Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class w203 2000-2004 sedan

Velvet revolution

The Mercedes-Benz of the Class is still the most prestigious and expensive medium-sized sedan. But there is little left of the past Mercedes.
  
Third car in the family
Cars with a three -beam star on the hood have always been a symbol of prestige and prosperity. However, the C-class in Europe is quite democratic. If the chic C320 is a car of a wealthy burgher who does not need a large car, then the modest C180 for many becomes the first Mercedes in life. Of course, it is significantly more expensive than Passat or Vectra. But if you have grown to the BMW of the 3rd series or Audi-A4, then having paid only 5-8 percent, you can become the owner of the C-class in a similar configuration.
Our situation is different. BMW and Audi got involved in a merciless price war - some organized production in Russia, others offered special prices for our market. In Stuttgart, they are not used to making concessions, so in Russia the C-class is sold at ordinary European prices. Accordingly, after taxes, it costs the buyer already 25-35 percent more than a similar BMW or Audi.
In this situation, there is no need to talk about the democracy of the C-class. Usually this is either a gift to a loved one from a powerful patron, or a third car in the family, when there are already S-class, Gelendevagen and a couple of snowmobiles-hydrocycles in the garage. However, this does not mean that any money can be spent on the car. So,
What is how much?
The basic C180-classic costs from $ 31,200. It would seem that not so expensive. But ten against one, you will not buy a naked car. As can be seen from the table (see p. 54), the standard C-class equipment is replete only by means of security. And out of pleasant things, by and large, only an electric package and cruise control. For everything else, from the coloring of metallic to climate control, you need to pay extra. Moreover, the options are in Memstestesian roads.
More prestigious executions of eleganes and avant -garde not so much increase the level of equipment (cast discs can also be ordered for the classic), as much as individuals give an individuality, make it more convenient to use and more refined in details. The only difference is that eleganes is aristocratic, and the avant -garde involves a dynamic, sports image.
In addition to pre -equipment, the motor significantly affects the cost of the machine. If we take into account that empty machines are not ordered, and the wealth of equipment usually corresponds to the prestige of the engine, the real prices look something like this:
 
 
C180
(2.0 l, 129 l.
$34 000-39 000
 
C200-compressor
(2.0 l, compressor, 163 l.
 
$42 000-48 000
 
C240
(2.6 l, V6, 170 hp)
 
$47 000-52 000
 
C320
(3.2 l, V6, 218 l.
 
$58 000-65 000
 
C32-amg
(3.2 l, V6, compressor, 354 l.
 
$72 000-75 000
 
C200-CDI
(2.2 l, turbodiesel, 116 l.
 
$35 000-40 000
 
C220-CDI
(2.2 l, turbodiesel, 143 l.
 
$40 000-48 000
 
C270-CDI
(2.7 l, turbodiesel, 170 hp)
 
$47 000-53 000
 
For acquaintance, we chose the best-selling C200-compressor. In terms of dynamic qualities, it is comparable to 6-cylinder C240, but it costs about $ 3000 cheaper. Our car was with a sedan body (a station wagon in Russia does not in demand), performed by avant -garde and, of course, with an automatic gearbox. Almost all customers pay extra $ 2140 for it, so as not to tire yourself with a six -speed (!) Mechanics. In addition, the equipment was supplemented with climate control, heating seats, an audio system, an electric drive, a lamp washing, a rain sensor, an autonomous engine heating system, as well as a security alarm with a volume sensor. Such a car costs $ 43,000-44,000.
 
Make -up mirrors can only be obtained in Eleans and Vanguard performances

The front head restraints are adjusted in the angle of inclination in a very original way

 
Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor
common data
 
Body
5-seater sedan
 
Equipped mass, kg
1415
 
Complete mass, kg
1970
 
Maximum speed, km/h
227
 
Acceleration time 0100 km/h, with
9.7
 
Highway fuel consumption/city, l/100 km
7.0/13.8
 
Fuel supply, l
62 (AI-95)
 
Engine
 
Location
Front, longitudinally
 
Design

 
gasoline, 4-cylinder, in order, in order
with two upper distributions,
mechanical compressor and intermediate cooler
 
