🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C280 Year: 1999 Codes Chassis Code: W202 Engine Code Typical: M104.941 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Mercedes-Benz C280 of 1999 represented the upper-mid tier of the compact executive sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed directly with vehicles like the BMW 328i (E46), Audi A4, Lexus ES 300, and Cadillac Catera. Key Features Vehicle Appeal: Known for its refined ride, robust build quality, powerful inline-six engine, and sophisticated interior appointments. Manual Value Proposition Value: This manual provides the essential technical documentation needed for accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, empowering owners and independent technicians to maintain this premium vehicle effectively. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete service and repair procedures for 1999 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202 chassis). Page Count Page Count: Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive MB service manuals of this era). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) - Likely searchable and printable 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (ECU). Transmission: Automatic transmission (5-speed 5G-TRONIC) - diagnostics, overhaul, fluid service. Drivetrain: Driveshafts, differentials, axles. Suspension: Front and rear suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment. Steering: Power steering system, steering gearbox, linkages, steering column. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, components, diagnostics. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, components. Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, structural components. Climate Control: HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, components. Safety Systems: Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). Diagnostics: Troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBDI/OBDII interface information. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Repair: Component removal and installation, major component overhauls (engine, transmission), brake system repairs, suspension and steering repairs. Troubleshooting: System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit analysis. Diagnostics: OBDII scanning, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU troubleshooting. Technical Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameter data. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive - Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated Engine Code: M104.941 Displacement: 2799 cc (2.8 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 89.9 mm x 73.5 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 194 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE Net) Torque: 206 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (SAE Net) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M5.2 Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Engine Management Ignition System: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil packs Emission Control: Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (depending on market), EGR (less common on M104). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC, 722.6) Optional Manual Transmission: Not typically offered for the C280 in this model year for the North American market. Primarily available with the automatic. Features Torque Converter Lockup: Yes Transmission Fluid: MB Spec 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134) - Crucial to use the correct fluid. Gear Ratios Gear Ratios: Specific ratios detailed within the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.93, 2nd: 2.39, 3rd: 1.57, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73, Reverse: 3.16) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 177.7 inches (4513 mm) Width: Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm) Height: Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 106.5 inches (2705 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3350 - 3450 lbs (1520 - 1565 kg), varies by equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4586 lbs (2080 kg) Cargo Trunk Capacity: Approx. 14.5 cubic feet (410 Liters) Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x112 mm Typical Tire Size: 205/60R15 or 205/55R16 (depending on trim/options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact: 4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999 model year, based on available data for W202 platform) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for similar models, specific W202 data may vary) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Often standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (SRS). Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front-belt tensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Original systems were typically AM/FM cassette or CD players with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose). Navigation: Optional Becker or Mercedes-Benz navigation systems were available, often with a trunk-mounted head unit and dash-mounted screen. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Parking Sensors: Optional Parktronic...
The Mercedes-Benz C280 of 1999 represented the upper-mid tier of the compact executive sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the BMW 328i (E46), Audi A4, Lexus ES 300, and Cadillac Catera.
Key Features
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its refined ride, robust build quality, powerful inline-six engine, and sophisticated interior appointments.
Manual Value Proposition
Value:
This manual provides the essential technical documentation needed for accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, empowering owners and independent technicians to maintain this premium vehicle effectively.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
Complete service and repair procedures for 1999 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202 chassis).
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive MB service manuals of this era).
205/60R15 or 205/55R16 (depending on trim/options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999 model year, based on available data for W202 platform)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for similar models, specific W202 data may vary)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Often standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (SRS).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front-belt tensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original systems were typically AM/FM cassette or CD players with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Optional Becker or Mercedes-Benz navigation systems were available, often with a trunk-mounted head unit and dash-mounted screen.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Parktronic parking assist sensors.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated cellular phone systems or cradles.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) or as per manual specifications for the 5G-TRONIC.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting MB Spec 229.3
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant meeting MB Spec 325.0 (typically a silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant, often blue or green).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Known Issues
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling, poor acceleration, and check engine lights.
Valve Cover Gaskets:
Prone to leaking oil due to age and material degradation.
ABS Esp Sensors:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS and ESP warning lights.
Transmission Conductor Plate:
On the 722.6 transmission, the conductor plate can fail, causing shifting issues or no gear engagement.
Headlight Leveling Actuator:
Mechanical actuators for headlight leveling can fail.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles dating back to the late 19th century.
Model Evolution
W202 Introduction:
The W202 generation of the C-Class was introduced in 1993 (as a 1994 model year in North America), marking Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact executive segment with a more modern and youthful design than its predecessors.
W202 Facelift:
The W202 received a significant facelift in 1997 (for the 1998 model year), which included revised styling, updated interior features, and improved powertrains. The 1999 C280 features these updates.
Production
Production Period:
W202 production ran from 1993 to 2000.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Sindelfingen) and South Africa.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
While the C280 itself may not have individually won, the C-Class platform (W202) was a consistent performer and often featured in comparisons with top-tier vehicles in its class, contributing to the model's reputation.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports generally rated the W202 C-Class favorably for its build quality, driving dynamics, and safety, though specific reliability scores could vary by year and component.