Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 C230.
The 2002 Mercedes C230 is a passenger car that, within the 1997–2003 model range, recorded the highest number of owner complaints at 100, with the electrical system cited as the top problem area and two recalls issued. This places the 2002 model year at the peak of reported issues for that generation, contrasting sharply with the 1997 model’s 18 complaints, the lowest in the span. For a researcher, this year represents a reliability low point in the C230’s history, indicating that electrical faults and recall actions were concentrated in this specific model year.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 49 · 825 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine air filter | 111094020467 |
| Battery | 0009823308 |
| Thermostat | 015997234864 alt 1112001715 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 170.9 in |
| Overall width | 68.1 in |
| Overall height | 54.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3307 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.1 / 57.9 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 53/47 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Engine Coolant | USE ONLY COOLANT MEETING MB SHEET 325.0 |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 221 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 15 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 25 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.031 in |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.80 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | MB part number 0019890803 or equivalent |
| Oil Capacity | 5.20 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 825 cca |
| Pressure Test | 20 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 185-192 °F |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 14-17 ohms |
| Engine Compression | Standard: 156-213, Supercharged: 109-152 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 10 psi @ 700 rpm, 43.5 @ 3000 rpm psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 38 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 85 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.006 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 0.354 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 0.354 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.299 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 0.287 in |
Prep Except M8 Bolts
| 1 | 41.0 ft. lbs. | 41 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees; M8 Bolts: | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 15.0 ft. lbs. | 15 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2002 Mercedes C230 lead in one area — the electrical system, 18 of 100 reports (18%), well ahead of the next concern. NHTSA has issued no recalls for this vehicle, so these are owner-reported concerns only. 4 of the reports describe a crash and 7 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the electrical system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 100 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 5 of 46 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI82.30-P-059239 | 2026-05-19 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper… |
| LI82.10-P-078301 | 2026-04-16 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a… |
| LI82.10-P-078301 | 2026-03-09 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a… |
| LI82.10-P-078301 | 2026-02-24 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a… |
| LI33.30-P-056665 | 2025-05-21 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.