theft alarm system, immobilizer

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Seat adjustment (manual/power), headrests, seat belts (operation, adjustment, pre-tensioners), front airbags, side airbags, head curtain airbags (if equipped)

Driving:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake, driving aids (e.g., ESP, ABS), fuel economy tips

Customer Assistance:

Contact information for Mercedes-Benz service, warranty information

Reporting Safety Defects:

US specific procedure for reporting safety-related defects

Cleaning:

Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, material care

Maintenance And Specifications:

General maintenance guidelines, fluid checks, tire pressure monitoring

Engine Compartment:

Identification of major components, fluid reservoir locations, basic checks

Engine Oil:

Oil type recommendations, checking oil level, oil change intervals (general)

Battery:

Battery location, basic maintenance, jump starting precautions

Fuel Information:

Recommended fuel octane rating, fuel tank capacity

Air Filter Maintenance:

Location and general guidance on air filter inspection/replacement

Part Numbers:

Likely includes basic part numbers for common consumables like filters, bulbs (though often limited in owner's manuals)

Refill Capacities:

Key fluid capacities (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid)

Lubricant Specifications:

Key lubricant specifications (engine oil viscosity and API/ACEA ratings, transmission fluid type, differential fluid type)

Accessories:

Information on factory-installed accessories and their operation

Basic Maintenance Checks:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, inspecting lights

Operation Of Controls:

Detailed explanation of how to operate all interior and exterior controls

Safety System Operation:

Explanation of seat belt usage, airbag system functionality, child seat installation recommendations

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, changing a tire (if included), operating hazard lights

Depth:

Owner-level operational guidance and basic maintenance information. Does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics or procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible software. Searchable text is highly probable.

Quality:

Digital replication of factory original; quality depends on source scan. Likely includes diagrams and images.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

60-degree V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder, later updated to 4 valves per cylinder. M112 designation.

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Aspiration:

Lysholm Twin-Screw Supercharger with Air-to-Water Intercooler

Horsepower:

349 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

332 lb-ft (450 Nm) @ 3400-4600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded 91 octane or higher (as per manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (AMG Speedshift)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for C32 AMG

Shift Modes:

Manual selection mode (Comfort/Sport)

Fluid Type:

MB Specification 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 179.1 inches (4550 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3593 lbs (1630 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4475 lbs (2030 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112

Front Tire Size:

225/40R17

Rear Tire Size:

245/40R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5 Stars (for 2002 C-Class Sedan)

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Good (for 2002 C-Class Sedan)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Skid Regulation)

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), front and rear vented discs, AMG high-performance braking system

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, optional head curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory Mercedes-Benz Audio 10, Audio 20, or optional COMAND 2.0 navigation system. Features AM/FM radio, CD player, and optional cassette player.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons.

Parking Sensors:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system.

Telephony:

Optional integrated Bluetooth or analog cellular phone system (often requiring specific cradles/modules).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (check specific vehicle service record, dealer recommendations may vary).

Major Service A:

Scheduled around 10,000 miles (synthetic oil, filter, tire rotation, check fluids, brakes).

Major Service B:

Scheduled around 20,000 miles (includes Service A items plus cabin air filter, more in-depth inspection).

Transmission Service:

Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles, including fluid and filter change.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (API SJ or higher, ACEA A3-98 or higher)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Glysantin G05 or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (MB Specification 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11 S or MB Specification 343.0 (often specified as Dexron III for earlier models, but check specific VIN)

Intercooler Pump:

The supercharger intercooler system's electric pump is known to fail, leading to reduced engine performance.

Oil Cooler Seals:

Leaking oil cooler seals can be a source of oil leaks.

Transmission Conductor Plate:

The conductor plate in the 5-speed automatic transmission can fail, causing shifting issues.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure of the crankshaft position sensor can lead to starting problems or the engine stalling.

Engine Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter: HU 715/1 X; Mercedes-Benz: A1121800009

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter: C 25 324; Mercedes-Benz: A2030940104

Cabin Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter: CU 25 002; Mercedes-Benz: A2038300218

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (with filter change)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 Liters

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (for torque converter drain and refill)

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxurious, well-engineered, and performance-oriented vehicles.

W203 Generation:

The W203 C-Class generation (introduced in 2000) represented a significant departure from its predecessor with a more modern design and improved technology. The C32 AMG was a potent performance variant introduced later in this generation.

C32 Amg Production Years:

2001-2004 (W203 platform)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

While not specifically awarded in 2002, the C-Class platform generally received positive reviews from automotive publications for its blend of performance and luxury.

Jd Power Dependability:

Mercedes-Benz models of this era generally performed moderately in dependability ratings, with some specific issues noted on AMG variants.