Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, comfort systems (HVAC, power accessories), engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams, component location, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, corrosion protection.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures, component testing, live data analysis (via OBD-II).
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission repairs, brake caliper and disc replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation.
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable (typically, depending on source scan quality)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1.4 Liters (1397 cc)
Engine Code:
M166.940
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 69.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Performance
Horsepower:
82 hp (60 kW) @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
130 Nm (96 lb-ft) @ 3250 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.46/1.87/1.30/1.03/0.85, Final Drive 4.24)
Approx. 1170 kg (2579 lbs) for manual transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1600 kg
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified for this model
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euroncap Rating:
4 Stars (Original 1999 testing)
Active Features
Electronic Stability Program:
Optional (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Optional (BAS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with belt force limiters
Body Structure:
Sandwich concept with reinforced safety cell and deformable zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Various Mercedes-Benz Audio systems (e.g., Audio 10, Audio 30 APS with optional navigation)
Speaker System:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker system.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors
Cruise Control:
Optional
Connectivity
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II compliant diagnostic port for engine management and emissions data.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the ASSYST service indicator).
Major Service Interval:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months (includes spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, etc.)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
MB 229.1 / MB 229.3 / API SJ or SL / SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 (Check manual for specific recommendation based on climate)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Crankshaft position sensor failure, ignition coil pack issues, O2 sensor failure, catalytic converter issues, Autotronic transmission wear (especially early models), suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), rust in wheel arches and sills.
Manual Benefit For Issues:
Provides detailed diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults (CPS, ignition coils, O2 sensors) and repair guides for suspension and exhaust systems.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury since the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
W168 Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the compact car segment, designed for urban mobility and efficiency while retaining brand quality.
Facelift:
Facelifted model introduced in 2001 with styling and feature updates.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Rastatt, Germany
Production Years:
1997 - 2004
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Award:
Achieved a commendable 4-star Euro NCAP rating in its debut year, highlighting its innovative safety concept.
Ratings
Jd Power Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings typical for its segment and era. Manuals are crucial for addressing potential issues.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Meets prevailing Euro emissions standards for its production years.