MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS (1993 - )

CAR MODEL:
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS (1993 - )
TYPE:
4-Door Saloon.
SIZE:
4478 x 1720
RELIABILITY:
Good dependable motor but check history as servicing is expensive at main dealers. Build is faultless, should be long-lived if looked after.
VERDICT:µµµµm
HISTORY:
OCT 1993 C-Class rear wheel drive Saloons launched: C180 (122 bhp), C220 (150 bhp), C220 Diesel (113 bhp), all with multi-valve engines, 'Cat', 5-speed gearbox or 4-speed automatic, double wishbone suspension, power assisted steering, anti-lock brakes, central locking, airbag and heated electric mirrors. Four specification levels: Classic (equipment as above, cloth trim); Esprit (as Classic plus split/fold rear seat, lower suspension, improved trim); Elegance (as Classic plus electric sunroof and windows, wood trim, front and rear armrests); Sport (as Classic plus alloy wheels, electric sunroof and windows, sports seats, uprated suspension and carbon fibre trim). JAN 1994 C200 models (136 bhp) launched. All models now have standard ignition immobiliser. MAR 1994 C280 models (193 bhp) launched in UK. JUL 1994 AMG C36 Saloon (280 bhp) launched in UK in very limited numbers. OCT 1994 All models now have rear head restraints. Classic and Esprit models now have electric front windows. JAN 1995 All models now have improved immobiliser system and infra-red remote central locking. OCT 1995 C230 Kompressor (supercharged, 193 bhp) launched. Revisions: passenger airbag and new security system (all models); wood fascia trim on Classic; new wheel trims on Esprit; walnut fascia trim on Elegance; new AMG alloy wheels on Sport. JUL 1996 Estate range launched in UK. AUG 1996 C230 (150 bhp petrol) and C250 Turbo diesel (150 bhp) models launched in UK. All automatic models now have electronically controlled 5-speed transmission in place of previous 4-speed unit. Automatic option now available on C230 Kompressor models. C36 AMG now has standard 5-speed automatic gearbox. C180 and C200 have detailed engine modifications for improvement on efficiency and economy. JUN 1997 C240 V6 (170 bhp) and C280 V6 (193 bhp) Saloons and Estates launched in UK with 5-speed automatic transmission, cruise control and air conditioning. Revisions to all models: front side airbags, standard audio system, new grille/bumpers and body colour side skirts. Sport has SLK-type steering wheel. APR 1998 C230 Kompressor Estate launched. JUN 1998 Revisions: all models have adjustable steering column and AST traction control; C200, C250 TD and C230 K have standard air conditioning; Classic, Esprit and Sport models have electric rear windows and front armrests; Elegance models have exit lights; Automatic models have standard cruise control. C43 AMG Saloon and Estate (306 bhp) launched (Specialist models). DEC 1998 C220 CDi (123 bhp) common rail diesel models launched.
COMMENTS:
Excellent compact executive Saloons with unimpeachable engineering and quality. High residuals but driver satisfaction like this never comes cheap. Bucket loads of prestige.


P e r f o r m a n c e       D e t a i l s
Engine
BHP
MPG
Fuel
Ins
Service
0-60
Top Speed
1.8i 16v/4
122
32
UL
11-12
9000 Miles
12.2 Secs
119 m.p.h
2.0i 16v/4
134
32
UL
12-13
9000 Miles
11.1 Secs
123 m.p.h
2.2i 16v/4
148
31
UL
13-14
9000 Miles
10.4 Secs
130 m.p.h
2.3iS 16v/4
191
34
UL
15
9000 Miles
8.3 Secs
143 m.p.h
2.4i 24v/V6
170
28
UL
13
9000 Miles
9.3 Secs
135 m.p.h
2.8i 24v/6
193
27
UL
15-16
9000 Miles
8.5 Secs
143 m.p.h
3.6i 24v/6
277
24
UL
19
9000 Miles
N/A
N/A
2.2D/4
95
40
Diesel
11-12
9000 Miles
16.3 Secs
108 m.p.h
2.5D/TD/5
111-150
40-36
Diesel
12-13
9000 Miles
10.4 Secs
125 m.p.h

 
  The New C-Class Coupé
Dynamic design, sporty appearance and efficient engines		  

  The New SLK
This edition of the roadster from Mercedes-Benz impresses with its dynamism, efficiency and stylish comfort		  

  The New CLS
This autumn the new CLS will cause hearts to race and a whole new spark with its athletic design