Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 C230 are official communications between Mercedes-Benz & their dealerships that describe processes for troubleshooting or fixing certain common problems. All vehicle manufacturers are required by U.S. law to make their TSBs available to the public.

    STEERING

    STEERING:RACK AND PINION

    • TSB #462046

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10020460

      PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE Read More »

    STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

    • TSB #462046

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10020460

      PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE Read More »

    SUSPENSION

    • TSB #LI33 30-P-056665

      Date Announced:
      AUG 05, 2019
      NHTSA ID:
      #10164810

      Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle Read More »

    • TSB #010104

      Date Announced:
      AUG 31, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10009985

      THE HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC DISTRIBUTION HOSE OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) MAY DETERIORATE OVER TIME DUE TO EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY AND HIGH TEMPERATURES. Read More »

    SUSPENSION:FRONT

    • TSB #LI32.25-P-061137

      Date Announced:
      MAR 24, 2015
      NHTSA ID:
      #10135599

      Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper Read More »

    SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

    • TSB #LI32.25-P-061137

      Date Announced:
      MAR 24, 2015
      NHTSA ID:
      #10135599

      Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper Read More »

    SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

    • TSB #LI32.25-P-061137

      Date Announced:
      MAR 24, 2015
      NHTSA ID:
      #10135599

      Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    • TSB #LI42.47-P-067502

      Date Announced:
      DEC 09, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186135

      If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit Read More »

    • TSB #424638

      Date Announced:
      APR 01, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10006927

      BLEED BRAKE SYSTEM AND CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM FOR AIR ON THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM USING STAR DIAGNOSIS. ALSO INCLUDES MERCEDES-BENZ 211 MODEL MY2004. *TT Read More »

    • TSB #424628

      Date Announced:
      JAN 22, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10002200

      BUZZING / DRONING NOISES DURING PRESSURE BUILDUP OF SBC SYSTEM. *TT *MJ Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

    • TSB #LI-43-10

      Date Announced:
      AUG 03, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10034988

      MERCEDES BENZ (DAIMLER): UNSATISFACTORY BRAKE SERVO ASSISTANCE AFTER A COLD START, PRIMARILY WHEN MANEUVERING. LOW VACUUM IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DUE TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE VALVE. RETROFIT ELECTRIC BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM PUMP (M56). Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

    • TSB #PB-42-30-103

      Date Announced:
      JAN 13, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028624

      MERCEDES VEHICLE: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) RETURN FLOW PUMP RUNNING WITHOUT CONTROL WITH CORRESPONDING FAULT CODE C1401, CLEAN AND INSULATED THE CONNECTOR FOR THE RETURN FLOW PUMP RELAY. MODELS 202 AND 208. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    • TSB #PB-42-30-103

      Date Announced:
      JAN 13, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028624

      MERCEDES VEHICLE: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) RETURN FLOW PUMP RUNNING WITHOUT CONTROL WITH CORRESPONDING FAULT CODE C1401, CLEAN AND INSULATED THE CONNECTOR FOR THE RETURN FLOW PUMP RELAY. MODELS 202 AND 208. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    • TSB #LI05.10-P-058758

      Date Announced:
      MAR 19, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10167489

      Noise: A rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx. 2-5 seconds after engine start. Read More »

    • TSB #LI49.00-P-058448

      Date Announced:
      MAR 03, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10167508

      Soot particles collecting on the bumper. Most visible in the area around the tail pipes, especially on light-colored finishes Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    • TSB #033008

      Date Announced:
      APR 24, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10022893

      CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. Read More »

    • TSB #2004070012

      Date Announced:
      AUG 01, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10009820

      REPLACEMENT OF ABC PRESSURE SUPPLY VALVE UNIT HYDRAULIC LINE. *TT Read More »

    • TSB #070021F

      Date Announced:
      JUL 11, 2003
      NHTSA ID:
      #10002965

      ENGINE TICKING (PISTON SLAP LIKE SOUND) NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 1200 AND 3000 RPM. *TT Read More »

    • TSB #032006

      Date Announced:
      DEC 18, 2002
      NHTSA ID:
      #10000630

      ENGINE OIL LEAKS. *TT Read More »