The number of valves per cylinder
four
 
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
89.9 x 78.7
 
Working volume, SMZ
1998
 
Compression ratio
9.5
 
Power, L.S. (kW) at rpm
163/5300
 
Maximum torque, kgsm (nm) at rpm
23.4/2500
 
Chassis
 
Transmission
rear -wheel drive
 
Transmission
Automatic, 5-speed
 
Transporting numbers
I; II; III; IV; V; h. X.
3.93; 2.41; 1.49; 1.0; 0.83; 3.15
 
main gear
3.27
 
Suspension
  
 
front

Independent, such as McExeson,
with a reptile stabilizer,
on the subframe
 
behind
 
independent, multi -link,
with a reptile stabilizer
 
Steering
rack, with an amplifier
 
Brakes
 
disk with an amplifier and ABS,
in front - circular ventilated
 
The size of the tires
225/55 R16
 
Is this Mercedes?
On that day, I did not try to detect the uneven gaps or hack in the color of the body. To arrange a Mercedes such a test for lice is a hopeless lesson. I walked around C200 and admired. Emphasized a wedge -shaped silhouette, a low window line, steep thighs of the wings. But the most important thing is how perfect all this is balanced. The C-class resembles a Hollywood handsome man with a dazzling smile, which pumped up the muscles exactly so much as not to turn into a gorilla and at the same time be in shape. Where did the former Mercedes stiffness and monumentality go?
In the cabin - the same picture. The quality of finishing materials and assembly is not in doubt. But if it were not for the characteristic design of the upholstery of the doors and not the three -beam star on the hub of the lamb, I might think that I was in any other German car. You open the door, and the spherical deflector of the boot glass, similar to the eye of a crab ... Hello, arrived, arrived at you. And where is the strict Mercedes interior in the style of Hale, Stirlitz? It seems that after the creation of a-class they went crazy there in Stuttgart. Or young years old for twenty years.
However, what to talk about the chain, even if the representative S-class stopped being like a battleship Bismarck. Yes, gentlemen, a new history of the Mercedes-Benz will be performed before our eyes. Everything that was before is just a story.
 
The wiper buttons and remote unlocking of the trunk are located on the driver's door

In the executions of Eleganes and the avant -garde, the front central armrest is adjustable in height
 
Behind the wheel...
Settling on the driver's seat, I decided that at the last moment someone treacherously pulled him out - the pillow was so low. However, I fell unexpectedly softly - it turns out that the back of the pillow is springy. Not otherwise, the Germans knew what they were doing, equipping the chair with a pendant. It can be raised above it, but then even a person of medium height will inevitably straighten his brains about the upper doorway. So a low racing landing is a sentence.
But the range of longitudinal adjustment in German is huge. The C -class can be set as the main prize at the basketball tournament - the winner will be satisfied. Plus - steering column adjustable in height and corner. In general, it is convenient to get a driver of any complexion here. The seats are good - they perfectly fix the body and at the same time do not grind the sides. For complete comfort for $ 975, you can order a system of complex memorization of parameters. Then both the seat itself and the steering column will receive a complete set of electro -regions and three memory positions, including external mirrors. And in the list of options there is also a pumping of a driver's seat.
A multifunctional steering wheel with leather upholstery is very pleasant to the touch. It has buttons that control the phone (if it is built -in), an on -board computer, an audio system and programming with a mass of other functions. You can, for example, set the time for turning on the headlights during which the machine will illuminate your way to the house.
And here are the favorite Mercedes calluses, from which in Stuttgart it seems to be never retreating. Oh, this only steering wheel switch located on the left. Imagine that not only turn signals are hung on it, but also wipers and farms of headlights ... Guys, if you honor traditions, why don't you continue the release of the three -wheeled crew of Karl Benz? And this foot parking brake to press the pedal, the knee must be attracted almost to the chin.
Well, stop growling. Tell me better, in many cars you have met a system of use of the residual heat of the engine? In the chain you can sit and bask, not including the motor. You will receive this function if you order climate control ($ 1835). Climate works is great - only the control panel could be more logical. By the way, there is a more advanced climate control system ($ 2500) with an active coal filter, a sensor of sunlight and separate adjustment of air flows.
But most of all I liked the autonomous engineer of the engine and salon. Every morning at the editorial parking, a warm car with a warmed motor awaited me. True, this particular car was built by a German - an employee of the Moscow representative office of the Daimler -Coisler. Our buyers will better pay $ 2080 for a leather salon than $ 1610 per autonomous.
   
