Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
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| Production | 1993–present |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 190E |
| Class | Compact executive car |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Although originally sold in sedan and station wagon body styles, the W203 series in 2000 debuted a coupe version that later when facelifted diverged into the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. The CLC-Class remained in production through to 2011 when replaced by a new W204-based C-Class coupe. All three generations of C-Class have also formed the basis of Mercedes-Benz's larger mid-size coupes: the CLK-Class (C208 and C209) and E-Class (C207) coupes.
W202 (1993–2000)
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| Production | 1993–2000 |
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| Model years | 1994–2000 |
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany East London, South Africa Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico Toluca, Mexico Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 6th of October, Egypt (EGA) Thonburi, Thailand (TAAP) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door wagon |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W202 |
| Engine | 1.8–2.3 L M111 I4 2.8 L M104 I6 2.4–2.8 L M112 V6 3.6 L M104 I6 AMG 4.3–5.4 L M113 V8 AMG 2.0–2.2 L OM604 Diesel I4 2.2 L OM611 Diesel I4 2.5 L OM605 Diesel I5 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm (105.1 in) |
| Length | 4,505 mm (177.4 in) |
| Width | 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz C208 |
Engines
On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The new family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), the only four-cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1996 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N·m (162 lb·ft). The C 280 was the high end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp).Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful OM605 five-cylinder engines which were available in naturally aspired (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The turbodiesel was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Due to the tax law in Italy and Portugal, models in those countries featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.
The 1997 diesel models featured the OM611, equipped with a common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an improved output of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Also, the inline six engines were replaced by a family of V6, the M112. The new engines featured SOHC heads instead of the previous DOHC, three valves per cylinder instead of four, and twin sparkplugs. The four-cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS (3 kW; 4 hp) increase with the change).
In the last four years of production, the W202 received a few changes in the choices of engine. In 1998, a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000, the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.
Transmissions
The original W201 "Baby Benz" came standard in Germany with a 5-speed transmission, automatic transmissions were optional. In the United States automatic transmissions were standard, but individuals had the option of a manual transmission although few chose the option. At the launch of the "official" C-Class, all W202 variants were equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 722.4 4-speed automatic transmission, also called 4G-TRONIC, was available as extra cost (standard on the C 36 AMG), which US dealers chose to mainly offer on sales lots. In 1996 this old transmission - which was on sale since 1981 - was replaced by a 5-speed automatic gearbox (aka 722.5 or 5G-TRONIC), which received the manual shifting in 1999 (722.6). In 2000 the T-Modell, the only still on sale, was equipped with the G56 6-speed manual transmission.Safety
With the 1997 restyling ASR became standard in all the models, except in the C 180 and C 220 Diesel. This last model continued to offer ETS available as extra cost. Moreover front side airbags and Brake assist (BAS) came in the list of standard safety features. The two basic models finally joined ASR in 1998, and, in 1999, the W202 was the first mid-size sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range.
Crash test ratings
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| EuroNCAP pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): | |
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T-Model
Mercedes-Benz introduced a station wagon model in 1996, internally designated T-Modell (T for tourenwagen - touring car). It shared the same trim levels as the sedan, with the exception of the AMG versions. The W202 T-model was not made available to the North American market, although the W203 version was.US-spec models
W202s in North America included the C 220 (later replaced by the C 230), C240, C 280 (both I6 and V6) and the AMG variants. It was launched in the U.S. in November 1993, and unlike models in Europe, featured a third stop light, no specific trim levels, and side lights at the end of the front-turn signals. The top speed was also electronically limited to 130 mph (210 km/h) in the US due to tire speed restrictions.Restyling
AMG models
In 1995, the C-Class received its first genuine performance model, the C 36 AMG, to counter the new six-cylinder BMW M3. Developed with AMG, the tuning house that had now become a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, it had racing-tuned suspension (lowered by 25 mm (1 in)) and in the USA, a four-speed automatic gearbox, followed by a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a general output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm.AMG later conceded that since the engine was hand modified,power outputs could vary slightly from 276 hp (206 kW) to 287 hp (214 kW). The C36 AMG accelerates to 60 mph (97 km/h) from a stop in 5.8 seconds and top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Unlimited Top Speed was recorded at 272 km/h (169 mph).Only a total of 5200 C 36 AMGs were produced.In late 1997 (1998 model year) AMG released a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. Unlike the C36, which was in fact a "ready-to-sell" C280 disassembled for tuning at the AMG factory, the C43 was the first AMG car to be completely assembled at the AMG plant in Affalterbach after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) time in 5.7 seconds for the saloon version and 5.9 seconds for the estate. The C43 was the first C-Class to be equipped with a Mercedes-Benz V8 based engine.
