The Mercedes C-class in the 202 body was produced for seven years, and during this time almost 2 million of these cars rolled off the assembly line. The 203rd body, which will be discussed in the article, began to be produced in 2000 already. This car was produced in sedan, station wagon and coupe bodies. In 2004, there was a significant restyling of the model, which affected not only the appearance, but also the equipment of the car, wheel bearings, suspension silent blocks, rear stabilizer, manual transmission and engine range. The car was produced in four trim levels: "Classic", "Elegance", "Avantgarde", and "Sportline". "Tseshka" was produced both with mono-drive (rear) and full (4matic). The release of this model continued until 2007, then it was replaced by the 204th body.
The range of engines in the 203rd is simply huge. It makes no sense to list all the motors that were installed under the hood of this car. Let's focus on the most common ones.
Modifications and characteristics of gasoline engines Mercedes Benz W203
Until 2003, the most massive was the gasoline engine M111 (2.0 liters and 4 cylinders), which was installed on the C180 and C200. The engine proved to be excellent on the 124th Mercedes.
On the C180 models, it was only atmospheric, but on the C200, a mechanical supercharger was also paired with it, which gave good traction already from the bottom.
In 2003 he was replaced by 1.8-liter engine (M271) with the same mechanical turbine. By the way, this turbocharger proved to be quite reliable, but the engine itself suffered from a defect in the valve seats, which over time broke the cylinder head itself due to the formation of soot. It was treated exclusively by replacing the “head”, and the first signs of a malfunction were increased fuel consumption and a decrease in the dynamics of the car. Also on this engine there were problems with the timing chain - because. the chain was installed thin, then it, erasing all the stars, stretched and torn. The chain resource is about 150 thousand km.
Mercedes Benz W203 AMG 2001
The best gasoline units are the engines installed on the S200K and S230K models. The motors have excellent dynamics with a relatively low consumption of gasoline - 10 liters per hundred kilometers.
It is not recommended to buy cars with a six-cylinder V-shaped gasoline unit with a volume of 2.6 liters (M112) - 170l / forces, which was installed on the C240 model. This engine has mediocre dynamic characteristics, but it consumes fuel immeasurably. Also, the C240 often fails the DMRV.
Modifications and characteristics of diesel engines Mercedes Benz W203
Diesel on the 203rd "tseshka" - the OM611 family. For the CDI versions of the 200 and 220, 2.1-liter engines were used. These units are very reliable and relatively economical, but they have one drawback - noise.
It is worth noting a kind word and a large five-cylinder diesel unit 270 CDI (OM612), which did not cause any problems and was distinguished by good dynamics. This motor was produced until 2005.
All of the above diesel ICEs are equipped with a Bosch Common Rail injection system and a CP1 pump, which are currently well studied by mechanics. One of the most common problems with these engines is fuel leakage from under the injectors. Because of this, carbon deposits appeared in the cylinder head, and later the head completely burned out. For preventive purposes, it is advisable to change the gaskets under the nozzles in advance.
In the C200 and C220 CDI, produced before 2001, the catalyst quickly clogged, after which the engine power decreased, and the oil was squeezed out through the dipstick by the exhaust gases. Later, Mercedes eliminated this shortcoming.
Another common malfunction is failed electromagnetic injectors, after which the engine starts to work unevenly and some kind of vibration appears.
A good enough choice would be the six-cylinder C320 CDI (OM642). The motor is complex, but fast and economical at the same time. And most importantly - does not cause serious trouble.
On all cars in the 203 body (except for the C320), you can find a 6-speed manual transmission. For models manufactured before 2003, the synchronizers of the first three gears of the box quickly failed. In the post-styling "tseshki" this problem was no longer observed.
In addition to the “mechanics”, these cars were also equipped with a five-speed “automatic” 5G-Tronic. The machine is quite slow and smooth. With a regular (every 60 thousand km) oil change in it, the box will serve faithfully for many years.
7-automatic transmission 7G-Tronic is considered less reliable - the bulkhead of the unit is up to 100 km. mileage is quite common. But this automatic transmission is more economical. They began to install 7G-Tronic since 2005 in pair with gasoline engines of the M272 series and diesel engines of the OM645 series.
