{{More citations needed|date=January 2019}} {{Use British English|date=September 2024}} {{Short description|First generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) | image = Mercedes-Benz W202 C 280 DSC 8896.jpg | caption = | manufacturer = Daimler-Benz (1992–1998)<br />DaimlerChrysler (1998–2001) | production = {{ubl |August 1992<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/C-200-Diesel--W-202-D-20-1993---1995.xhtml?oid=5519|title=C 200 Diesel / W 202 D 20, 1993 - 1995|access-date=10 December 2023|website=mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com}}</ref> – June 2000 (sedan) | March 1995<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/C-200-station-wagon--S-202-E-20-1996---1997.xhtml?oid=5550|title=C 200 station wagon / S 202 E 20, 1996 - 1997|access-date=10 December 2023|website=mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com}}</ref> – January 2001 (station wagon) }} | model_years = 1994–2000 | assembly = {{ubl |Germany: Bremen |Germany: Sindelfingen |South Africa: East London |Mexico: Santiago Tianguistenco |Mexico: Toluca |Indonesia: Bogor Regency |Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City |Egypt: 6th October City (EGA) |Thailand: Samut Prakan (TAAP)}} | designer = Olivier Boulay (1989) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/USD346570|title=Patent USD346570 – Automobile|work=google.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/USD378074|title=Patent USD378074 – Motor vehicle|work=google.com}}</ref><br />Murat Günak | class = Compact executive car (D) | body_style = 4-door sedan<br />5-door station wagon | layout = Front engine, rear-wheel drive | related = Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208)<br />Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170) | engine = {{ubl | '''petrol''': |1.8 L ''M111'' I4 16v |2.0 L ''M111'' Kompressor supercharged I4 16v |2.3 L ''M111'' I4 16v |2.3 L ''M111'' Kompressor supercharged I4 16v |2.8 L ''M104'' I6 24v |2.4–2.8 L ''M112'' V6 18v |3.6 L ''M104'' AMG I6 24v |4.3 L ''M113'' AMG V8 24v |5.4 L ''M113'' AMG V8 24v |'''diesel''': |2.0–2.2 L ''OM604'' TD I4 16v |2.2 L ''OM611'' CDI I4 16v |2.5 L ''OM605'' TD I5 20v }} | transmission = {{ubl|5-speed manual|6-speed manual|4-speed ''4G-Tronic'' automatic|5-speed ''5G-Tronic'' automatic}} | wheelbase = {{cvt|2670|mm|in|1}} | length = {{cvt|4505|mm|in|1}} | width = {{cvt|1720|mm|in|1}} | height = {{cvt|1425|mm|in|1}} | predecessor = Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) | successor = Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) | model_code = W202 (Saloon)<br/>S202 (Wagon) }}
'''Mercedes-Benz W202''' is the internal designation for a compact sedan/saloon manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz between 1992 and 2001, as the first generation of the C-Class (W202), now in its fifth generation (W206). Replacing the 190 series/W201 in June 1993, the C-Class sedan was Mercedes' entry-level model until 1997, when the company launched the first generation A-Class (W168). Production reached 1,847,382 over model years 1994–2000.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.w202-freunde.de/technische-daten-w202/produktionszahlen/ | title=Produktionszahlen W202-Freunde}}</ref>
==Background== Development started on a replacement to the 190 series in October 1986, with design work commencing in 1987 under Bruno Sacco. By 1988, the first full-scale models were made, narrowed to two design directions by December 1988. The design by Olivier Boulay was chosen in 1989 and the production design was frozen in January 1990, subsequently patented on 19 December 1990.<ref name="google.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.google.com/patents?id=rh4nAAAAEBAJ&pg=PA6&dq=%22bruno+sacco%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=cnyzT_PvJIeq2QXN2OzpCA&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCTiCAQ#v=onepage&q=%22bruno%20sacco%22&f=false|title=Patent USD346570 – Automobile – Google Patents<!-- Bot generated title -->}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/gsm/register?GSNR=M9008365-0001|title = DPMAregister | Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2008/07/mercedes-benz-blog-triviameeting-point.html|title=Mercedes-Benz-Blog: Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: Meeting point Mercedes – 25 years of the C-Class<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=2014-06-21|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125440/http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2008/07/mercedes-benz-blog-triviameeting-point.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>europe.autonews.com/article/19970303/ANE/703030836/a-class-sets-new-record-for-mercedes</ref> Rough prototypes went into testing in 1989, with first production design prototypes commencing testing in 1990.
