Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
---|---|
Parent company | Daimler-Benz DaimlerChrysler AG (from 1998) Daimler AG (from 2007) |
Production | 1993–present |
Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany Monterrey, Mexico East London, South Africa Pune, India Cairo, Egypt Juiz de Fora, Brazil Beijing, China |
Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 190 |
Successor | Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (For Hatchback) |
Class | Compact executive car |
Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive |
The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe) and the E-class Coupe (and its predecessor, the CLK-Class).
W202 (1993–2000)
Production | 1993–2000 |
---|---|
Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 5-door wagon |
Platform | Mercedes-Benz W202 |
Engine(s) | 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 OM601 Diesel I4 2.2 L OM611 Diesel I4 2.5 L OM605 Diesel I5 |
Transmission(s) | 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.
With the restyling in 1997, a lot of things changed under the hood of the Baby Benz. The most important innovation was the OM611, the first turbodiesel engine equipped with a common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an improvement in output of 30 PS compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Another revolution occurred to the six cylinder engines, as the legendary straight six were replaced by an all new 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 theoretically reduced emissions, and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS 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 T's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 T 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
At the launch 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). 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
The W202 confirms the typical attention of the brand to active and passive safety. At the launch the C-Class had standard driver airbag, ABS and integrated side-impact protection; the front passenger airbag became standard from 1995 onwards, and from the same period Traction control (ETS in the 4-cylinder models, combined with limited slip differential (ASD) or ASR in the 6 cylinders models) was available as extra cost. In 1997 ASR became standard in the C 280s equipped with the automatic transmission and in the C 36 AMG, as ETS in the 4-cylinder models, except for the C 180 and the C 220 Diesel.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
EuroNCAP adult occupant. | |
EuroNCAP pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): |
Frontal Driver: | |
Frontal Passenger: | |
Side Driver: | |
Side Rear Passenger: |
T-Model
US-spec models
W202s in North America included the C 220 (later replaced by the C 230), C 280 (both I6 and V6) and the AMG variants. It was launched in the U.S. in 1994, 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.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 a 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 maximum output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Only a total of 5200 C 36 AMGs were produced.In 1998 AMG developed a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. It was also available as a station wagon. Again, only 4200 AMG units were produced, with only 25 C 43 vehicles of the 2000 model year imported to the US. This vehicle bears four gear assembly each side by side to impart better fuel efficiency & performance.
W203 (2000–2007)
Production | Sedan & Wagon 2000–2007 Hatchback 2001–2007 |
---|---|
Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
Platform | Mercedes-Benz W203 |
Engine(s) | 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(s) | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
Length | Saloon: 4,526 mm (178.2 in) T-Modell: 4,541 mm (178.8 in) SportCoupe: 4,343 mm (171.0 in) |
Width | 1,728 mm (68.0 in) |
Height | Saloon: 1,426 mm (56.1 in) T-Modell: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) Coupe: 1,406 mm (55.4 in) |
In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-Modell station wagon and Sportcoupé. The Sportcoupé was a three-door liftback made to counter the BMW Compact, but like its competitor, it 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, and unfavorable exchange rates. Although removed from the North American lineup in 2005, it continued on sale in other markets. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230,000 Sportcoupés were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil. In Canada, it was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. In 2003 new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, also debuted. All of them used the same 1.8 L engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) C 230K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé (replacing the 2.3 L engine in 2002 and older models). The newer 1.8 L was less powerful but smoother and more efficient than the older 2.3 L (192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) compared to 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp). 4MATIC four wheel drive versions were also offered for the C 240 and C 320.
