🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C-Class Model Code: W203 Year: 2001 Variant: C240 Codes Engine Code: M112.911 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2001: BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Acura TL Key Features 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 Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 (W203) Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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 Procedures Included 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) Technical Depth 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 Format File Type: PDF Readability: Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) Print Quality Quality Description: Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: Not Applicable (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: V6, SOHC, 18-valve (3 valves per cylinder) Engine Code: M112.911 Displacement: 2.6 Liters (2597 cc) Performance Horsepower: 168 hp @ 5700 rpm Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type Recommendation: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Compartment Details Timing Mechanism: Single Silent Timing Chain (per cylinder bank) Emission Controls: Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection (specifics vary by market) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC) Optional Optional Transmission: None for C240 in 2001 model year Features Shift Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: MB Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - typically MB 236.10 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 176.7 inches Width: 68.3 inches Height: 55.7 inches Wheelbase: 106.0 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3400-3500 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by configuration, consult specific vehicle plate Cargo Trunk Volume: 12.6 cubic feet 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings 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) Active Features 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) Passive Features 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 Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose sound system Display Type: Dot-matrix or basic LCD display for audio and climate information Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control Connectivity Connectivity Options: Limited by modern standards; may have provisions for optional CD changer or early cellular phone integration. Convenience Keyless Entry: Standard on most models, often with a fob-style key Rain Sensing Wipers: Optional Automatic Headlights: Optional (light sensor) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals 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,...
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose sound system
Display Type:
Dot-matrix or basic LCD display for audio and climate information
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards; may have provisions for optional CD changer or early cellular phone integration.
Convenience
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most models, often with a fob-style key
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional
Automatic Headlights:
Optional (light sensor)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
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).
Fluid Specifications
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
Known Issues
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).
Part Numbers
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
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and durability.
Model Evolution
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.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen), with later production in other global facilities.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
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.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year and specific components; typically rated average to above average for a luxury European vehicle of its time.