== Engines == The C-Class debuted with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, {{cvt|122|PS|kW hp|0|disp=sqbr}}), C 200 (2.0 L, {{cvt|136|PS|kW hp|0|disp=sqbr}} and C 220 (2.2 L, {{cvt|150|PS|kW hp|0|disp=sqbr}}, the only four-cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1997 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 {{convert|220|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}}. The C 280 was the high-end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-six engine, capable of reaching {{cvt|193|PS|kW hp|0}}.
Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L. 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 aspirated (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 {{cvt|193|PS|kW hp|0}} at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz was once again utilizing 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, up by {{cvt|30|PS|kW hp|0}} 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 V6 engine) and the straight-six C 280 changed over to a V6 of identical displacement. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight, {{cvt|4|PS|kW|0|disp=sqbr}} 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 May 2000 (after the sedan had already been discontinued, so only applying to the T-model), the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to {{cvt|163|PS|kW hp|0}}, the C 240 displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at {{cvt|170|PS|kW hp|0}}. The C 180 got a 2.0 L engine at this time as well. {| class="wikitable" |+ !Models !Production years !Engines !Power !Torque !Acceleration (0–100 km/h) !Top speed !Fuel consumption |- ! colspan="8" |Petrol engines |- | rowspan="3" |C 180 |1993.03–1996.07 | rowspan="2" |{{cvt|1799|cc|cuin|1}} DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E18) | rowspan="2" |{{cvt|90|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,500 rpm | {{cvt|170|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4,200 rpm | rowspan="2" |12 seconds | rowspan="2" |{{cvt|193|km/h|mph|0}} | {{cvt|8.5|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- |1996.08–2000.06 | {{cvt|170|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3,700-4,500 rpm | {{cvt|8.3|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- |2000.06–2001.01 | {{cvt|1998|cc|cuin|1}} DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E20 EVO) | {{cvt|95|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,300 rpm | {{cvt|190|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm |'''T''': 11.2 seconds |'''T''': {{cvt|190|km/h|mph|0}} |'''T''': {{cvt|9.2|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- | rowspan="2" |C 200 |1993–1996 | rowspan="2" |{{cvt|1998|cc|cuin|1}} DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E20) | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|100|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm |{{Convert|190|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm | rowspan="2" |11 seconds | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|203|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|8.6|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |1996–2000 |{{cvt|190|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3,700-4,500 rpm |{{cvt|8.1|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- | rowspan="3" |C 200 Kompressor{{efn|name=fn1|Sold in selected markets including Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia and Hungary}} |1995–1996 | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|1998|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} supercharged DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E20 ML) | {{cvt|180|PS|kW PS hp|0|order=out}} at 5,300 rpm | {{cvt|260|Nm|lbft|0}} at 2,500-4,800 rpm | 8.8 seconds | {{cvt|225|km/h|mph|0}} | rowspan="2" |{{cvt|10.6|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- |1996–2000 |{{cvt|141|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,300 rpm |{{cvt|270|Nm|lbft|0}} at 2,500-4,800 rpm |8.4 seconds |{{cvt|227|km/h|mph|0}} |- |2000.05–2001.01 | {{cvt|1998|cc|cuin|1}} supercharged DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E20 ML EVO){{efn|German market only}} | {{cvt|120|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,300 rpm | {{cvt|230|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2,500-4,800 rpm |'''T''': 9.3 seconds |'''T''': {{cvt|215|km/h|mph|0}} |'''T''': {{cvt|9.4|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- |C 220 |1993–1996 |{{Convert|2199|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E22) |{{Convert|110|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm |{{Convert|210|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm | rowspan="2" |10.5 seconds | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|210|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|8.7|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |C 230 |1996–1998 |{{Convert|2295|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E23) |{{Convert|110|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,400 rpm |{{Convert|220|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,700-4,500 rpm |{{Convert|9.4|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- | rowspan="2" |C 230 Kompressor |1995–1996 | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|2295|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} supercharged DOHC 16V I4 (M111 E23 ML) | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|142|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,300 rpm | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|280|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2,500-4,800 rpm | rowspan="2" |8.4 seconds | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|230|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|9.9|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |1996–2000 | rowspan="2" |{{cvt|9.8|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- | rowspan="2" |C 240 |1997.06–2000.05 |{{cvt|2398|cc|cuin|1}} SOHC 18V V6 (M112 E24) |{{cvt|125|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,900 rpm |{{cvt|225|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3,000-5,000 rpm |9.3 seconds |{{cvt|218|km/h|mph|0}} |- |2000.06–2001.01 |{{cvt|2597|cc|cuin|1}} SOHC 18V V6 (M112 E26) |{{cvt|125|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,500 rpm |{{cvt|240|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4,500 rpm |'''T''': 9.0 seconds |'''T''': {{cvt|217|km/h|mph|0}} |'''T''': {{cvt|10.9|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- <!