    • TSB #070021D

      Date Announced:
      DEC 02, 2002
      NHTSA ID:
      #10000638

      ENGINE TICKING (PISTON SLAP) NOISE COMPLAINTS WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 1200 AND 3000 RPM. MODELS E500, SL500, CLK500 MY2003. *TT Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

    • TSB #2003110006

      Date Announced:
      APR 01, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10006974

      INSTALLATION OF WIRING HARNESS ADAPTER FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN MALFUNCTION. *TT Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

    • TSB #2008020002

      Date Announced:
      AUG 01, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10027826

      MERCEDES-BENZ: DAIMLER AG HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE VENT HOSE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY NOT CONFORM TO SPECIFICATIONS. CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE VENT HOSE OVER TIME AND IN THE WORST CASE RESULT IN A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. Read More »

    • TSB #2008020002

      Date Announced:
      MAR 01, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10024662

      MODEL C230, MODEL YEARS 2003-2005 - REPLACE ENGINE VENT HOSES. *NJ Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

    • TSB #2003090005

      Date Announced:
      MAR 01, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10006768

      ENGINE CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN FLASHED INCORRECTLY, THUS AFFECTING ENGINE EMISSIONS. THIS ALSO INCLUDES MERCEDES SLK-CLASS 2003. *TT Read More »

    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

    • TSB #PB-61-10-07

      Date Announced:
      SEP 17, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028147

      MERCEDES: REPLACING THE LONGITUDINAL MEMBER (LEFT AND RIGHT) BELOW THE MAIN FLOOR PANEL ON ALL MY 204 UP TO 12/31/07. (C300, C350, C300 4-MATIC, C63 AME). *PE Read More »

    FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

    • TSB #PB-61-10-07

      Date Announced:
      SEP 17, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028147

      MERCEDES: REPLACING THE LONGITUDINAL MEMBER (LEFT AND RIGHT) BELOW THE MAIN FLOOR PANEL ON ALL MY 204 UP TO 12/31/07. (C300, C350, C300 4-MATIC, C63 AME). *PE Read More »

    POWER TRAIN

    • TSB #LI27.50-P-071658

      Date Announced:
      SEP 30, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10181124

      Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R Read More »

    • TSB #LI27.60-P-059296

      Date Announced:
      JUN 30, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10136041

      Selector lever blocks in position "P" (brake applied) Read More »

    • TSB #LI35.30-P-058566

      Date Announced:
      FEB 25, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166994

      Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa) Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    • TSB #LI54.30-P-072145

      Date Announced:
      DEC 10, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186141

      NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock Read More »

    • TSB #LI91.10-P-049799

      Date Announced:
      JUL 10, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166087

      The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of OK components being removed. Read More »

    • TSB #LI82.85-P-055695

      Date Announced:
      JUL 08, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10167563

      The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30). Read More »

    • TSB #LI83.00-P-052510

      Date Announced:
      FEB 22, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10135917

      Malfunctions of various control units and/or on-board power supply problems caused by water in the control unit tray under the driver/front passenger seat (dislocated, pinched or leaking condensation ... Read More »

    • TSB #PB-91-60-53A

      Date Announced:
      FEB 27, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028586

      MERCEDES VEHICLE: THE SRS INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED AND CODE B1058 AND B2DBO ARE STORED, REPLACE THE SRS CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 203 AND MODEL 209. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

    • TSB #2005100005

      Date Announced:
      OCT 01, 2005
      NHTSA ID:
      #10017494

      A SOFTWARE CHARACTERISTIC MAY AFFECT THE RATIONAL SPEED OF THE STARTER. THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPROGRAMMED. *TT Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID

    • TSB #SB-2009100001

      Date Announced:
      APR 01, 2011
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033116

      MERCEDES: REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT SOLENOID(S) AND INSTALL ADAPTER HARNESS(ES). DUE TO THE SETTLING PROPERTIES OF THE SEAL OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT SOLENOID SPECIFICATION, OIL MAY ENTER THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS(ES) THROUGH THE ... Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    • TSB #SB-2009100001

      Date Announced:
      APR 01, 2011
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033116