The range of adjustment of the front seats is simply huge, but there is enough space behind, but nothing more
 
... and in the place of the passenger
The wolfersnaya of the one who sits to the right of the driver: the same huge range of adjustments, the same comfortable chair. If it is intended for your beloved spouse, you can also pamper it with an electric drive of adjustments and the memory of the seat position. Only $ 540.
Behind the new S-class has become slightly larger than its predecessor, although you still can’t call it spacious. There are enough places here, but the third one is better not to take in the company. The one who is in the middle interferes with the high tunnel, and the extreme passengers will support the side racks with their heads.
 
Under the glass are the sensors of rain and automatic turning on the headlights

To the right of the automatic transmission lever is the switch of the autonomous engine heating system and the cabin
 
We pack the suitcases
The main thing is that there are not very many of them and that they are not too large. The Germans declare quite decent 455 liters of trunk volume. But this volume is not planned not in the best way, and the lower edge is greatly narrowed with triangular rear lights.
True, when ordering a car, the trunk can be made more convenient. If in the car you transport only your own body and bags from the supermarket, you can stop on the standard version - with a deaf, tightened by the back of the rear sofa. But, having paid only $ 292, you will receive a folding hatch in the back with a ski cover. And for $ 312 you will be installed separately folding back.
 
    
Safety
It is clear that the dear German car simply must be stuffed with the most advanced security tools. We note the most interesting things.
From what helps to avoid an accident, the system of dynamic stabilization (ESP) and the emergency braking system (BAS) are standard for C-class. The latter is the second brake amplifier and is triggered if the brake pedal was pressed sharply, but not much (for example, when a fragile lady was driving).
If the collision is inevitable, it remains to rely on the airbags. There are six of them in the basic configuration: two frontal, two side in front and window curtains. The rear passengers can also be supplied with lateral pillows.
We include the central locking, which blocks the doors when reaching a speed of 15 km/h. In addition, it can be programmed so that when the button is first pressed on the remote control, only the driver's door is unlocked, and all the rest - only with repeated pressing. From the same remote control, only the trunk lid can be unlocked without opening the cabin door - in a crowded place, the precaution is not superfluous.
The safety of the car was ensured by the installation of a factory alarm ($ 338). It provides a function of towing, which can be disabled by the button when the car takes the car (with your consent, of course). Plus, to the alarm it is possible to order an internal volume sensor. It can also be disabled by the button if the animal remains in the protected car.
Children in the car
In addition to blocking the windows and children's blocking of the rear door locks, the front passenger C-class seat is equipped with an automatic recognition system of the children's chair. If you install the baby chair forward on the right front seat, the passenger airbag will automatically turn off and the Airbag-OFF light bulb light up on the central console. This is done so that in the accident, the pillow does not open and does not injure the child. True, the system recognizes only the branded children's chair acquired from the Mercedes-Benz dealer.
In addition, for a surcharge you can order a couple of children's chairs integrated into the rear sofa pillow. They are designed for the age of 2 to 12 years.
 
Governing bodies

1. Blocking unit.
2. The parking brake pedal.
3. The central light switch and the mirror settings panel.
4. Cruise control lever.
5. The buttons to control the on -board computer, the phone and the audio system.
6. The heating switch of the seats.
7. The ESP system switch.
8. Airbag-off control lamp.
9. The switch of inclination and volume sensors.
10. Audio system.
11. Climate control unit.