-- |C-Class V6 DTM<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1994→1995-mercedes-benz-c-class-v6/|title=1994→1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class V6|first=Nick|last=D|date=April 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://group-media.mercedes-benz.com/marsMediaSite/de/instance/picture.xhtml?oid=7426911 | title=Mercedes-Benz Media }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/spec/4967/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-DTM.html | title=1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM Specifications }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://blog.xuite.net/yen5988/twblog1/142729494-1994+Mercedes-Benz+DTM+racing+car+2.5L+V6+(400+bhp) | title=1994 Mercedes-Benz DTM racing car 2.5L V6 (400 BHP) | date=19 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16840/listen-to-these-two-dtm-icons-rev-to-almost-12000-rpm | title=Listen to These Two DTM Icons Rev to Almost 12,000 RPM | newspaper=The Drive | date=10 December 2017 | last1=Gilboy | first1=James }}</ref> |1994–1996 |{{Convert|2499|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 24V V6 (M106) |{{Convert|274-373|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 9,500-11,500 rpm<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/classic/museum/evolution-2-dtm-touring-car/ | title=Legend 7: AMG-Mercedes 190 e 2.5-16 Evolution II DTM touring car }}</ref> |{{Convert|300|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 9,000 rpm |N/A |{{Convert|300-320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} |N/A |- -->| rowspan="2" |C 280 |1993–1997 |{{Convert|2799|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 24V I6 (M104 E28) |{{Convert|142|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm |{{Convert|270|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,750 rpm |8.5 seconds |{{Convert|230|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|10.6|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |1997–2000 |{{Convert|2799|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} SOHC 18V V6 (M112 E28) |{{Convert|145|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,800 rpm |{{Convert|265|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} at 3,000 rpm |8.3 seconds |{{Convert|232|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|10.1|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |C 36 AMG |1993–1997 |{{Convert|3606|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 24V I6 (M104 E36) |{{Convert|206|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,750 rpm |{{Convert|385|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} at 4,000-4,750 rpm |5.8 seconds | rowspan="3" |{{Convert|250|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|10.7|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |C 43 AMG |1997–2000 |{{Convert|4266|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} SOHC 24V V8 (M113 E43) |{{Convert|225|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,850 rpm |{{Convert|410|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,250-5,000 rpm |5.7 seconds |{{Convert|11.7|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |C 55 AMG |1998–2000 |{{Convert|5439|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} SOHC 24V V8 (M113 E55) |{{Convert|255|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm |{{Convert|510|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,000-4,300 rpm |5.5 seconds |{{Convert|11.9|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- ! colspan="8" |Diesel engines |- | rowspan="2" |C 200 Diesel |1993–1995 |{{cvt|1997|cc|cuin|1}} SOHC 8V I4 (OM601 D20) |{{cvt|55|kW|PS hp|0}} at 4,600 rpm |{{cvt|130|Nm|lbft|0}} at 2,000-3,600 rpm |19.6 seconds |{{cvt|160|km/h|mph|0}} |{{cvt|6.6|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- |1996.04–1998.07 |{{cvt|1997|cc|cuin|1}} DOHC 16V I4 (OM604 D20){{efn|Portuguese market only}} |{{cvt|65|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,000 rpm |{{cvt|135|Nm|lbft|0}} at 2,000-4,650 rpm | - |{{cvt|172|km/h|mph|0}} |{{cvt|7.4|L/100km|mpgUS}} |- | rowspan="2" |C 200 CDI |1998–1999 |{{Convert|2151|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} turbocharged DOHC 16V I4 (OM611 DE22 LA red.) | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|75|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 4,200 rpm | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|235|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} at 1,500-2,600 rpm | rowspan="2" |13.1 seconds | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|185|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|6.1|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |1999–2000 |{{Convert|2148|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} turbocharged DOHC 16V I4 (OM611 DE22 LA red.) |- |C 220 Diesel |1993–1999 |{{Convert|2155|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 16V I4 (OM604 D22) |{{Convert|70|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,000 rpm |{{Convert|150|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,100-4,500 rpm |16.3 seconds |{{Convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|6.9|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- | rowspan="2" |C 220 CDI |1998–1999 |{{Convert|2151|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} turbocharged DOHC 16V I4 (OM611 DE22 LA) | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|92|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 4,200 rpm | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|300|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 1,800-2,600 rpm | rowspan="2" |10.5 seconds | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|198|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | rowspan="2" |{{Convert|6.1|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |1999–2000 |{{Convert|2148|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} turbocharged DOHC 16V I4 (OM611 DE22 LA) |- |C 250 Diesel |1993–1996 |{{Convert|2497|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} DOHC 20V I5 (OM605 D25) |{{Convert|83|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,000 rpm |{{Convert|170|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2,800-4,600 rpm |15 seconds |{{Convert|190|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|7.0|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- |C 250 Turbodiesel |1995–2000 |{{Convert|2497|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} turbocharged DOHC 20V I5 (OM605 D25) |{{Convert|110|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,400 rpm |{{Convert|280|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 1,800-3,600 rpm |10.2 seconds |{{Convert|203|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|7.3|L/100km|mpgUS|abbr=on}} |- | colspan="8" | {{notelist}} |}
== Transmissions == The original W202 came standard in Germany with a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions optional. In the United States, automatic transmission was standard, with manual available as a delete option (with few choosing to do so). The four-speed automatic was the ''722.4'' version of the 4G-TRONIC. In 1996, this old transmission—released in 1981—was replaced by a five-speed automatic, the ''722.6'' or 5G-TRONIC, which received a manual shift mode in 1999 (''722.6''). In 2000, with the T-Model only remaining on sale, the RWD C 240 was available with the optional six-speed ''G56'' manual from the W203.
== Safety == At the launch the C-Class had a 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 compact sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range.
=== Crash test ratings === {| class="wikitable" |- |Euro NCAP adult occupant:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euroncap.com/tests/mercedes_benz_c_class_1997/18.aspx |title=For safer cars | Mercedes Benz C Class |publisher=Euro NCAP |access-date=26 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319232424/http://www.euroncap.com/tests/mercedes_benz_c_class_1997/18.aspx |archive-date=19 March 2012 }}</ref> |{{rating|2|5}} |- |Euro NCAP pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): |{{rating|2|4}} |}
{| class="wikitable" |+ NHTSA crash test ratings (1997):<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov |title=Home | Safercar – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=17 January 2014}}</ref> |- |Frontal Driver: |{{rating|4|5}} |- |Frontal Passenger: |{{rating|4|5}} |- |Side Driver: |{{rating|3|5}} |- |Side Rear Passenger: |{{rating|4|5}} |}
== AMG models == thumb|Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG thumb|right|Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG === C 36 AMG {{Anchor|C36 AMG|C36}}=== In 1993, 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 {{convert|25|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}) and in the US, a four-speed automatic gearbox, followed by a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a general output of {{convert|280|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5750 rpm and {{convert|385|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm. AMG later conceded that since the engine was hand-assembled, power outputs could vary slightly from {{convert|276|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|287|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The C36 AMG accelerates to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} from a stop in 5.8 seconds and top speed was electronically limited to {{convert|250|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. Unlimited Top Speed was recorded at {{convert|272|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} Only a total of 5200 C36 AMGs were produced.
=== C 43 AMG {{Anchor|C43 AMG|C43}}=== 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 {{convert|310|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5850 rpm, with a torque of {{convert|410|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} 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 Mercedes factory after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a {{convert|0–100|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} 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 engine.
thumb|Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG (US) thumb|Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG (Australia) thumb|right|C 43 T AMG (Europe) Two versions exist: a saloon (chassis W202.033) and estate also called the "T version" (chassis W202.093). The overall body of the C43 AMG estate version has many similarities with the C36 AMG, except for the front and rear bumpers as well as the side body, both of which were re-designed. The black engine cover with the chrome AMG and Mercedes-Benz star logos is also very typical from that period in this market segment.
