Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class AMG sedan since 2011 sedan
Hatch from the nesting doll. Mercedes-Benz W203
For more than a decade, the younger, among the classic Mercedes-Benz, looked at the toys invented for older brothers, after which he declared the designers to be a squeaky voice: I, and I, I also want! Well, how to refuse a child? Thus, almost all generations of the C-Klasse family have become simplified and reduced copies of their more advanced and large relatives. This is exactly what C-Klasse was in the early 80s, who received the nickname Baby-Benz. Later, in the early 90s, a car with a factory W202 index showed that the company's designers still consider a corporate style to be successful, which allows the whole family to put in a row, like a disassembled nesting doll. The W203 appeared in 2000: while in the BMW design studio, the idea has visited the idea to visually smash individual models, artists Mercedes-Benz without unnecessary thoughts used a favorite reception, once again turning all their cars into multi-scale copies of each other. However, the penultimate version of the C-Klasse (since 2006 it was replaced by the W204, which outlined in the development of designers a certain tendency to individualize each representative of the Mercedes-Benz modeling range) defines not a form, but the content ... since recently, the W203 has finally registered on the secondary market, Therefore, it is time for us to tell potential buyers of used Baby-Benz everything that is known about this machine.
Of course, the representatives of the then model range of Mercedes-Benz, of course, have a lot, but it is difficult to confuse them with each other. The corporate identity is quite accurately and neatly adapted to a compact body, more precisely, even for compact bodies, because the choice of modifications is quite impressive: in addition to the classic 4-door sedan in the family, there is a station wagon, hatchback (which, by the way, is still sold new, though it is called a new one He is CLC-Klasse, and the front part borrowed from the last chain), as well as a compartment with a convertible (cars are called CLK, but with all the apparent independence are built on the same platform as C-Klasse). I don't want to choose! And whatever this choice, you can always count on the reliability of the body, since it is well protected from corrosion, and in addition, the electrician is trouble -free. True, it does not tolerate the intervention from the outside: a non -standard security system or an incorrectly installed kit of xenon often causes unpredictable malfunctions. It is worth paying attention to the fact that it is extremely undesirable to put the battery: having come to your senses, the small Mercedes-Benz will feel unwell (cases when the ESP system lost performance after discharge with subsequent cigarette).
The C-Klasse cabin is tailored in the best traditions of the brand: pleasant ergonomics, high-quality decoration materials, rich equipment (so, passengers protects a whole complex of airbags) Business class, in a word! If not for the size: it does not smell like a business segment. Nevertheless, by the standards of its class, the salon is not at all bad: the back is clearly more spacious than in the same BMW E46 or, say, Toyota altezza. However, in the back seat is still not very free, and the smoothness of the car in the car is quite mediocre (especially by the highest standards of this brand). But the driver is good: the car rides (and even weak versions such as C200 Kompressor are distinguished by excellent dynamics), and it is controlled quite tolerably, and is inhibited remarkably. Finally, at speed, the little Merce feels great.
But if a simple C-Klasse source of driver’s happiness, then in the AMG version, happiness reaches a peak: there were two supercars in the skin of simple mushrooms, first the compressor C32 AMG, later (in 2004) atmospheric C55 AMG with a more voluminous engine of similar power (instead of 354 liters . S. He gave out 367 horses). Unlike vegetables, the cars have crazy dynamics, the most precise manageability, brakes in which, perhaps, the relics are more than in the European low -profile motor ... such a set of qualities should be emphasized externally, which the Germans did, moreover, went much further than other manufacturers . In particular, the C55 differs from the basic versions not only by another body kit and new discs, but also by the front part, borrowed from CLK-Klasse (the front of the C32 AMG was the same as the simple W203).