No, this is not a Mercedes
Sitting behind the wheel, I thought that the image of a Mercedes was better suited for the execution of eleans with a decoration of a noble tree than an avant -garde with sports inserts for aluminum. With the V6 motor - undoubtedly. But when the assertive roar of the compressor four came from under the hood, I realized that the harmony with aluminum would turn out.
And C200 went. Yes, how I went! The mechanical supercharger, unlike the turbine, endows the motor with powerful and even thrust with idle revolutions and before cutting off. Even restrained by automatic, he instantly reacted to the gas pedal and was ready to catapult the car forward from any speed. Moreover, the compressor’s bass roar unusual for the Mercedes engines in this case did not cause dissonance, since managing C200, I could not believe that I was going on a Mercedes.
The car is as if attached to the nerve endings of the fingers. You perfectly understand what he is capable of, and he perfectly understands what is required of him. Fiction!
And how the dynamic stabilization system is configured! It allows you to safely go out to overtaking through the snow rolling strips and suppresses provocations like pressing the gas until it stops in a slippery turn. But the electronics does not hold you for a complete idiot and interferes with the control after the car has sailed. Rather, you yourself protect your leg from the pedal than it comes to ESP.
This behavior can be considered normal for alpha romeo or BMW. But by Mercedes standards, this is a giant breakthrough in the field of controllability.
 
Dashboard
 
1. Tachometer. 2. A speedometer. 3. Signal lamps. 4. Information display. 5. indicator of automatic transmission modes. 6. Fuel level indicator.
 
 
Engine

1. Expansion tank of the cooling system.
2. Mastensal neck.
3. Oil probe.
4. The tank of the washer of the glass.

 
 
Automating is an integrator
The selector of an automatic five -speed box on C200 has a position + and -. The Germans call this manual switching mode. That is, if the lever is sequentially sway from position D to minus, then the number 4 appears in the window on the dashboard, then 3 and so on to one. If plus, then in the reverse order. In modern gripping degrees, this means that it is precisely the transmission that was displayed in the window.
I felt the catch when I accidentally turned on the fourth and began to move off the traffic light. The car started on the first, and then the machine began to switch up ... I looked into the instructions - it is. When the 4th box is turned on, the box will switch from the first to the fourth gear, and on the top three to the third, as well as a conventional automatic machine in low mode.
Yes, it’s not a stepbronics, of course, but, unlike a regular machine, it allows you to constantly use switching down for braking with an engine without compromising your own health. And that is good.
By the way, the box itself works perfectly - switching occurs softly and predictably. Moreover, it is adaptive and adapts to the road conditions and style of the driver’s riding. And most importantly, even in mode D there is the effect of braking with an engine during gas discharge.
As befits a modern box, it contains two modes - a standard S and a winter W, when turned on, the machine is touched smoothly, from the second gear. I was glad that after the ignition is turned off, the box remains in the mode that was installed for the last time, and does not switch by default to S, as in many cars.
 
The standard equipment includes an electric drive adjustment of the angle of inclination of the back and the height of the seat

For the surcharge of the glass nozzle, you can equip it with heating
       
 
The volume of the trunk is pretty decent, but its opening from below is greatly narrowed

The version of the execution is indicated on the moldings of the front wings
       
 
The shape of the bumper and the linings of the thresholds of the Vanguard version resembles a plastic body kit from AMG
    
We liked
 
Removable bumper overlays in case of damage can be painted or replaced

By pressing the button from the driver's place, the rear head restraints fold, which improves the review

 
The testimony of the on -board computer located on the speedometer field is very convenient to read

Both external mirrors have a side view sector

As well as:
The possibility of individual setting of configuration
Great sled qualities
Adaptation to bad roads
 
   
We didn't like it
  
The front seats pillows are too low, planting requires a fair dexterity

Climate control unit can only be mastered with instructions

 
Left steering wheel switch is greatly overloaded with functions

As well as:
High price compared to competitors
Expensive pre -equipment
 
Packet for bad roads
As such, there is no package. Russian dealers order option No. 481 - protection of the engine crankcase and No. 482 - an enhanced suspension with increased road clearance. All together is worth it, it's ridiculous to say - $ 181. But the motor from below is covered with powerful steel armor, which can be safely laid on the ground, and the car grows by 2 cm.
Of course, compared with the standard, the reinforced suspension is more rigid. But the car without grimacing swallows holes in the brown, and in the snow rut from the Zhiguli it does not scrap with the bumper.
There is another option for adaptation - a sports suspension. Do not try to order it if you are not going to consciously make a sports car out of the car for every day. The car becomes even lower than in the standard, and turns into a dental machine.
 