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. The 2000 model also gives the ability to power tilt the steering wheel and manually shift with a tiptronic shift gate for all W202s, and AMG stamped letters on the brake calipers (C43 only).
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-litre M113 V8 engine originally found on the W210 E 430 model. After modifications this engine delivers {{convert|306|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,850 rpm, up to {{convert|410|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 3,250 rpm-5,000 rpm (taken at the crank) and up to {{convert|241|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6,320 rpm measured at the wheels. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can reach {{convert|155.5|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, with electronic speed limitation and {{convert|168|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} without.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} Transmission is an AMG-modified version of the five-speed automatic gearbox (722.6) found on 1998–2000 R129 SL 500. Main modifications were made in order to achieve a crisper and better adapted gearbox to higher-rpm upshifts. Also the braking system has been taken from the W210 E 55 AMG.
=== C 55 AMG {{Anchor|C55 AMG|C55}}=== From 1998 a conversion option was available to outfit the C 43 AMG with a 5.4-litre M113 V8 engine producing {{Convert|255|kW|PS hp|abbr=on|order=flip}} at 5500 rpm and {{Convert|510|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4300 rpm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/C-55-AMG--W-202-E-55-1998---2000.xhtml?oid=5500|title=C 55 AMG / W 202 E 55, 1998 - 2000|website=mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> This would precede the series produced C 55 AMG which was introduced in 2005, based on the W203 platform and used a version of the same 5.4 litre M113 engine.
== US-spec models == W202s in North America included the C220 (later replaced by the C230), C280 (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 brake light, no specific trim levels, and side markers integrated into the front-turn signals. The U.S. models also did not have the hazard triangle, which is regularly located in the trunk in case of a road emergency.
The AMG variants rode about an inch higher than Euro spec models. The top speed was also electronically limited for non AMG variants to {{Convert|130|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in the US due to tire speed restrictions. The C43 AMG was able to go 155 mph in the U.S. just like the Euro spec models.
== Facelift == In 1997, the C-Class was given a small midlife freshening, with new darker rear tail light lenses, new wheel rims as well as subtle interior trim changes, including on the door mouldings. The exterior radio antenna was no longer fender mounted and was integrated into the rear glass. The front and rear bumpers were also reshaped, colour-coded side skirts were also fitted. The revised C 200 and C 230 models were fitted with a supercharger and denoted on the trunk lid as a "Kompressor". <ref>{{cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Randy |title=1997-2000 Mercedes-Benz C43 W202: Costs, Facts, And Figures |url=https://www.hotcars.com/1997-2000-mercedes-benz-c43-w202-costs-facts-and-figures/ |access-date=22 February 2026 |date=5 January 2022}}</ref>
'''Pre-facelift''' <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> 1997 Mercedes-Benz C180 Elegance Automatic 1.8 Front.jpg|Pre-facelift front (sedan) 1997 Mercedes-Benz C180 Elegance Automatic 1.8 Rear.jpg|Pre-facelift rear (sedan) Mercedes Benz C 230 Elegance Estate 1997 (12059853625).jpg|Pre-facelift station wagon </gallery>
'''Facelift''' <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> 1998 Mercedes-Benz C 200 (W 202) Classic sedan (2010-07-05) 01.jpg|Pre-facelift front (sedan) 1998 Mercedes-Benz C 200 (W 202) Classic sedan (2010-07-05) 03.jpg|Pre-facelift rear (sedan) Mercedes C-Klasse T-Modell Esprit (S202, Facelift 1997–2001) rear MJ.JPG|Facelift station wagon </gallery>
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Mercedes-Benz W202}}
{{Mercedes-Benz vehicles}}
W202 W202 Category:Compact executive cars Category:Euro NCAP large family cars Category:Latin NCAP large family cars Category:Cars introduced in 1993 Category:Cars discontinued in 2001 Category:2000s cars Category:Cars of Mexico Category:Station wagons Category:Cars of Egypt Category:Cars of Indonesia Category:Cars of South Africa Category:Cars of Thailand Category:Cars of Vietnam