Some differences have been reported between the 1998 and the 2000 version such as the ECU software on the 2000 version that seems to provide better gearbox performances and longer life to the gearbox. Also the 2000 model gives the possibility to up or down lift the steering wheel and has the AMG forged letters on the brakes calipers.
The car was manufactured for a little more than two years – from the end of 1997 to the spring of 2000 for a total of 4,200 units 20% of which are estates and 80% saloons, with only 25 C 43 vehicles of the 2000 model year imported to the US.
The C43 is powered by a tuned version of the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine originally found on the W210 E 430 model. After modifications this engine delivers 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5,850 rpm, up to 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) of torque at 3,250 rpm-5,000 rpm (taken at the crank) and up to 241 hp (180 kW) at 6,320 rpm measured at the wheels. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can reach 155.5 mph (250.3 km/h), with electronic speed limitation and 168 mph (270 km/h) without.[citation needed] Transmission is an AMG-modified version of the five-speed automatic gearbox found on 1998-2000 R129 SL 500. Main modifications were made in order to achieve a more crisper and better adapted gearbox to higher-rpm upshifts. Also the braking system has been taken from the W210 E 55 AMG.
Second generation (W203: 2000–2006)
 Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz C 200 Kompressor Elegance wagon (Australia) |
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| Production | July 2000 – December 2006 |
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| Model years | 2001–2007 |
| Assembly | Germany: Bremen; and Sindelfingen Brazil: Juiz de Fora Egypt: 6th of October City India: Pune Indonesia: Bogor Malaysia: Pekan (DRB-HICOM) Mexico: Toluca & Santiago Tianguistenco [10] South Africa: East London Thailand: Thonburi[11] |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.8–2.3 L M111 I4 1.8 L M271 I4 Kompressor 2.0–2.3 L M111 I4 Kompressor 2.6 L–3.2 L M112 V6 2.5 L–3.5 L M272 V6 3.2 L Supercharged M112 V6 AMG 5.4 L M113 V8 AMG 2.1 L OM611 Diesel I4 2.7 L OM612 Diesel I5 3.0 L OM642 Diesel V6 3.0 L OM612 Diesel I5 AMG |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
| Length | Sedan: 4,526 mm (178.2 in) Wagon: 4,541 mm (178.8 in) SportCoupe: 4,343 mm (171.0 in) |
| Width | 1,728 mm (68.0 in) |
| Height | Sedan: 1,426 mm (56.1 in) Wagon: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) Coupe: 1,406 mm (55.4 in) |
Mercedes-Benz debuted a coupe variant in October 2000, labelled the C-Class SportCoupé and given the model designation CL203 (see below). The third body variant, a station wagon codenamed S203 arrived in 2001. Then in 2002 for the 2003 model year, a new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, debuted for the entire range C-Class range. All of them used the same 1.8-litre engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The C 230 Kompressor variant sported 142 kW (190 hp). The newer 1.8-litre was less powerful but smoother and more efficient than the older 2.3-litre engine (141 kW (192 PS) compared to 142 kW (193 PS). For the C 240 and C 320, 4MATIC four-wheel drive versions were also offered in addition to rear-wheel drive.
AMG
After the performance of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales among high-end buyers by introducing two different AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2-litre V6 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, but it required a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 260 kW (354 PS) and 450 N·m (332 lb·ft). Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) sprint within 5.2 seconds. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0-litre five-cylinder diesel engine, capable of 170 kW (231 PS) and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft). Both were available in all three body styles, but the diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as was as the C 32 AMG SportCoupé.Along with the mid-generation refresh of the C-Class in 2005, the C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of the V8 engine found in the previous E-Class, with power raised to 270 kW (367 PS) and torque climbing to 510 N·m (376 lb·ft). The C 55 AMG uses a V8 from the same engine family as the W202 generation C 43 AMG. Though maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), the 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time has dropped to 4.9 seconds. Unlike the less-powerful V6s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C 55 AMG continued to use the five-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift.
