Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a line of entry-level compact luxury sedan automobiles produced by Mercedes-Benz. The C-Class was first introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range. It was the most affordable model in the Mercedes lineup until the arrival of the A-Class in 1998. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in the German towns of Sindelfingen and Bremen. The very first C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993 and the second generation C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation (W204) has been available for sale since early 2007 as a 2008 year model.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review.

Recent Changes

 * Ahead of its 2011 NAIAS debut, Mercedes released initial details and pictures of its 2012 C-Class mid-cycle facelift. Among the changes besides the reworked front and rear fascia include an upgraded dashboard with a high-res color display, new direct-injection engines, a reworked 7-speed automatic with gear ratios calibrated for maximum fuel economy and driver assistance systems like MB's Attention Assist drowsiness sensor, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic. Mercedes will also be debuting the new generation of its telematics system in the C-Class, featuring larger 3D displays, phone book transfer, text message display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface in the center armrest. Back to the bodywork, a new lighter aluminum hood keeps the pounds at bay and the whole body has a coefficient of drag of an impressive 0.26. This mandate of improving the car's fuel efficiency is complimented by two new engines in the form of a 1.8 litre turbocharged and Direct-Injected Inline-4 producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque while returning a combined 24 mpg and a new 3.5 litre DI V6 that develops 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 34 hp and 15 lb-ft but returning 5 percent improvement in fuel economy. The U.S. market introduction is scheduled for summer 2011.

Styles and Major Options
There are four bad trims for the 2006 C-Class: the C230 Sport Sedan, C280 Luxury Sedan, C350 Sport Sedan, and C350 Luxury Sedan. Aside from engine size, few features differ across the trim levels. For example, the two Luxury models come standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission, optional for the two Sport models which have manual transmissions, and MB's 4MATIC All Wheel Drive is an option only available to the Luxury models. In addition, the C350 trims possess a handful of standard features that are only optional on the C230 and C280, such as driver and passenger seat memory and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.

Some of the standout standard features available on all models include:
 * Leather/Leatherette Seat Trim
 * Automatic Air Conditioning
 * AM/FM/CD Stereo System with MP3 Capability
 * Cruise Control
 * Power Locks, Windows, and Heated Exterior Rearview Mirrors
 * Power Adjustable Headrests

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class can be found at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Reliability
Though it received a 73 rating from Consumer Reports, the magazine reported that C-Class reliability has been below average. In addition, Automotive Information Sytems reports that the C-Class engine had Significant Problems before bringing their rating in that category slightly higher to Moderate Problems in 2003. According to the same study, ratings in all other categories were positive.

As seen in carsurvey.org, most W203 generation C class have problems with reliability.

RECALL ALERT: On November 19, 2007, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall entailing 5,283 2008 MY Mercedes-Benz C-Class models in the USA. The problem concerns faulty rear outboard seat belts which, according to the NHTSA, does not comply with the lap-belt lockability requirement which enables the lap belt portion of the belt to be locked by the user to assist the use of older non-latch design child restraint devices. Mercedes-Benz urges all owners of affected vehicles to approach MB dealers where the seat belts will be replaced free of cost.

Safety
Front Impact and Rollover tests performed by the NHTSA yielded ratings of 4/5 stars for the C-Class, and Side Impact tests earned it 5/5 stars. All trims of the C-Class come equipped with a variety of standard safety features, including:
 * 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
 * Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
 * Front Impact, Door Mounted, and Overhead Airbags
 * Daytime Running Lights
 * Childseat and Occupancy Sensors
 * Rear Child Safety Door Locks
 * Side Impact Bars
 * Front and Rear Seatbelt Pretensioners

Colors
A complete list of available colors for the C-Class can be viewed at CarsDirect.com. Here is a partial list:

Exterior
 * Arctic White
 * Barolo Red Metallic
 * Iridium Silver Metallic
 * Obsidian Black Metallic
 * Pewter Metallic

Interior
 * Ash
 * Black
 * Stone

Main Competitors

 * Acura TSX
 * BMW 3 Series
 * Audi A4
 * Lexus IS 350
 * Infiniti G35
 * Volvo S40

Hybrid Models
If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes
If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.

