Mercedes-Benz W202 (for more about Mercedes Models please acces blog archive)

Mercedes Benz C-Class w202

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by Mercedes-Benz. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 (W201) range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the arrival of the A-Class in 1997. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany as well as numerous satellite factories in other countries. The very first C-Class (W202) sedan was produced on 1 June 1993, and the first second generation (W203) rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The most recent third generation (W204) launched in 2007.
Although originally sold as sedan and station wagon body styles, the W203 series in 2000 debuted a fastback/hatcback coupe version that later when facelifted diverged into the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. The CLC-Class remained in production through to 2011 when replaced by a new W204-based C-Class coupe for the 2012 model year. All three generations of C-Class have also formed the basis of Mercedes-Benz's larger mid-size coupes: the CLK-Class (C208 and C209) and E-Class (C207) coupes.

W202 (1993–2000)

In October 1986, 3 years into W201 (190)'s production run, work began on a successor. Design work began in 1987, with the final design by Murat Gunak being selected in late 1988 and the production design by Olivier Boulay frozen in 1989, being later patented on December 19, 1990.Rough prototypes went into testing in 1989, with first production design prototypes commencing testing later that year. In May 1993, the first generation W202 C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190. The C-Class sedan was the company's entry-level model up until 1997, when Mercedes launched the A-Class. Styling themes were carried over from the previous W201 series, but the new series had a smoother and rounder design than the previous generation of compact Mercedes

 

Engines
On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The new family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), 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 220 N·m (162 lb·ft). The C 280 was the high end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp).
Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601  engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. 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 aspired (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 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused 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 of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) 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) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS (3 kW; 4 hp) 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 2000, the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.

 

 

PETROL ENGINES

Version	Engine	Cyl.	Power
C 180	1.8 16V M111	I4	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)
C 200	2.0 16V M111	I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)
C 220 / C 230	2.2, 2.3 16V M111	I4	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)
C 200 Kompressor	2.0 16V K M111.944	I4	180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp)
C 230 Kompressor	2.3 16V K M111	I4	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp)
C 240	2.6 18V M112	V6	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
C 280	2.8 24V M104	I6	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp)
C 280	2.8 18V M112	V6	197 PS (145 kW; 194 hp)
C 36 AMG	3.6 24V AMG M104	I6	284 PS (209 kW; 280 hp)
C 43 AMG	4.3 24V AMG M113-E43	V8	310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp)
C 55 AMG	5.4 24V AMG M113-E55	V8	345 PS (254 kW; 340 hp)

                                                      DIESEL ENGINES

Version	Engine	Cyl.	Power
C 200 Diesel	2.0 8V D OM601	I4	75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)
C 200 CDI	2.2 16V CDI OM611	I4	102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp)
C 220 Diesel	2.2 16V D OM604	I4	95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp)
C 220 CDI	2.2 16V CDI OM611	I4	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp)
C 250 Diesel	2.5 20V D OM605	I5	113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp)
C 250 Turbodiesel	2.5 20V TD OM605	I5	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)

Transmissions

The original W201 "Baby Benz" came standard in Germany with a 5-speed transmission, automatic transmissions were optional. In the United States automatic transmissions were standard, but individuals had the option of a manual transmission although few chose the option. At the launch of the "official" C-Class, all W202 variants were equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 722.4 4-speed automatic transmission, also called 4G-TRONIC, was available as extra cost (standard on the C 36 AMG), which US dealers chose to mainly offer on sales lots. In 1996 this old transmission - which was on sale since 1981 - was replaced by a 5-speed automatic gearbox (aka 722.5 or 5G-TRONIC), which received the manual shifting in 1999 (722.6). In 2000 the T-Modell, the only still on sale, was equipped with the G56 6-speed manual transmission.

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 mid-size sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range.

T-Model

Mercedes-Benz introduced a station wagon model in 1996, internally designated T-Modell (T for tourenwagen - touring car). It shared the same trim levels as the sedan, with the exception of the AMG versions. The W202 T-model was not made available to the North American market, although the W203 version was.