Facelift
The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In North America, the refresh took effect for the 2005 model year. The interior styling was changed in all three body styles. The instrument cluster was revised to display a set of analogue gauges, and the center console and audio systems were revised. A fully integrated iPod connection kit was available as was a better Bluetooth phone system made optional. For the North American market C 230, the "sport" package was made standard which included AMG edition bumpers, side skirts and front four caliper cross-drilled brakes from the C 55.
As of Sep 20, 2006, over two million C-Class vehicles (including sedan, station wagon and SportCoupé) had been sold since March 2000, with 1.4 million sedans since May 2000, 330,000 wagons since spring 2001, 283,000 Sports Coupé since spring 2001. Over 30 percent of total sales occurred in Germany, and over 20 percent in the United States. The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant.
Coupe (CL203)
2000–2008: SportCoupé
While the C-Class sedan and wagon had the traditional Mercedes horizontal bar grille with the hood ornament, the coupé had a star-grille front end. The coupé also had a swooping fastback roofline, and a functional rear spoiler at the short rear end that added downforce on the rear tires at high speeds. One exclusive option to the coupé was a panorama sunroof that was intended to make the rear seats feel less cramped. The coupé was seven inches (178 mm) shorter overall compared to the sedan but both share the same wheelbase length.
Initial engine options comprised the C 180 (139 PS), C220 (143 PS), C 200 Kompressor, and C 230 Kompressor. In 2003, Mercedes-Benz added the C 180 Kompressor, followed by the C 200 CGI in 2003, and finally the C 160 Kompressor in 2005. The C 230 SportCoupé was powered by a 2.3-litre supercharged, four-cylinder motor. It offered 143 kW (192 hp) and 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) of torque. However, the supercharged inline-four engine was considered to be coarse and noisy at the high end.
While BMW's 3-Series hatchback was criticized as looking like a full-sized 3-series with the rear chopped off, the Sportcoupé's fastback profile was considered a more stylist off-shoot of the C-Class sedan. While the C 230 base model enabled the automaker to reach a lower price point than existing models sold in North America,some suggested that the hatchback configuration (as "liftback" is almost never used in North America) and the "inexpensive Mercedes" moniker would undermine the marque which was traditionally composed of expensive cars. It also lacked standard leather seats and a CD player, amenities typically expected of German luxury imports (especially a Mercedes).
Like the BMW 3-Series hatchback, the SportCoupé proved unpopular with the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high prices compared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, as well as unfavorable exchange rates. The C 230 Sport Coupe and the C 320 Sport Coupe were the two most inexpensive models in the U.S. and Canadian C-Class lineup at the time. However, adding leather upholstery and automatic transmission moved the Sportcoupé close to sportier rivals such as the Audi TT and the BMW 325Ci Coupe.
Along with the C-Class Estate (wagon), the SportCoupé was discontinued in Canada and the United States after the 2005 model year. The SportCoupé continued on sale in other markets until 2008. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230,000 SportCoupé were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil.
Mercedes found that the Sportcoupé was a popular first Mercedes for new customers, 40 per cent of whom reportedly return to buy more expensive models later on.
2008–2011: CLC-Class
Although the CLC is still based on the W203 platform, it was facelifted with an updated front and tail inspired by the W204 series C-Class. The refresh reworked the rear and front along with some other refinements and new details (Mercedes claimed around 1,100 components), including a steering system borrowed from the SLK-Class and a revised suspension. Out of the sheetmetal of the CLC-Class, only the doors and roof were carried over from the Sportcoupé. The interior is still largely similar to the first-generation SportCoupé, although it did receive the W204 steering wheel and an updated optional navigation system.
Some auto journalists noted that the improvements were limited in order to differentiate the CLC-Class and protect the status of the more lucrative marques in the lineup; one reviewer stated the "CLC does just about enough to introduce new customers to the world of Mercedes" and that it had the "feel of an authentic Mercedes-Benz, which is more than I’d say about the A-Class and B-Class front-wheel-drive hatchbacks". Due to the age of the W203 platform which "exudes a level of float and wallow" not found in the W204 C-Class, the CLC received mixed reviews against sportier rivals such as the BMW 1 Series coupé (a successful replacement of the 3-Series hatchback).
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