Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Car
Brand Positioning:
Entry-level luxury sedan offering Mercedes-Benz quality and engineering
Primary Competitors 1998:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300
Design Philosophy:
Understated elegance, solid build quality, focus on driver comfort and safety
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mercedes-Benz owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.
Coverage Scope:
All repairs, servicing, and troubleshooting procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and target market)
Powertrain:
Engine (mechanical, electrical, fuel, ignition, exhaust), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (rear-wheel drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, comfort systems (HVAC), audio, security, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Repair:
Component replacement, rebuilding procedures, body repair, electrical system diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom analysis, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the era's diagnostic systems)
Diagnostics:
System checks, testing procedures, component testing
Depth Of Information:
Professional-level detail with step-by-step instructions, detailed photos, and exploded diagrams for accurate completion of all jobs.
Searchability:
Searchable text within the PDF (standard for professionally produced PDFs)
Printability:
Printable (single pages or entire manual)
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Usage License:
Lifetime use on multiple devices, no expiry dates or renewal fees.
Engine Code Examples:
M111 (e.g., C230 Kompressor), M104 (e.g., C280, C36 AMG), OM601/OM602 (Diesel variants)
Configuration:
Inline-4, Inline-6, Inline-5 (Diesel)
Performance C230 Kompressor
Horsepower C230 K:
Approx. 192 hp (143 kW)
Horsepower C280:
Approx. 194 hp (145 kW)
Horsepower C36 Amg:
Approx. 276 hp (206 kW)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Bosch Motronic
ECU Type:
Various Bosch Motronic variants (e.g., ME2.0)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (on some models), EGR (on diesel models)
Length:
Approx. 4517 mm (177.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1755 mm (69.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1423 mm (56.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2715 mm (106.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on engine and options
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 470 liters (16.6 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 4 stars (based on contemporary testing and Mercedes-Benz standards for the era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 4 stars (based on contemporary testing and Mercedes-Benz standards for the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Optional:
Side airbags (front)
Body Structure:
High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD players (e.g., Becker models), optional CD changer
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (e.g., COMAND 2.0 on later models, but less common on 1998)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Not typically available on 1998 models
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Power Features:
Power windows, power mirrors, power locks, optional power seats
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Approx. 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil, refer to manual for exact specification)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Approx. 7,500-10,000 km (4,700-6,200 miles) or 12 months (using diesel-specific oil, refer to manual for exact specification)
Major Service Interval:
Variable, often around 60,000-80,000 km (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant) - refer to manual for detailed schedule.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate and engine type)
Coolant Specification:
MB-approved antifreeze/coolant (e.g., G48 / Violet, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Common Issues Interior:
Headliner sagging, climate control panel issues (e.g., blower motor resistor), door panel separation
Common Issues Exterior:
Rust (wheel arches, sills), plastic trim fading, sunroof drain blockage
Common Issues Engine:
M111 (Kompressor): Crankshaft position sensor failure, MAF sensor issues. M104: Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and front timing cover. All: OVP relay failures, vacuum leaks
Common Issues Transmission:
722.6 automatic: Conductor plate failure, transmission control module (TCM) issues
Common Issues Suspension:
Front end clunks (lower ball joints, tie rods), rear axle mount bushings
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz AG
Introduction Year W202:
1993 (as a successor to the 190E)
Facelift W202:
1997 (minor styling updates, revised interior)
Production Years:
1993-2000
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, USA (CKD assembly)
Awards General:
The W202 C-Class was generally well-received for its build quality and refinement, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's reputation. Specific awards for the 1998 model year are less commonly cited individually compared to broader model generations.
Reliability Perception:
Varies; early models had some teething issues, but later models and well-maintained examples are considered reliable, albeit with higher maintenance costs than non-luxury brands.