Interior
The C-Class's dashboard received a major overhaul for the 2012 model year. Among many complaints of the outgoing pre-facelift W204 cabin was its use of cheaper plastic materials in certain areas, though it itself was a massive improvement over the universally panned W203 interior.

Stylistically, the new cabin can best be described as a miniaturized version of the W221 S-Class's sumptuous accommodations. Though still geometric in theme and design, much of the cabin's lines have been softened considerably compared to the old version's austere no-nonsense Teutonic brutalism and pragmatism.

A thick, wide horizontal swath of trim spans the restyled dashboard and divides the upper and lower section. Speaking of which, brushed aluminum trim sets off the dash in the C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models while the C350 Sport is veneered in Black Ash. The Luxury models, on the other hand, sport Burl Walnut wood.

Previously squared airvents have been replaced with round units on the outer edge and a trapezoidal unit in the center while the instrument cluster is now surrounded by higher quality faux aluminum surrounds in place of the former cheap looking faux chrome ring appliques. Furthermore, the steering wheel has also received a marked improvement in design - now a three spoke affair taken from the C218 CLS. In the center stack, the audio system interface has been largely reworked while the HVAC controls are completely carried over. Overall, attention was focused on improving the interior's perceived quality.

Arguably the most prominent upgrade for the 2012 model is the inclusion of a large high-res color display as standard equipment on all trim levels. It is situated in a covered alcove in the center of the dashboard, beside the instrument cluster, and controlled using a restyled rotary knob located in the center console ahead of the driver's side armrest. The screen houses the car's multimedia telematics system, which itself is the first application of the company's next-generation COMAND system, and features 3D graphics, phone book transfer, text message display and wireless music via Bluetooth. Furthermore, a USB interface is located in the center armrest for extra external media storage.

Mercedes' Driver Assistance Systems are also interwoven into the cabin's driver interface. Previously found only in the company's higher-end models, Attention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic are now included in the entry-level luxury/executive car.

Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "the C-Class falls short of typical Mercedes-Benz expectations. It has only a slightly better-than-average projected residual value over a four-year period, ranking a few percentage points behind the Audi A4 and far behind the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Infiniti G35."

Criticisms

 * "Too bad there's not enough leg room for the rear passengers." - The Detroit News
 * "Prestige has its price. The C-Class is tight on rear-seat legroom and can cost thousands more than comparably equipped models from Audi, Infiniti and Saab." - Kelley Blue Book

According to owner reviews in carsurvey.org, the W203 C Class have many problems in reliability.

Generations
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W204 (Current Generation: 2008-Present)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz W204

DaimlerChrysler introduced a new generation of the C-Class on January 18, 2007 and is expected to display it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales will start in late March 2007 for the European market. The new vehicle has an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the most recent S-Class and some hints from the CLS-Class. The model will have three levels of equipment - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. A high performance AMG version with a 6.2 L engine will follow. The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grill, with a three-point star bonnet emblem. The Avantgarde line has a grill similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with three horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star. In the U.K. the Avantgarde line will be known as the C-Class Sport, and will come with an AMG bodykit, and AMG alloy wheels as standard.

Mercedes plans on redesigning the entire C-Class lineup with saloon and estate versions - while the Sportcoupé will remain based on the W203 chassis - coming out throughout 2007 and 2008. There will be an increase of component-sharing with other Mercedes' models, namely the redesigned E- and S-Class, as well as the upcoming GLK-Class compact SUV.

Versions of the car will be available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (in the latter case an improved version of the 4MATIC system), along with a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines. Engines will most likely be the straight-4 M271 and V6 M272 petrol engines and straight-4 OM611 + OM651 and V6 OM642 Diesel engines. Six speed manual transmissions and the 7G-TRONIC seven-gear automatic transmissions will be available on six-cylinder engines and a five speed automatic will be optional on the four cylinder models.