US-spec models
W202s in North America included the C 220 (later replaced by the C 230), C240, C 280 (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 stop light, no specific trim levels, and side lights at the end of the front-turn signals. The top speed was also electronically limited to 130 mph (210 km/h) in the US due to tire speed restrictions.

Restyling(FACELIFT)

On May 2, 1996, German design patents were filed for updates made to the W202 C-Class.Later on in June 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".

AMG MODELS

In 1995, 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 25 mm (1 in)) and in the USA, a four-speed automatic gearbox, followed by a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a general output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm.AMG later conceded that since the engine was hand modified,power outputs could vary slightly from 276 hp (206 kW) to 287 hp (214 kW). The C36 AMG accelerates to 60 mph (97 km/h) from a stop in 5.8 seconds and top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Unlimited Top Speed was recorded at 272 km/h (169 mph).Only a total of 5200 C 36 AMGs were produced.

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 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) 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 AMG plant in Affalterbach after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) 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 based engine.
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. Also the 2000 model gives the possibility to up or down lift the steering wheel and has the AMG forged letters on the brakes calipers.
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-liter M113 V8 engine originally found on the W210 E 430 model. After modifications this engine delivers 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5,850 rpm, up to 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) of torque at 3,250 rpm-5,000 rpm (taken at the crank) and up to 241 hp (180 kW) at 6,320 rpm measured at the wheels. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can reach 155.5 mph (250.3 km/h), with electronic speed limitation and 168 mph (270 km/h) without. Transmission is an AMG-modified version of the five-speed automatic gearbox 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.

 

Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Klasse(for more please acces the blog profile)

Mercedes-Benz W140

The Mercedes-Benz W140 is a series of flagship vehicles that were manufactured by the German automotive company Mercedes-Benz. In December 1990, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the W140 S-Class via press release, later appearing in several February and March editions of magazines. The W140 made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991, with the first examples rolling off the production line in April 1991 and North American examples on August 6, 1991. Short (SE) and long (SEL) wheelbase sedans were offered initially, as well as the coupé (SEC) body style from October 1992. Like all Mercedes-Benz lines, the W140 S-Class was rationalized in late 1993 using the new "letter-first" nomenclature.The SE, SEL, and SEC cars were renamed the S-Class, with alphanumerical designations inverted. For example, the 500 SE became the S 500, and the 500 SEL became the S 500 L. In 1996 the coupé models following a mid-life update were separated into the CL-Class. The W140 series S-Class was superseded by the W220 S-Class sedan and C215 CL-Class coupe in 1999 after an eight-year production run.
Mercedes-Benz built 432,732 examples of the 140 series,comprising 406,710 sedans and 26,022 coupés.

 

 