Compared to the first generation, the C-Class in the 203 body received an excellent chassis with sporting ambitions. Now the car does not have a trapezoidal lever. The front suspension is built on two wishbones, the silent blocks on which can be changed separately. But in the first models of the 203rd, these silent blocks wore out rather quickly, and therefore, after restyling, they were successfully replaced with reinforced ones. In addition, Mercedes even held a revocable company on this occasion.
The stabilizer attachment point quickly became clogged with dirt and sand, which led to its accelerated wear. And although the manufacturer subsequently finalized the design of the stabilizer, it is still considered the weak point of the “tseshki”. The light rear suspension of the 203 does not cause much trouble, except for the rotten and bursting first turns. This is a constructive miscalculation, because. a similar situation occurs due to the accumulation of moisture at the base of the spring.
Since the BMW “troika” in the back of the E46 is a direct competitor to the C-class from Mercedes, in pursuit of the client, the manufacturer tried to equip the car with everything necessary, and even more, as much as possible. In addition to modern equipment, the car should also deliver comfort when driving.
A six-speed manual transmission became the base for the 203rd “tseshki”. A five-speed “automatic” was also installed on many models. In the “base”, the car was equipped with an ESP system, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel and six airbags. For a surcharge, the car received the Comand on-board complex, which combined radio, audio system and navigation.
The Mercedes C-class cannot boast of extra space in the cabin. In front, a lot of space is given to the central tunnel. There is also little space behind - passengers usually rest their knees on the front seats. The seat upholstery is, to its credit, quite durable, and the front seats have a bunch of different settings.
Mercedes Benz W203 AMG 2004
When buying a diesel "tseshki" from your hands, be sure to check the glow plugs and nozzles. Or rather, their work. The glow indicator should go out almost immediately after starting the engine. Any problems with the injectors and glow plugs of the 203rd Mercedes will entail considerable expenses. It is worth noting that in the first copies of this model (until 2003), the turbine quickly failed.
Even in pre-styling versions, there may be problems with electronics, the presence of which will be indicated by a lit indicator of the applied parking brake, although in fact the “handbrake” is turned off.
Interior Mercedes Benz W203 AMG 2004
Here are some other problems that were noted on the diesel version "C": fuel leakage through the high-pressure fuel pump, malfunctions of the ignition switch and fuel gauge. In almost all pre-styling models, the catalyst is either cut out or defective.
Check the automatic transmission for oil leaks, check the “mechanics” on the go - often it knocks out gears.
Check the drain holes under the hood. If they are clogged with debris, then somewhere, most likely, there will already be the beginnings of corrosion. Usually near the windshield. Also, clogged holes can allow moisture to enter the electronic components and modules.
In the first versions of the 203rd Mercedes, the dual-zone climate control system was a big "hemorrhoid". The problem lay in a failed damper that regulates the mixture of cold and hot air. After restyling, the node was finalized.
In 03-04 models, due to a factory defect, there were problems with the front seat belt buckles. Because of this, the manufacturer even recalled some of the cars for revision. On Tseshki until 2002 there were problems with the appearance of body corrosion. Since 2003, after the introduction of a new technology for applying paintwork, this problem has disappeared.
Summarize. The post-styled “tseshka” is a good option, and is recommended for purchase, but only with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and a mechanical turbocharger. If it’s very “baking” to buy a diesel engine, then only C320CDI.
A selection of reviews, video reviews and test drives Mercedes Benz W203:
Crash test Mercedes Benz W203:
All sores are children's! It is not clear how they could get into such a well-thought-out Merc. On bodies manufactured from 2004, the main weaknesses have already been fixed and there are much fewer shortcomings.
Door lock. Malfunctions are often found only in the back until 2004. A knock is heard when the door is opened. The problem is in the limiter, it breaks and loosens. The sore is treated by installing a new motion limiter or repairing the gear in it (manual -).
Furnace pull. It is found often and only in the back until 2004. At one point, the air from the stove blows only down or only up. The lever that moves the damper breaks - it is fragile made of plastic. To replace it, you need to spend time assembling and disassembling the side panel (manual for replacing thrust -).
Brake discs. Occurs often - on all models. After a good run, they begin to bend. It is required to replace the disks completely, preferably with those with ventilation.
Rear springs. Occurs on all models - very often! The springs behind the rear wheels break at the base, these are weak points. Apparently, the engineers made a flaw in the base to which the spring adjoins. Water collects there, this leads to corrosion and breakage of the first turn. The thing is expensive, you can find it cheaper at the showdowns.
