Mercedes-Benz 2000-2007 C-Class: 3rd Generation
The W203 Series
Considered Mercedes-Benz’s second generation in the C-Class series, the
W203 Series roots were actually established manufacturing the 190 in
1982.. The sporty Mercedes-Benz W203 Series, considered by some to be
the 3rd generation of the C-Class, was launched in 2000. The newer,
sportier Mercedes-Benz C-Class had a focus on lifestyle and
practicality.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 Series was manufactured as a Sedan,
Wagon, Hatchback and Sportcoupé with a 3, 4 or 5-door option. The
engine options of the sportier C-Class were 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6,
2.7, 3.0, 3.2, 3.5 or 5.5 liters with 16, 18, 20 or 24 Volts and 113 to
362 hp. The latest C-Class also had a shorter rear end and a steeper
front end.
The transmission options were five or seven-speed automatic or the new
six-speed Sequentronic manual transmission. The Mercedes-Benz
configurations were S4, S5, V6 or V8. The 3rd generation C-Class cars
were assembled with a slightly larger wheel-base than its predecessors
due to the vehicle being smaller and lower to the ground for optimum
performance at high speeds.
The standard equipment of the new C-Class was full of technical
innovations like front-module crash boxes made of high-performance
steel, the new three-link front axle with McPherson struts for better
automotive handling and a panoramic sunroof in the Sportcoupé.
The Mercedes-Benz W203 Series was assembled in Brazil, Egypt, South Africa, and the two plants in Germany.