Car dimensions, mm

 
Salon dimensions, mm
Operation, service
The factory (and not dealer!) Warranty for the C -class is two years without limiting a run - a very profitable offer, especially for corporate customers. The frequency of visiting the technical center is determined by the active system of maintenance Assyst. In severe operating conditions, a reminder of the need for a visit to the station may appear on the on -board computer screen after 7000 km. And in gentle mode, the interval interval can reach more than 20 thousand. However, the servicemen recommend that you take it every 15,000 km.
From Krasnodar to Irkutsk, 31 official dealer of the Mercedes Benets work, of which five in Moscow and three in St. Petersburg. The cost of service services for Moscow dealers is approximately the same - $ 50-52 per norm. As can be seen from the table, the cost then corresponds to the price of the car. But the prices for spare parts look quite acceptable even against the background of more affordable German brands. In Moscow, there is a central warehouse of spare parts, where details of more than 30,000 items are stored. In extreme cases, the necessary spare part will be delivered from Germany for 4-5 days.
 
List of basic equipment
The basic performance of the classic
Anti -lock brake system
The system of dynamic stabilization
Emergency braking system
Automatic switching system for headlights
Fog lights
Six airbags
Electric drive of mirrors and glasses
Electric drive adjusting the height and tilting the back of the driver's seat
Central Castle with remote control
Green tinting glasses
On-board computer
Cruise control
Central armrest in front
Wooden decoration of the salon
Eleans execution ($ 2000)
Cast wheeled wheels (15 inches)
Chrome decoration of the grille of the radiator, moldings, window frames and door handles
Leather upholstery of the steering wheel and lever gearbox
Entrance-exit in front doors
Make -up mirrors in sunscreen visors
Central armrest with height adjustment
Avangard execution ($ 2000)
Analogue of eleganes, with the exception of:
Cast wheeled wheels (16 inches)
Blue tinting glasses
Aluminum interior decoration instead of wooden
Bumers and overlays of thresholds of a changed shape
 
Measure the experts of the magazine limousine
Weather
Temperature + 29
Pressure, mm Hg. Art. 749
Humidity, % 60
Coating dry asphalt concrete
Weight characteristics
Equipped mass, kg 1552
Ox load, kg
On the front 858 (55.3 %)
On the back 693 (44.7 %)
Dynamic qualities
(partial load - 2 people + 25 kg)
Acceleration, C:
040 km/h 3.8
060 km/h 5.8
080 km/h 8.8
0100 km/h 12.7
0120 km/h 17.3
0140 km/h 23.0
0160 km/h 32.7
0400 m 18.7 (126.1 km/h)
01000 m 33.6 (162.7 km/h)
Maximum speed, km/h 214
Speedometer error, % 4.7
Elasticity, p
60-100 km/h (Kik-Daun) 7.1
80-120 km/h (Kik-Daun) 9.6
Running, m
12050 km/h 1966
500 km/h 803
Braking with 100 km/h
Braking distance, m 43.7
Slow down, m/s2 8.9
 
Prices for spare parts and that, USD
TO1 15,000 km $ 200-250
TO2 30,000 km $ 500-600
TO3 45,000 km $ 200-250
The cost of the rate of work is $ 50-52
Oil filter $ 16
Air filter $ 28
Fuel filter $ 116
Spark plug (1 pc.) $ 13
Brake pads (front/rear) $ 93/65
Tip of steering thrust $ 50
Front lever assembly $ 217
Front shock absorber $ 190
Rear shock absorber $ 160
Front wing $ 234
Rear $ 321 wing
Hood $ 367
Front door $ 417
Rear door $ 521
Front bumper assembly $ 442
Rear bumper assembly $ 493
Front headlight assembly of halogen/xenon $ 306/1246
Rear lamp assembly $ 154
 
    
We decided:
Who said that the owner of the Mercedes should be over forty? C200 will also like the young buyer. There would be money.
 
Alexander Konov, photo Alexander Sadovnikov

 

Source: Magazine "Limousine" [03/02]