History

As with its predecessor, the W140 was the first of the "next generation" of Mercedes-Benz models to feature the company's new design theme.
Development on the W140 began in 1981, originally set for an October 1989 production start. From 1982 to 1986 several designs were reviewed, until December 9, 1986 when a definitive design by Olivier Boulay was approved. Several prototypes were tested onwards from early 1987 and the final production exterior design was frozen in 1987, with domestic design patents being filed on February 23, 1988 and U.S. patents 6 months later on August 23.The design was said by lead designer Bruno Sacco to be influenced by Jaguar's XJ40 sedan and BMW's E32 7-Series. Before production started, the exterior appearance of the W140 was revised in the form of the grille on all W140s being recessed as opposed to a planned exclusive grille on the top model, a feature which later spread to the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range. In 1987, an 18-month delay was made from 1989 to 1991 to accommodate a V12 engine and a high-performance braking system. This resulted in the final development prototypes being completed in June 1990. Pilot production models were made from June 1990 to January 1991.
The W140 introduced innovations such as double-pane window glazing, power-assisted closing for doors and boot lid, electric windows which lowered back down upon encountering an obstruction, rear-parking markers which rose from the rear wings (discontinued on later vehicles, and replaced with sonar-assisted parking) and a heating system which, if desired, continued to emit warm air after the engine was turned off. For details like this, the W140 is often known as the last Mercedes to be "overengineered," a Mercedes trait that was costing the company in product delays and overbudgeting. According to Motor Trend, this action reportedly caused project cost overruns and resulted in the departure of Wolfgang Peter, Daimler-Benz's chief engineer.The vehicle is believed to have cost Mercedes-Benz over $1 billion to develop. For the consumer, the W140 cost a considerable 25 percent more than its predecessor, the W126.
The W140 was to feature air-suspension as an option, but it was dropped shortly before launch because Mercedes was still perfecting the technology at the time. Mercedes chose to launch air-suspension in the next generation S-Class in 1999. The W140 instead used a hydropneumatic rear suspension, first introduced on the W116 450 SEL 6.9 (introduced in 1975) to be used on the S 500 and S 600 models. Following the mid-year facelift in 1994, Mercedes-Benz made Electronic Stability Control an optional fixture to both sedan and coupé body styles in the W140 range. Both the sedan and coupé body styles were equipped with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) as a standard feature.
Like its predecessor, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths (short W140 and long V140) along with the C140 coupé. In 1991, a new M120 6 litre 402 horsepower V12 engine joined the lineup for the first time with the 600 SEL and 600 SEC. A "V12" badge was affixed to the C-pillar.
In 1993, the 402 horsepower ( 408 hp Europe ) V12 engine was slightly detuned to 389 horsepower to comply with tighter emission control regulations in the United States and Europe. The V8 models were tuned down from 322 horsepower to 315 horsepower. This de-tuning, among other changes, involved the deletion of the full-throttle enrichment circuit, which reduced output by 7 horsepower.
The W140 600 SEL was available with wooden rear ash tray covers, wood/leather shift knob, leather dashboard and a suede headliner, unlike the V8 and inline 6-cylinder models. Following the facelift in 1994, the S600 was updated with a wood/leather steering wheel, a V12 badge on the wood/leather shifter, double needle stitching all over the interior and two tone nappa leather seating – further distinctions from its lower rung siblings.
In June 1993, as part of the new corporate naming campaign, the model range was renamed. This resulted in all SE and SEL models now being re-designated as "S", being followed by the numbering.
In late 1991, following the new Mercedes-Benz tradition of mid-life facelifts (starting with the W123 in 1979), after worldwide launch, work begun on improvements to the W140. By the end of 1992, final design changes were approved and later patented(application) on February 27, 1993, exactly 5 years after the original W140 design patent application in 1988.In March 1994, the updated models were unveiled at the Geneva Auto Salon and went on sale in April 1994 in mainland Europe and in other markets during the second half of the year. The clear turn signal indicator lenses on the front and new taillights were the most obvious change, as was the grille including a new and distinctive one for S 600s. Headlamps were fitted with separate low H7, H1 fog, and high H1 beam reflectors in 1994, pre-1995 models used an H4 bulb and H3 for the fog lamp. In April 1995, "Parktronic" replaced the parking guiders on the rear boot lid.
In 1995, the two tone exterior appearance was made to be monotone, xenon headlamps were added and the rear indicator lenses became clear. The changes were later introduced in June 1996 as 1996.5 models in Europe and 1997 models in the United States.
Height of the W140 production models varied between years (1992-94 W140 Sedan: 58.7 in; 1992-94 V140 Sedan: 58.9 in; 1995-96 W140 Sedan: 58.4 in; 1997-99 V140 Sedan: 58.3 in; C140 Coupe: 56.7 in; 1997-99 W140 Sedan: 58.5 in).
The car is infamous for being the model in which Diana, Princess of Wales died following a high-speed car accident in which she (as with the driver and the other passengers) was not wearing her seat belt and the driver was intoxicated. Princess Diana, driver Henri Paul and partner Dodi Al Fayed died as a result of the accident.

 

MODELS

Body style	Chassis code	(Cal.) Years	Model	Engine	Notes	No. Built[5]
sedan	W140.135/W140.134	1996–1998	S 300	3.0 LOM606 I6	Turbo-Diesel	7,583
		1991–1996	300 SD / S 350	3.5 L OM603 I6	Turbo-Diesel	20,518
	W140.028	1993–1998	300 SE 2.8 / S 280	2.8 L M104 I6		22,784
	W140.032	1991–1993	300 SE	3.2 L M104 I6		183,441
		1991–1993	300 SEL
		1993–1999	S 320
	W140.042	1991–1993	400 SE	4.2 L M119 V8		49,468
	W140.043	1991–1993	400 SEL	4.2 L M119 V8
		1993–1998	S 420
	W140.051	1991–1993	500 SEL	5.0 L M119 V8		87,006
		1993–1999	S 500
	W140.057	1992–1993	600 SEL	6.0 L M120 V12		35,910
		1993–1999	S 600
coupé	W140.063	1994–1998	S 420 / CL 420	4.2 L M119 V8		2,496
	W140.070	1992–1993	500 SEC	5.0 L M119 V8		14,953
		1993–1999	S 500 / CL 500
	W140.076	1992–1993	600 SEC	6.0 L M120 V12		8,573
		1993–1999	S 600 / CL 600

Safety

The W140 S-Class introduced several safety innovations which have since become commonplace among many vehicles.

• Braking system. The V8 and V12 W140 models distributed more braking power to the rear wheels, increasing stopping effectiveness. In 1996, the W140 received Brake Assist, which engaged during emergency maneuvers to boost braking power to maximum.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was introduced in 1996. ESP used on-board computers to improve vehicle handling response during difficult driving conditions. This was a Mercedes developed system, which has since been licensed to other manufacturers.
• Side airbags (pioneered by Volvo in 1994) and seat occupancy sensors were introduced in 1996.

 

 

Comfort and convenience

Some innovations for the W140 included:

• Double-paned soundproofed glass was a new S-Class innovation first fitted on the W140. This form of window glazing allowed for improved soundproofing, reduced condensation, and other insulation benefits.
• Electrically-operated exterior mirrors could be folded at the flick of a switch to ease driving in narrow spaces.
• 'Parameter steering' was a system which made low-speed driving easier by reducing the effort required to maneuver in speed-sensitive situations such as parking.

• Rear-parking markers, or guide rods. These rods extended from the rear corners of the trunk lid when in reverse, providing the driver with a guideline for rear maneuvers. In 1995, this system was replaced by the sonar-based Parktronic system which measured the distance of the bumpers to nearby obstacles.
• 12-way powered, heated front seats, with 3 setting memory functions and lumbar support.
• Windshield wipers w/heated washer system. Later models also included Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Electrically-operated automatic-dimming inside rear-view mirror that tied into the seat and steering wheel memory.
• Heated exterior mirrors. Later models also included auto dimming driver's side mirror.
• Orthopedic seats were an expensive option from the factory but consisted of several different air cushions in the seat that the user can inflate and deflate to find the perfect driving position.
• Dual-zone climate control. Four-zone climate control on LWB models.
• Reclining and heated rear seats on LWB models. V12 models also have the four place seating option allowing fully adjustable rear seats, lumbar support and rear sunshade control. The center seat has been replaced by a burlwood center console, allowing a 2 + 2 seating format.
• The climate control system could be set to operate for 20 minutes after the engine had been turned off.
• Electric Rear Sunshade
• Rear passenger illuminated vanity mirrors.
• Self-Closing Doors and Trunk.
• Leather interiors and burl inserts (optional, standard for 500SEC/CL 500

Drivetrain technologies

• The W140 featured a newly-developed double wishbone front axle and a multi-link independent rear suspension.
• ADS (Adaptive Damping System) standard on V12 models and optional for V8 models that adjust the damping level of the shock absorbers to help stabilize the car during high speed driving, aggressive driving, or if the driver loses control of the vehicle.

S600 Performance

The flagship model of the W140 lineup, the S600 (600SEL until 1993) LWB saloon set new standards of performance, the likes of which had never been achieved with such a heavy robust car up to that time. The 6.0 V12 engine was capable of accelerating the 2 tonne, 18 foot saloon to 100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds and with a top speed of 179 mph with the limiter removed^. Mid to high range acceleration is immense and closely matches the first generation S63 AMG model in this regard. Even today the S600 is still popularly used as an alternative performance option to the newer, more expensive AMG models. There were available, a limited number of the SEL600 model with an AMG aftermarket powerpack upgrade, increasing the power output to approximately 445PS with 623NM of torque thanks to slightly more aggressive camshafts, pistons and connecting rods and a computerised remap of the original ECU.