Front suspension arms. Sooner or later, they start to fail. The noise of the front suspension, knocks, squeaks on the right or left, but this is not a BMW, everything is different here, I changed one detail and drive on.
The problem occurs in the wrong approach by the manufacturer to this fragile part. The lever needs to be replaced.
Body corrosion. Disadvantages are found on workshops until 2002. In 2003, all M-Benz factories switched to a new paint coating technology. Rust can be seen only if the car was repaired in this place.
Electrician. Failures in the branded ignition keys and the block that reads data and controls the ignition. Breakdowns of the SAM block are found only in the back until 2004. To avoid problems, it is necessary to properly disconnect the battery.
Transmission. On the machines of this body, oil is installed for the entire life of the car (as the manufacturer claims). Under the conditions of our climate and roads, on some automatic transmissions with a run of 180,000 it is necessary to change the oil (which is usually expensive and no one does it). The result is a leak through the electrical connector.
gas distribution chain. The sore has been found on models since 2002 on a 1.8 m271 engine; this chain is thin in it and, of course, this quickly stretches and breaks, erasing all the sprockets before that. With a run of 80,000, the first signs of noise begin at the start of the engine, if the run is more than 150,000, then it should definitely have been changed.On the engines, here's something else. On the M271 R4 compressor with a capacity of 143, 163 and 192 hp. - everyone will need to change the chains, take a beam of 163 hp or 192 hp. they are not much different, and eat the same.
In engines M111 R4 - 2.0 conventional with 129 and M111 R4 - 2.0 compressor with 163 hp. chain replacement is not required. Reliable and time-tested engines. Will not make a single noise up to 450,000.
It can only withstand longer - M112 V6 - 2.4 \ 170 and M112 V6 - 3.2 \ 218 hp, good powerful engines. Their consumption is the same, so it is better to take the one with more power.
In M272 V6 - 2.5, 2.8 and M272 V6 - 3.5 there are problems with the balance of the shaft. They work without problems up to 150,000, then noise appears in the motor, expensive repairs are required.
Radio tape recorder. As before, the manufacturer's radio tape recorder is installed here, which has already gone far from perfection - there is no USB. Many people have difficulties with replacing it, since for replacement they have to disassemble the entire central panel (manual -). So now it’s not so easy to rearrange the usual mafon from the 202nd.
Below is a table with the difference between positive and negative reviews of drivers compiled by our colleagues in one online publication.
A few words about performance.
The C-class of the W203 series was produced in the following trim levels: Classic - budget, Elegance - expensive, and Avangard - sports. The prettiest one is avant-garde, it has blue tinted windows, original bumpers with rims - they fit together beautifully.
Now you can look for a healthy horse. Forewarned is forearmed.
Useful materials
This guide was used: 37968 once.
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) lasted seven years on the assembly line. During this time, more than 1.8 million vehicles left the production line. The new generation C (W203) appeared in 2000. A year later, along with a sedan and station wagon, a three-door coupe entered the market. In 2004, the “tseshka” underwent restyling, which, in addition to slight stylistic adjustments, brought an increase in the level of equipment and an increase in quality. The modernization did not bypass the chassis: stronger bearings, silent blocks and a reinforced rear stabilizer were used. The manual transmission has been improved.
Diesel units now comply with Euro IV emission standards, and power has increased by 7-150 hp. A year later (in 2005), the engine range was adjusted. In particular, a new six-cylinder turbodiesel with a capacity of 225 hp has appeared. (320 CDI), which was combined with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic. The C-Class was offered in four trim levels: Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, Sportline. In 2007, the W203 gave way to the next generation W204.
Appearance and Body:
Unlike the previous two generations, the W203 was produced not only as a sedan and station wagon, but also as a hatchback. When buying a Mercedes in the two hundred and third body, you should first of all pay attention to cars no older than 2004, the fact is that after restyling in 2004, a new painting technology and new paintwork materials were used. Rust may appear on pre-styling "tseshki". The body of the Mercedes W203 is galvanized by 85%, for comparison - the body of the previous "tseshki" was galvanized by 65%. The 203rd Mercedes behaves much better at high speeds, because the lifting force has decreased by 57%. The two hundred and third Mercedes, in comparison with the two hundred and second, became 10 mm longer, the wheelbase of the “tseshki” increased by 25 mm.
After restyling, the diameter of the base rims increased, if the pre-styling cars in the base were shod in tires with a dimension of 195/65 R15, then after the restyling, Mercedes began to be shod in tires with a dimension of 205/55 R16. The drag coefficient of the Mercedes W203 is 0.26, which is comparable to the drag coefficient of the Mercedes E-class W211, which is the same age as the vehicle under review. You can pay attention to the photo, the photos show all three types of Mercedes W203 bodies.
Why is he good?
The driving characteristics of the car are the envy of all classmates. On the one hand, excellent handling, which will be envied by BMW, and on the other hand, very good comfort, unless, of course, the wheels are too big. Don't expect a smooth ride at all, this car is quite stiff, but thanks to the new rack and pinion steering and excellent chassis tuning, the car is really capable of pleasing the driver on the go.
Of course, it’s a bit cramped in the back, there’s really not enough space for the feet, but this once again emphasizes the focus of the C-class on the driver – it’s great for him here, there’s no less space than in larger cars. In addition - good sound insulation, very decent quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics.
Three types of bodywork were offered to choose from - a traditional sedan, a cargo-passenger station wagon and a "coupe", which in fact turns out to be a typical three-door hatchback, very practical in the city, since the length of such a car is noticeably shorter than with "classic" bodies. Interior configurations to choose from, upholstery materials from high-quality, but simple fabric to excellent leather. The list of additional equipment is not outdated at all: there is an advanced Comand system, and rain sensors, and a rear-view camera, and dual-zone climate control, and heated seats, and electric drives with memory ... Yes, here, in general, there is everything owners of cars of this level are accustomed to, and even a little more - the level of comfort is quite modern.
With age, “crickets” start up in the cabin, especially on cars with a sports suspension and large wheels, but frankly it will not start to rattle even after unsuccessful reinforcement work. In general, the car seems perfect, and considering its price - even better than new. Well, it's time to take a closer look at the nuances of operating various nodes.
Technical part and characteristics of Mercedes C-class W203
It was on the 203rd Mercedes that the CommonRail injection system was installed for the first time on gasoline engines. The range of power units is quite extensive, compressors were often installed on the “tseshki”, which allowed the four-cylinder Mercedes W203 to keep up with its counterparts with petrol V6s. The base engine of the M111 series with a volume of 1.8 liters produces 129 horsepower. The power of the compressor C180K is 143 horsepower, the C200K produces 163 horsepower, in the period from 2000 to 2002 the C200K had a volume of 2.0 liters and produced a torque of 230N.M, after 2002 the engine volume decreased by 200 cubes, the torque increased by 10N.M, power output has not changed.
Compressor C230 with a volume of 1.9 liters produces power of 192hp, torque is 260N.M. Consider the performance of Mercedes six-cylinder gasoline engines. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder C230 puts out 204 horsepower from a 2.5-liter volume. The C240 has a volume of 2.6 liters, its naturally aspirated V6 produces 170 horsepower. C280 with a volume of 3.0 liters develops 231 horsepower, C320 power - 218 horsepower, C350 produces 272hp, and the top-end C32AMG - 354 horsepower and 450N.M. Diesel C200CDI 2.2l develops 115hp, C220CDI with a volume of 2.4l produces 144hp, and five-cylinder C270CDI - 170hp. It is worth saying that the six-cylinder modifications of the “tseshka” cost as much as the base E-class, so when buying a new car, most buyers chose four-cylinder engines, often with supercharging. 
In the basic configuration, the “tseshka” was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, five, and later a seven-speed automatic transmission was available as an option. For the C320, an automatic was already offered in the database. The two hundred and third manual gearboxes are considered out of service, but still every 80,000 km it is worth changing the oil in it. Clutch two hundred and third during normal driving serves 150 - 180 thousand km.
The indisputable advantage of the two hundred and third shop is the presence of a timing chain drive; in the gas distribution mechanism, the chain tensioner should be changed every 60,000 km. It is not uncommon for cases when, due to bad spark plugs and, as a result, fuel that did not burn out in the combustion chamber, the electronic control unit turned off the nozzle in the cylinder, because the burning of fuel in the exhaust system negatively affects the durability of the converter. On compressor motors, the air filter should be changed regularly. It is advisable for owners of diesel “tsesheks” to flush the fuel tank every 5,000 km.