Some characteristics
Type of body sedan universal hatchback
Number doors 4 5 3
Sum of places 5
Length, mm 4526 4541 4343
Width, mm 1726 1728 1728
Height, mm 1426 1465 1406
Wheel base, mm 2715
The type of suspension (front/back) is independent, with racks like MacPherson/independent, multi -link
The type of drive is rear or full
Brakes (front/rear) Disco ventilated/disk (ventilated)
Gas tank volume, l 62
Passive security rating*Defense of adults *****
Children's protection: tests were not carried out
Pedestrian protection **
Acceleration to 100 km/h, s ** 9.1
Max. Speed, km/h ** 234
* According to EURONCAP.
** Data for C200K with manual transmission.
And now about power units. First, the engine line was the following view: three 2-liter engines (the weakest was installed on C180, it gave out 129 hp, an intermediate of 143 hp. The C180K was equipped with the most powerful 163-horsepower C200K), one volume of 1.8 L (develops impressive 193 hp and is found under the hood C230K), one 2.6-liter V6 with a capacity of 170 hp, as well as one 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine of 218 hp. A year before the W203 was replaced on a new generation machine, two new units appeared, which are still used in C-Klasse: we are talking about a 3-liter motor of 231 hp. (C280), as well as about a 2.5-liter V6 (204 hp), established exclusively on version C230. It is easy to guess that the range of engines contains not only gasoline motors, there are diesel engines of varying degrees of force 2; 2.2; 3 and even 3.2 l. Nevertheless, under the hood of these machines, for the most part, gasoline units. Do you often have to repair them? No, but you will have to change the oil every 10-12 thousand km. True, this is not always cheap: in a 2.6-liter V6, for example, 7 liters of oil are poured. It is undesirable to violate the terms of this procedure: the valve hydraulic compensators are very tender, and it is not so difficult to bring them displeased with displeasure, it is enough to overexpose oil in the engine. But the timing belt will never have to be changed: the Germans traditionally use the circuit in the gas distribution mechanism. Note that it is better to consult about its replacement with a qualified master: a mechanic who has not previously encountered Mercedes-Benz will not immediately realize what's what.
How do compressor engines feel in our country? If you change the air filter in time, then there is nothing to worry about (by the way, it is such a power unit that is an optimal choice for a tuning lover: by applying a different engine control program, you can achieve an impressive power increase). However, the owners of such machines are not completely safe from the problems: in particular, the pipes fitting with the standard intercooler sometimes do not withstand pressure and simply fly off.
The automatic gearbox is the traditionally strong side of the Mercedes-Benz brand: these units do not have chronic diseases. Oil, of course, sometimes needs to be changed, but not at all for each (usually as a state). It is noteworthy that the grease is drained from the hydrotransformer, that is, to completely replace the liquid, you do not have to connect a special compressor. Many brand the chassis of modern German machines as unreliable. In fact, this is not entirely true: W203, of course, has weaknesses (such are considered to be the front suspension levers and racks of reptile stability stabilizers), but people usually confuse makeup with high cost repairs. And to repair the suspension of the previous generation, the pleasure is expensive: in abundance, aluminum is used in abundance, hence the rather high cost of the same levers. There is nothing to be done, it is very likely that for excellent controllability, coupled with a high level of comfort and minimal unsubstantiated masses, they will regularly settle account in the service ...
The C-Klasse of this generation made everyone look differently at the segment as a whole: from the moment of its appearance, the car has ceased to be truncated versions of these premium class models. In terms of equipment, comfort, and often saturation with advanced technologies, these cars are the same representative limousines, just a familiar and high -quality product was poured into a more compact and neat packaging. Well, it is especially happy that the W203 has established itself with a rather reliable means of movement: its contemporaries performing in the business class (W210 and W211) are considered much less trouble-free models.
The advantages and disadvantages of the model
Advantages
Rich equipment, magnificent running qualities, a huge variety of modifications
Flaws
Expensive spare parts, the high cost of used cars, a little toy appearance
Approximate prices in Moscow from 450 thousand (C200K 2000) to 1,700 thousand rubles. (C55 AMG 2005).