      MERCEDES: REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT SOLENOID(S) AND INSTALL ADAPTER HARNESS(ES). DUE TO THE SETTLING PROPERTIES OF THE SEAL OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT SOLENOID SPECIFICATION, OIL MAY ENTER THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS(ES) THROUGH THE ... Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    • TSB #LI54.30-P-072145

      Date Announced:
      DEC 10, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186141

      NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

    • TSB #PB-82-10-376F

      Date Announced:
      FEB 06, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028585

      MERCEDES VEHICLES: THE XENON OR BI-XENON HEADLAMP NOT FUNCTIONING. A FUNCTION DESCRIPTION CAN BE FOUND IN WIS DOCUMENT GF8S.10-P-20010 (203), GF82.10-P-0003Q (209); GF82.10-P-3002R (230). MODEL YEARS UKNOWN. Read More »

    VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

    • TSB #887039

      Date Announced:
      MAR 16, 2005
      NHTSA ID:
      #10014583

      SEAL BETWEEN EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR HOUSING AND DOOR. *TT Read More »

    AIR BAGS

    • TSB #PB-91-60-53A

      Date Announced:
      FEB 27, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028586

      MERCEDES VEHICLE: THE SRS INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED AND CODE B1058 AND B2DBO ARE STORED, REPLACE THE SRS CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 203 AND MODEL 209. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE Read More »

    • TSB #912956A

      Date Announced:
      JUL 22, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10004014

      SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. *TT Read More »

    • TSB #916061

      Date Announced:
      JUL 09, 2003
      NHTSA ID:
      #10002966

      ILLUMINATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) LAMP WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT Read More »

    SEAT BELTS

    STRUCTURE

    • TSB #LI91.10-P-048497

      Date Announced:
      JUL 12, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166081

      Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. Read More »

    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

    • TSB #2004050015

      Date Announced:
      AUG 17, 2004
      NHTSA ID:
      #10009891

      THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES. VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN. COVER LETTER, RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN AND LETTER TO OWNERS. Read More »

    SEATS

    • TSB #LI91.18-P-077075

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2023
      NHTSA ID:
      #10248162

      Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ??A?A? Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ??A?A? Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. Read More »

    • TSB #LI91.10-P-059391

      Date Announced:
      JUL 12, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166095

      Noise from the front seats during load change. Read More »

    • TSB #LI91.25-P-059380

      Date Announced:
      JUL 10, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166099

      Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky. Read More »

    • TSB #LI91.10-P-048498

      Date Announced:
      JUL 09, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166082

      Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame. Read More »

    • TSB #LI91.10-P-048503

      Date Announced:
      JUL 09, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166085

      Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining Read More »

    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

    • TSB #PB 42-45-98

      Date Announced:
      MAR 28, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10025642

      MODEL 203 (C) SERIES FROM PRODUCTION 8/1/01 TO 2/1/03 AND MODEL 209 (CLK) SERIES UP TO PRODUCTION 2/1/03; ESP VISIT WORKSHOP WITH FAULT CODE C1185. *PE Read More »

    • TSB #PB 42-45-98

      Date Announced:
      MAR 28, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10025642

      MODEL 203 (C) SERIES FROM PRODUCTION 8/1/01 TO 2/1/03 AND MODEL 209 (CLK) SERIES UP TO PRODUCTION 2/1/03; ESP VISIT WORKSHOP WITH FAULT CODE C1185. *PE Read More »

    • TSB #PB 42-45-98

      Date Announced:
      MAR 28, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10025642

      MODEL 203 (C) SERIES FROM PRODUCTION 8/1/01 TO 2/1/03 AND MODEL 209 (CLK) SERIES UP TO PRODUCTION 2/1/03; ESP VISIT WORKSHOP WITH FAULT CODE C1185. *PE Read More »

    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

    • TSB #LI42.47-P-067502

      Date Announced:
      DEC 09, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186135

      If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit Read More »

    EQUIPMENT

    • TSB #8270314B

      Date Announced:
      MAR 09, 2005
      NHTSA ID:
      #10014547

      HIGH-PITCHED WHINING NOISE HEARD ON TELEPHONE/VCS/TELE AID CALLS. *TT Read More »

    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

    • TSB #C1A140101

      Date Announced:
      FEB 11, 2014
      NHTSA ID:
      #10166975

      This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the ... Read More »

    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

    EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY