Mercedes-Benz 1993-2000 C-Class: 2nd Generation
The W202 Series
Mercedes-Benz officially referred to the C-Class in a sedan that
debuted in 1993. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans carried the body
structure and exterior dimensions of the 190 but were built with a more
comfortable and larger interior. This new C-Class carried on the
nickname of “Baby Benz” as it was still the smallest of the
Mercedes-Benz line of automobiles – until the introduction of the
A-Class Supermini in 1997.
The W202 Series C-Class was manufactured until the year 2000 when it
was replaced by the W203 Series; as the decade progressed, so did the
W202 Series.
Slightly larger than the 190, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class was offered
either as a four-door sedan or a five-door station wagon. The engine
options of the new gasoline with Roots supercharger, or diesel powered
with common-rail injection, C-Class were 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5,
2.8, 3.6, 4.3 or 5.4 liters with 8, 16, 18, 20, 24 or 32 Volts and 74
to 342 hp.
The transmission options were four-speed automatic or five-speed
automatic or manual. Instead of the Inline 4L or 6L, Mercedes-Benz
installed the cylinders with the traditional V configurations and
offered S4, S5, S6, V6 or V8. The turbo-diesel version integrated
four-valve technology and the V6 gasoline engine offered three-valve
technology and dual ignition.
The U.S. version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class differed from the
European models due to a third spotlight and sidelights on the front
turn signals. The U.S. models also had no specific trim levels.
Mercedes-Benz continued its attention to safety with the W202 Series,
offering drivers an airbag, anti-lock braking system, and the now
standard seatbelt tensioners – traction control was considered an
additional option.
The Mercedes-Benz W202 Series was assembled in Brazil, Egypt, South Africa, and the two plants in Germany.