Engines announced at release were:

W203 (Third Generation: 2000–2007)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz W203

The second generation C-Class was introduced in 2000, with an even sportier look than the previous generations, with a steeper frontend and shorter rearend. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 petrol engines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. The V6s were versions of the previous model with increased displacement, to 2.6 L and 3.2 L, this one with 218 PS (160 kW/215 hp). The Diesels now featured common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for nearly the entire range (except the C 320 and C 270 CDI). For the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 180 (2.0 L), C 240 (2.6 L) and C 200 CDI (2.2 L).

In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-Modell (station wagon) and Sportcoupé bodyworks. The Sportcoupé was actually a three-door hatchback made to counter the BMW 3-Series Compact, but like its competitor, it proved unpopular with the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high prices compared to the lower midsize models it was competing against, a cramped cabin, and handling problems when compared to the sedan. It was removed from the US lineup in 2005 and is unlikely to be replaced for the third generation C-Class. A 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. 4MATIC four wheel drive versions were also offered for the C 240 and C 320.

After the success of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales 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 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement, but it required a Roots supercharger to reach 354 PS (260 kW/349 hp) at 6100 rpm and 450 Nm (332&ft.lbf) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic. 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 Nm (398 ft.lbf) 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.

The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior styling was changed in all three body styles. Different taillights were added to the Sportcoupé and several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. These were available in both petrol and Diesel configuration, ranging between 2.5 L and 3.5 L, and the three-valve twin spark design was replaced by the more standard four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. The C 350 could now reach 272 PS (200 kW/268 hp), while the C 320 CDI was good for 224 PS (165 kW/221 hp). In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC semi-automatic gearbox as optional, the Diesel four cylinder's power was slightly increased, and a more economic naturally-aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.

The C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.5 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 Nm (376 ft.lbf) 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. Maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but the car can now reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in a claimed 5.2 seconds.

The C-Class is arguably one of the most popular automobiles in its class in many of the European markets. The second generation was for a long time after its release the second most popular new car in the German market, right after the Volkswagen Golf, and in 2002 it achieved success in the field of safety by scoring the maximum five stars in a EuroNCAP crash test. In the United States, the C-Class automobiles are the least expensive of the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant, after almost 630,000 units of the sedan were produced.

However, the W203 Sportcoupé will continue to be produced beyond this date, since Mercedes-Benz does not foresee to produce a W204 Sportcoupé. Indeed, it has decided to offer an updated W203 Sportcoupé with a new restyled front end inspired by the W204 sedan and an improved engine range parallel to the one of the W204.

Model lineup

The W203 C-Class model lineup was composed of:

W202 (Second Generation: 1993-2000)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz W202

The C-Class was introduced in 1993, as a competitor to BMW's E36 3 Series, as its predecessor, the 190, had been. The C-Class proved immensely popular, quickly becoming Mercedes-Benz's best-selling class of vehicles worldwide. Much of its popularity was accredited to its affordability. At the time the C-Class sedans were the entry level to the Mercedes-Benz range, but now are no longer the smallest, least expensive sedans offered by Mercedes-Benz. The model also kept the sporty image of the 190 with a smoother and more rounded appearance than lines than the other vehicles produced by Mercedes at the time, its sporty image giving birth to a competition version in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship).

On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multivalve engines. The new family of four cylinder petrol and Diesel units debuted in the C before extending to the E-Class and the LCV. These ranged from 1.8 L to 2.2 L, with power beginning at 122 PS (90 kw/121 hp). The C 220 D had 95 PS (70 kW/94 hp), a value that was outstanding for the time, achieving over 40 hp/L without recourse to turbocharging. The top of the range was the C 280, with a six cylinder engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW/190 hp).

In 1994 and 1995, Mercedes introduced a few novelties in the engine range. The first was a supercharged petrol version, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (142 kW/190 hp) at 5300 rpm. A new 250 D Turbo was also introduced, with a 20-valve five cylinder engine capable of reaching 150 PS (110 kW/148 hp).

But the most important addition was the first genuine performance C-Class, 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&nsp;in)) and a standard five-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic function. The 3.6 L engine had a maximum output of 280 PS (206 kW/276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 Nm (284 ft.lbf) at 4000 rpm. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). A total of 5200 C 36 AMGs were produced.

In 1997, the C-Class was given a small midlife freshening, with new darker rear lights and new wheel rims as well as subtle interior trim changes, especially the door mouldings. Front and rear bumpers also changed in shape for a more modern, even sporty, look. For the first time, the C-Class also received a station wagon, named the T-Modell. The C 220 was transformed into the C 230, with displacement increasing to 2.3 L, retaining the same power, but with torque increased to 220 Nm (162 ft.lbf). In addition, brand new five speed automatic gearboxes were now optional in the whole range.

In 1998, a few other updates made it to the lineup. The European C-Class models received a less powerful C 200 Kompressor model, as well as a V6 engine for the first time, ranging from 2.4 L to 2.8 L. These replaced the DOHC 4-valve heads with new SOHC heads with only three valves per cylinder and twin sparkplugs, theoretically reducing emissions and fuel consumption without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS increase with the change). AMG developed a new range-topper for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a smoother 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 306 PS (225 kW/302 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 Nm (302 ft.lbf) at 3250 rpm, less powerful but more torquey than its competition, the BMW M3. It still lacked a manual gearbox, but it was now available as a station wagon. 4200 AMG units were produced.

W201 (First Generation/Origins: 1982-1993)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz W201

Worldwide
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the  goes by another name in these other markets.

C-Class DTM 2006 (W203) specifications
Source: http://www.dtm.com/fahrzeug.php?id=103
 * 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 and must be FIA/DMSB approval safety cage.
 * Length: 4,872 mm (192 in).
 * Height: 1,255 mm (49 in).
 * Width: 1,844 mm (73 in).
 * Weight: 1,030 kg (2,271 lb) (with driver).
 * Wheelbase: 2,795 mm (110 in).
 * Engine: Custom-built Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, 90 degrees, 2xDOHC, 9,000 rpm rev-limit, 4-valves per cylinder.
 * Displacement: 4.0 L (4,000 cc) (245 in³).
 * Exhaust systems: Remus three-way catalytic converter.
 * Aerodynamics: Aerodynamic modifications to front apron and side panels, flat underfloor, rear diffusor, standardized double-profile rear aerofoil.
 * Springs: H&R.
 * Fuel: Aral Ultimate 100% octane (RON) super-unleaded.
 * Fuel capacity: 14.3 imp gal (65 L; 17 US gal).
 * Injector: Fuel injection.
 * Oil: Mobil 1 dry sump, exceeds API SM, newly developed 2006 formula for lower friction and better wear resistance.
 * Pistons: Mahle.
 * Radiator fluid: Würth.
 * Aspiration: Normally aspirated.
 * Power output: 476 hp (355 kW; 483 PS) at 7,500/min.
 * Torque: over over 490 N·m (360 ft·lbf).
 * Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, front: 265/660-R18, rear: 280/660-R18.
 * Steering: Rack-and-pinion steering with power assistance.
 * Brakes: AP Racing standardized carbon brake system without ABS.
 * Clutch: Sandtler 3-plate carbon-fibre clutch.
 * Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive.
 * Intake air restrictors: diameter of 2 x 2 x 28 mm (1.1 in).
 * Safety equipment: BOSS seatbelt 6-point, HANS device.
 * Transmission/Gearbox: Carbon-fiber cardan shaft Three-disc carbon-fiber clutch, mechanically operated via a foot-operated pedal Standardized Xtrac six-speed transmission with sequential gearshift, transaxle configuration with mechanical differential lock Rear-wheel drive without acceleration skid control.
 * Battery: Bosch 12 volts heavy duty battery.
 * 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.
 * Driving Instrument: Steering wheel, Gear stick, cockpit buttons (drink and message), Fan, Electronic Speedometer, Light, Ok button and Air Conditioner.
 * Steering wheel: Mercedes-Benz steering wheel with 4 buttons (Radio, High Beam, Pit Speed Limiter and Pit Request) (similar fasion with Formula One).
 * Traction control: Yes.
 * Ignition: H.W.A CDI plug switchable on/off engine.

C-Class DTM 2008 (W204) 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 and must be FIA/DMSB approval safety cage.
 * Length: 4,872 mm (192 in).
 * Height: 1,255 mm (49 in).1,255 mm (49 in).
 * Width: 1,844 mm (73 in).
 * Weight: 1,050 kg (2,315 lb) (with driver).
 * Wheelbase:2,795 mm (110 in).
 * Engine: Custom-built Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, 90 degrees, 2xDOHC, 9,000 rpm rev-limit, 4-valves per cylinder.
 * Displacement:4.0 L (4,000 cc) (245 in³).
 * Exhaust systems: Remus three-way catalytic converter.
 * Aerodynamics: Aerodynamic modifications to front apron and side panels; flat underfloor; rear diffuser; standardised double-profile rear aerofoil.
 * Springs: H&R.
 * Fuel: Aral Ultimate 100% octane (RON) super-unleaded.
 * Fuel capacity: 65 L (14 imp gal; 17 US gal).
 * Injector: Fuel injection.
 * Oil: Mobil 1 dry sump, exceeds API SM, newly developed 2008 formula for lower friction and better wear resistance.
 * Pistons: Mahle.
 * Radiator fluid: Würth.
 * Aspiration: Normally aspirated.
 * Power output: 500 hp (373 kW; 507 PS) at 7,500/min.
 * Torque: over 500 N·m (370 ft·lbf).
 * Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, front: 265/660-R18, rear: 280/660-R18.
 * Steering: Rack-and-pinion steering with power assistance.
 * Brakes: AP Racing standardized carbon brake system without ABS.
 * Clutch: Sandtler 3-plate carbon-fibre clutch.
 * Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive.
 * Intake air restrictors: diameter of 2 x 28 mm (1.1 in).
 * Safety equipment: BOSS seatbelt 6-point, HANS device.
 * Transmission/Gearbox: Carbon-fiber cardan shaft Three-disc carbon-fiber clutch, mechanically operated via a foot-operated pedal Standardized Xtrac six-speed transmission with sequential gearshift, transaxle configuration with mechanical differential lock Rear-wheel drive without acceleration skid control.
 * Battery: Bosch 12 volts heavy duty battery.
 * Wheel suspension: Double wishbones with spring/damper units on the front and rear axles, actuated via pushrods.
 * Wheel rims: ATS Aluminium wheels with a diameter of 18 inches and a width of 11 inches on the front axle / 12 inches on the rear axle; standardised tyres with a diameter of 660 mm on front and rear axles
 * ECU: Bosch MS 2.9.
 * Driving Instrument: Steering wheel, Gear stick, cockpit buttons (drink and message), Fan, Electronic Speedometer, Light, Ok button and Air Conditioner.
 * Steering wheel: Mercedes-Benz steering wheel with 4 buttons (Radio, High Beam, Pit Speed Limiter and Pit Request) (similar fasion with Formula One).
 * Traction control: Yes.
 * Ignition: H.W.A CDI plug switchable on/off engine.

FIA Formula One
In addition to a modified SLS AMG for the official safety car, the FIA utilise several C63 estates for medical cars that are stationed around the track in case of an accident. At the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, these cars were used for inspecting the track in the extreme weather that interrupted proceedings.

Design quirks and oddities
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards

 * 2007 Wheels Car of the Year, Australia
 * 2007 Most Beautiful Medium sedan in the World
 * 2007 Most Beautiful Station wagon in the World (Mercedes-Benz C-Class SW)
 * 2000 CarsGUIDE Car Of The Year