The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior styling was changed in all three body styles. The instrument cluster was revised to display a full set of analog gauges, as well as a full revision of the center console and audio systems. A fully integrated iPod connection kit was available as was a better bluetooth phone system made opional. New eletrics made it more reliable after the "Modellpflege" (model revision.) For the USA market C230, they "sport" package was made standard which included AMG edition bumpers, side skirts and front 4 caliper crossdrilled brakes from the C55. Widebody rear suspension with sport tuned springs and dampers completed the package for 2005. In 2006, Mercedes softened the ride some due to complaints that the 2005 models with the standard AMG edition springs/dampers were too stiff for standard issue. Different taillights were added to the Sportcoupé and several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. Both petrol and diesel engines were added. The C230 V6, C280, C350 replaced the C240 and C320, the new-generation 6-cylinder engines developed substantially more power than the older version, by as much as 24% more, whilst also increasing fuel economy and reducing C02 emissions. The C230 V6, C280 and C350 developed 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp), 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) and 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) respectively. The three-valve twin spark design was replaced by a four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. . On the diesel side too, things were much improved, with a brand-new V6 3.0 litre CDI diesel. The new V6 diesel offered masses of more power compared to the C270 CDI, by as much as 32% more, the CO2 emissions and fuel economy were also bettered, the output of this engine 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) and its torque of 510 Nm made it the worlds most powerful diesel at the time. The C220 CDI received a power increase from 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) to 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, a more economical naturally-aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.
The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant.
However, the W203 Sportcoupé liftback will continue to be produced in Brazil beyond this date, since Mercedes-Benz does not foresee producing a W204 Sportcoupé. Indeed, it has decided to offer an updated W203-2 or CL203 Sportcoupé with a new restyled front end inspired by the W204 sedan and an improved engine range parallel to the one of the W204. It was also spun off into its own separate line as the CLC-Class.
AMG models
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 L 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 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp)) at 6100 rpm and 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0-100 km/h sprint within 5.2 seconds. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0 L five-cylinder engine, capable of 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) at 3800 rpm and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm. Both were available in all three body styles, but the diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as well as the C 32 AMG Sportcoupé.By the revision of the C-Class in 2005, C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.4 L 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 367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp) at 5750 rpm and torque climbing to 510 N·m (376 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. Unlike the less-powerful V6s and V8s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, it continues to use Speedshift five-speed automatic. Though maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) and 4.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is improved, this model is considered the sportiest AMG model in the C-Class history before the recent release of the W204 (third generation) C 63 AMG.
|
|
W204 (2007–present)
| This article is written like an advertisement. Please help rewrite this article from a neutral point of view. For blatant advertising that would require a fundamental rewrite to become encyclopedic, use {{db-spam}} to mark for speedy deletion. |
Production | 2007–present |
---|---|
Body style(s) | 4-door saloon, 5-door estate |
Platform | Mercedes-Benz W204 |
Engine(s) | 1.6 L-1.8 L M271 I4 Kompressor 2.5–3.5 L M272 V6 6.2 L M156 V8 AMG 2.1 L OM611 Diesel I4 2.1 L OM651 Diesel I4 3.0 L OM642 Diesel V6 |
Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,760 mm (108.7 in) |
Length | 4,582 mm (180.4 in) (sedan) 4,596 mm (180.9 in) (wagon) 4,726 mm (186.1 in) (C63 AMG sedan) |
Width | 1,770 mm (69.7 in) |
Height | 1,447 mm (57.0 in) |
The model has four trim levels of equipment - Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde and AMG, A high performance AMG version with a 6.2 L engine followed in September 2007, labelled C 63 AMG with 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) to rival the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille, with a three-point star bonnet emblem. The Avantgarde line has a grille similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with two horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star. In the UK the Classic line is known as the SE and the Avantgarde line is known as the C-Class Sport , and comes with an AMG bodykit, and AMG alloy wheels as standard. In the United States, the Classic is not sold, while the Elegance is known as the C-Class Luxury and the Avantgarde wearing the AMG sports package is known as the C-Class Sport. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well. In Canada, the Elegance (as just the C-Class), Avantgarde (Sport package), and AMG models are sold. Unlike the previous generations, the wagon version is no longer sold in North America.
There is a special system exclusive to this class, named 'Agility control' package, which through its unique concept provides drivers with excellent agility and ride quality. It achieves this feat through a hydro-mechanical set up, which constantly analyses road conditions and driving 'habits', resultantly it adjusts damper & suspension settings accordingly to provide the driver the best possible balance between ride comfort and agility. Buyers can opt for 'Advanced agility control' package. This system is an upgrade to the standard one, offering a 'sport' mode button.