The Mercedes W203 suspension is not as hardy as the Toyota Carina/Avensis. Stabilizer bushings usually do not live more than 60,000 km, and the silent blocks of the lower front levers sometimes have to be changed already at a run of 20,000 km, ball joints on the W203 are enough for 60 - 80 thousand km. The front shock absorbers run 90,000 km, and steering tips are enough for the same period. Silent blocks of Mercedes rear levers serve 100 thousand, wheel bearings of the two hundred and third usually do not disturb the owner up to 100,000 km of run. Brake discs are also enough for 100,000 km.
Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the Mercedes C200K W203 with MKP6.
Specifications:
Power plant: 2.0 gasoline, mechanical supercharging
Volume: 1998cc
Power: 163hp
Torque: 230N.m
Number of valves: 16v
Performance indicators:
Acceleration 0 -100km:9.3c
Limit speed:230km
Combined fuel consumption: 9.7l
Fuel tank volume: 62l
Dimensions: 4530mm*1730mm*1430mm
Wheelbase:2720mm
Curb weight:1390kg
Ground clearance / ground clearance: 150mm
Chassis
The second generation of the Mercedes C-Class, compared to its predecessor, received an ideal chassis with a small share of sporty emotions. The designers replaced the pseudo McPherson trapezoidal arm with a pair of lower wishbones, with separately replaceable silent blocks. However, the first pancake came out lumpy. Silent blocks of levers quickly wore out, and the suspension began to knock. The manufacturer soon finalized the element, using more wear-resistant materials, and conducted a recall campaign to replace unreliable silent blocks. In addition, the stabilizer mount had to be modified to prevent the ingress of dirt and sand, which contributes to the rapid wear of the stabilizer itself. Today, stabilizers still suffer from premature wear, with the exception of the top AMG version. The rear suspension is no problem, although light alloy components are used there.
After the upgrade, the durability of the suspension increased slightly. The suspension settings have also changed a bit. Engineers have succeeded in making the chassis tighter with virtually no loss in comfort, resulting in less body roll and improved track stability.
Engines
Petrol.
Inline four-cylinder:
C180 - 2.0 / 130 hp (10/2000 - 05/2002)
C180 Kompressor - 1.8 / 143 hp (since 05/2002)
C200 Kompressor - 2.0 / 163 hp (05/2000 - 05/2002)
C200 Kompressor - 1.8 / 163 hp (since 05/2002)
C230 Kompressor - 1.8 / 192 hp (since 02/2004)
Six-cylinder:
C230 - 2.5 / 204 hp (since 01/2005)
C240 - 2.6 / 170 hp (since 05/2000)
C280 - 3.0 / 231 hp (since 01/2005)
C320 - 3.2 / 218 hp (since 05/2000)
C350 - 3.2 / 272 hp (since 01/2005)
C240 4MATIC - 2.6 / 170 hp (since 07/2002)
C280 4MATIC - 3.0 / 231 hp (since 01/2005)
C320 4MATIC - 3.2 / 218 hp (since 07/2002)
C350 4MATIC - 3.2 / 272 hp (since 01/2005)
C32 AMG Kompressor - 3.2 / 354 hp
Eight-cylinder:
C55 AMG - 5.4 / 367 hp (since 02/2004)
Diesel.
Four-cylinder turbocharged:
C200 CDI - 2.1 / 116 hp (since 03/2001)
C200 CDI - 2.1 / 122 hp (since 04/2003)
C220 CDI - 2.1 / 143 hp (since 03/2001)
C220 CDI - 2.1 / 136 hp (since 08/2006)
C220 CDI - 2.1 / 150 hp (since 02/2004)
Five-cylinder turbocharged:
C270 CDI - 2.7 / 170 hp (since 12/2000)
C30 CDI AMG - 3.0 / 231 hp (since 01/2003)
Six-cylinder turbocharged:
C320 CDI 3.0 / 224 HP (since 01/2005)
C320 CDI 3.0 / 231 HP (since 01/2005)
Transmission
All engines (except the C320) used a 6-speed manual gearbox. Until 2002, there was a problem with the synchronizers of the first three speeds. After restyling, the disadvantage was eliminated. An alternative to the manual transmission will be the 5G-Tronic 5-speed automatic, which Mercedes introduced in 1989. The automatic transmission works slowly and smoothly. According to many experts, it is less reliable than the previous 4-speed automatic. To keep the box in shape, you need to regularly change the oil every 60,000 km, including the filter. Otherwise, repairs are inevitable - about 1000-2000 dollars. The 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic is even less reliable, but works well and delivers low fuel consumption.
Typical malfunctions
When inspecting a used Mercedes C class with a diesel engine, pay special attention to the operation of glow plugs and injectors. The glowing indicator should go out immediately after starting. Inspect the engine by removing the plastic cover. Any replacement of candles or nozzles is not easy and not cheap. For example, repairing injectors will cost about $140. Until 2003, the turbochargers of diesel units wore out quickly.
It is also necessary to conduct a thorough inspection for wear on the front suspension components. If there are problems with the electronics, a message may appear indicating that the parking brake is applied, although in fact it will be unlocked. This is typical for cars assembled before 2003. There are also fuel leaks from the high pressure pump of diesel modifications. In addition, problems with the ignition switch, fuel gauge and catalyst are common (in almost all cars before 2003). 
The 5-speed automatic should be checked for leaks. The 6-speed manual can be a bother with knocking out gears, especially in the Mercedes C-Class of the first years of production.
Be careful with cars restored after an accident. In the future, such an instance can cause many problems. Spare parts for Mercedes are not cheap, and not everything can be obtained in the secondary market.
Open the hood and be sure to inspect the water drain holes. If they are clogged with dirt, then there is a high probability of corrosion near the windshield. In addition, clogged drains contribute to the ingress of water onto electronic components.
In the early days, dual-zone climate control was the real source of problems. He ceased to regulate the temperature of the supplied air flow. The reason is a broken damper responsible for mixing warm and cold air. Later, the manufacturer fixed the problem by modifying the assembly.
In the cars of 2003-2004, there were troubles with the front seat belt buckles. Mercedes solved it during the recall campaign. The first copies suffered from ridiculous flaws, such as creaking pedals. Mercedes C-class W203 has become hostage to the growing demand for electronics and multiplex networks - electronics fail from time to time.
Price
The price of a well-maintained Mercedes C-class W203 is about $20,000. The price of Mercedes varies mainly on the condition of a particular car. 
Modifications Mercedes C-class W203
Mercedes C 180K MT W203
Mercedes C 180K AT W203
Mercedes C 200K MT W203
Mercedes C 200K AT W203
Mercedes C 230K MT W203
Mercedes Benz W203 C200K "Overview" and operating experience, sores
Cars of the second generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which received the body index "203", were at one time one of the most popular in their class. When creating these machines, German developers introduced dozens of technological innovations that became a real breakthrough in the automotive industry for that historical period. But even without this, the history of the "203rd" line is full of interesting events and facts that you should definitely get acquainted with.
The official presentation of the second generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class took place in March 2000, and already on July 18, the novelty rolled off the assembly line and went to dealerships.
It is noteworthy that the development of the "203rd" began in 1994, and a year later the concern's management was shown a prototype ready for the series .... But at that time, the sales of the “202nd body” beat all records and the Germans decided to postpone the release of the novelty ... In 1998-1999, the “203rd” underwent some modifications and was again prepared for serial production - this time the management gave the novelty a green light , fortunately by that time the first generation was no longer in the same demand and the renewal of the model range suggested itself.
The first was the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan (W203) ... a little later (in October 2000), a three-door liftback (CL203) was introduced to the world - which the Germans themselves positioned as a sports coupe (Sportcoupe) ... and in 2001 appeared on the roads of the world station wagon (S203).
Note that subsequently the sports coupe was restyled and was separated into an independent model "CLC-Class" (this happened in 2008 - when the "203" gave way to the next generation of "Tseshki").
Compared to its predecessor, the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has become slightly larger. Now the length of the body of the sedan was 4526 mm, the length of the wheelbase was 2715 mm, the width grew to 1728 mm, and the height added 1 mm to 1426 mm. In turn, the wagon and coupe had similar dimensions in terms of body width and wheelbase length, but differed in overall length and height. So the wagon had a length of 4541 mm and 1465 mm in height, and the same indicators for the coupe were 4343 and 1406 mm, respectively.
The appearance of the “second” Mercedes-Benz C-Class was similar to the flagship S-Class (220th), standing out on the road with elegant body shapes, which were emphasized by the characteristic oval headlights at the front and triangular lights at the rear, allowing the novelty to rise above competitors in terms of design .
In addition, the "203rd" became the leader of its segment in terms of body aerodynamics, since its drag coefficient was only 0.26 Cx, which allowed (in comparison with its predecessor) to reduce lift at high speeds by almost 57% giving the car excellent handling and stability on the road.
The range of engines for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the 203rd body was not only seriously modernized, but also expanded:
- Base 4-cylinder petrol engine, available in version C180, was considered a 2.0-liter M 111 E 20 EVO engine, which developed 127 hp. maximum power and 190 Nm of torque. On some modifications of the C180, this engine was replaced with a 1.8-liter engine with a compressor capable of delivering up to 143 hp. power, as well as 220 Nm of torque.
- Modifications C200 received under the hood a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine of the M271 line, developing 163 hp. power and 230 Nm of torque. And in the C200 CGI version, the same motor already developed 170 hp. and 250 Nm of torque.
- The line of 6-cylinder gasoline units was opened by the M272 series engine, which has a volume of 2.5 liters and a power of 204 hp. In our country, this motor is little known, the 18-valve engine of the M112 series, which was installed on modifications, was much more popular. C240. Its maximum power was 172 hp and peak torque was 240 Nm.
- Another 6-cylinder unit, well known in Russia, went to the modification C320. With its 3.2 liters of volume, it was capable of 218 hp. power and 310 Nm of torque.
The second generation of the Mercedes C-Class W203 offered customers diesel engines:
- On modification C200 CDI and C220 CDI a 2.15 liter 4-cylinder unit with a Common Rail system and power from 102 to 150 hp was installed. (total 5 options) depending on the settings of the turbocharger.
- A more powerful engine with a volume of 2.7 liters, five cylinders, 170 hp. and a torque of 273 Nm went to modifications C270 CDI.
- Well, the flagship among diesel engines was considered a 6-cylinder 3.0-liter engine with a return of 224 hp, installed on modifications C320 CDI.
On all modifications, a 6-speed “mechanics” was used as the base gearbox. The only exception was the version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C320, which was equipped with a non-alternative 5-band "automatic".
In addition, for the first time on the Mercedes' C-class, it became possible to optionally install the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (instead of the standard rear-wheel drive). At that time, this was a real breakthrough and a worthy competitive advantage in the market, which positively distinguished the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. True, it is worth noting that all-wheel drive was available only for the top versions of the C240 and C320.
Not to mention the AMG versions of the C-Class, the first of which is C32 AMG appeared already in 2001, offering customers a 3.2-liter engine with a return of 354 hp, which made it possible to gain the first 100 km / h in just 5.2 seconds. In the same year, a less nimble version was shown. C30 CDI AMG with a 3.0-liter diesel engine with 231 hp. This variation was the first diesel version from the AMG tuning studio in the history of Mercedes and was already discontinued in 2004 due to low demand. Later, a modification debuted on the market C32 AMG Sport Coupe, but it was also assembled only in 2003 in limited batches on preliminary orders. In 2005, AMG introduced a real monster - a version C55 AMG with a 5.4-liter engine producing 367 hp, which made it possible to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds, repeating the achievement of the 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
The suspension of the second generation Mercedes-Benz C-class has been completely redesigned to improve driving comfort, handling and road holding. The two-lever front gave way to a MacPherson strut-based suspension, and the rear five-link independent design was assembled almost from scratch. As a result, the Germans managed to achieve their goal, but many owners had a lot of complaints about the quality of the suspension, as evidenced by the low ratings of this model received from TUV (50th place among cars no older than 2-3 years).
Another weak point of the second generation of the C-class is considered to be an electrician - also quite often out of order even during the factory warranty period.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the "203rd body" went down in history in 2007, giving way to the third generation of "Tseshka". During production, more than 2 million cars were produced, most of which were sedans.
The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was famous not only for its excellent design, but also for its high level of equipment, offering an abundance of functions already in the basic configuration and a very wide range of additional options, from panoramic sunroofs to a voice control system for vehicle functionality.
In 2018, you can buy the second generation Mercedes-Benz C-class only in the secondary market - where it is offered at a price of 300 ~ 500 thousand rubles (depending on the condition of a particular instance).