Versions of the car are available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (in the latter case an improved version of the 4MATIC system, not available in right-hand drive format), along with a variety of four and six-cylinder engines (and a 6.2 litre V8 in the C 63 AMG). Engines are the straight-4 M271 and V6 M272 petrol engines, straight-4 OM611 + OM651, and V6 OM642 Diesel engines. Most of the engines are from the W203 C-class, but the C 180K, C 200K, C 200 CDI & C 220 CDI derivatives have increased power outputs, also with improvements with respect to emissions and fuel consumption. In 2008 new generation V6's are expected to replace the current V6 powerplants. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard on all models (except the C 350),(7G-Tronic is available for C 230K, C 280, C 300, C 320 CDI and standard for C 350) and a five speed automatic transmission available for the four cylinder models. In the United States, the C 300 Luxury and C 350 Sport are only available with the 7G-Tronic transmission, and the C 300 Sport comes with a six-speed manual transmission, and the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as an option. In Canada, 7G-Tronic automatic transmission comes with any 4MATIC model. The 4MATIC Models include C 230 4MATIC, C 300 4MATIC, and the C 350 4MATIC. The C 63 AMG comes with standard rear-wheel-drive.
The development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was actually constructed.
The Mercedes E-class coupe shares its platform with the C-class.
AMG model
The C 63 AMG is reportedly the first AMG Mercedes designed from the ground up for performance, as compared to previous AMG cars which essentially featured "bolt on" performance modifications. The C 63 has a revised front end architecture that is taken from the CLK 63 AMG Black series. The revised 7-speed automatic transmission now has three shift modes - Comfort, Sport and Manual - with the last one running with the converter locked allowing the driver to hold the engine at the rev limit. The ESP can now be completely turned off, interfering only under heavy braking. The car also has the quickest, most responsive steering of any Mercedes to date. Car and Driver tested the car in their December 2007 issue and got a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h). This made the C 63 the fastest 4-door production sedan in the world at its debut.Awards
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz C Class was awarded Car of the Year in Australia by Wheels Magazine, edging out the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 2 for the award. It was also awarded "Executive Car Of The Year" by Top Gear Magazine for the 2007 Top Gear Awards.Motorsport
C-Class DTM 2006 specifications
- Chassis: Tubular grid frame with steel roof and sides; other body parts such as doors, hood, fenders and rear cover made from CFK; integrated driver safety cell and defined front, rear and lateral crash structures.
- Length: 191.8 inches.
- Height: 49.4 inches.
- Width: 72.6 inches.
- Weight: 1030 kg (with driver).
- Engine: Custom-built Mercedes-Benz V8, 90 degrees, DOHC.
- Displacement: 4.0 liter.
- Aerodynamics: Aerodynamic modifications to front apron and side panels, flat underfloor, rear diffusor, standardized double-profile rear aerofoil.
- Springs: H&R.
- Fuel capacity: 14.29800114 UK Gallons.
- Fuel: Aral Ultimate 100 RON unleaded.
- Injector: Fuel injection.
- Oil: Mobil 1 dry sump.
- Grease/Radiator fluid: Wurth.
- Power output: 476 hp at 7,500/min.
- Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, front: 265/660-R18, rear: 280/660-R18.
- Steering: Rack-and-pinion steering with power assistance.
- Brakes: Standardized carbon brake system without ABS.
- Intake air restrictors: diameter of 2 x 28 mm.
- Safety equipment: BOSS seatbelt 6-point, HANS device.
- Transmission: Carbon-fiber cardan shaft Three-disc carbon-fiber clutch, mechanically operated via a foot-operated pedal Standardized six-speed transmission with sequential gearshift, transaxle configuration with mechanical differential lock Rear-wheel drive without acceleration skid control.
- Wheel suspension: Double wishbones with spring/damper units on the front and rear axles, actuated via pushrods.
- Wheel rims: ATS Aluminum wheels with a diameter of 18 inches and a width of 11 inches on the front axle / 12 inches on the rear axle; standardized tires with a diameter of 660 mm on front and rear axles.
- ECU: Bosch MS 2.9.
- Ignition: H.W.A CDI on/off switch.
0 comments: