Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class compartment since 2011 compartment
Star hatch
Sportcoupe from Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz did not dare to produce compact models for a long time. After all, the company's name was associated with large, powerful, reliable premium cars. But time passed, the market dictated its conditions. By the end of the 90s, competitors have already firmly occupied the niche of city hatchbacks. The response from Stuttgart was the SportCoupe model.
Since the car was focused on wealthy and young people, the concern could not sell just hatchback, albeit with the stigma of Mercedes. Apparently, therefore, a somewhat peculiar designation of the model was chosen. And if the coupe features were really visible in the silhouette, then the Sport prefix appeared more for the image.
For the first time, Mercedes used a panoramic glass roof on this model, visually expanding the volume of salon space. Moreover, its front part can shift back, forming quite large sizes above the heads of the driver and front passenger. The salon of a small Mercedes does not lose anything in comfort to senior models. It is not difficult to get a job in a comfortable chair thanks to many adjustments. But the creaking of plastic elements of the cabin on copies with mileage is not uncommon.
The machine has a common platform with the W203 model, but, despite this, absolutely all external body panels are different. The fact that the car has a high level of active and passive safety is not in doubt. In this regard, he does not lag behind the rest of the concern.
Sportcoupe is achieved good resistance to corrosion due to galvanizing body elements, and the presence of rust can most likely indicate a poor -quality body restoration after the accident. Those wishing to repair the car after an accident will have to work hard with the search for iron for him. If the sedans in the 203rd body can often be found on disassembly, then the compartment is quite rare, the elements are more expensive, and the most popular details are sold instantly.
An electrician in early copies often failed. The main problems were presented by electronic blocks, issuing incorrect information, and often simply planting the battery.
Traditionally, a wide line of power units was offered for Mercedes. At the beginning of the production, the model tested in time of the 111st series tested on the model. So, the two -liter model had only 129 hp. and was designated from 180. The same option with a compressor (since 200k) has already issued 163 hp. The model with 230k (197 hp) had a volume of 2.3 liters and was also equipped with a supercharger. These motors have established themselves quite well. Of the frequently found sores, the leakage of the front crankshaft oil sewn (about $ 70 with work) and problems with the ventilation of the crankcase.
From mid-2002, the 111th engines have been replaced by new engines of the 271st series. In all cases, they had a volume of 1.8 liters. The hopeless version was designated as from 160 and had a power of 122 hp.
All other modifications (since 180k 143 hp, since 200k 163 hp, from 230k 192 hp) were equipped with a compressor. The experience of the operation of these engines revealed serious shortcomings. On the machines of 20022005, the production of 80,000100,000 km often jumped up the timing chain, and the valves could meet with the pistons. To avoid expensive repairs, it is recommended at this line a preventive replacement of the chain with a tensioner. As a result, the service will have to leave about $ 750. Also, it is often observed by the hair of the valve stems. In this case, it is necessary to remove the head of the block and change the valves with the springs. Version with 200 CGI with a capacity of 170 hp In addition to the compressor, the fuel was directed. The use of Russian gasoline often disables expensive fuel equipment of such a motor.
From 320 (218 hp) and with 32 AMG with a compressor (354 hp) were equipped with motors of the 112th series with a volume of 3.2 liters. These V6 endow the car with excellent dynamics and are rightfully considered one of the most successful and trouble -free ones, but they like to eat oil. Often there are leaks from under the valve lids. To eliminate the problem, as a rule, can be for $ 270. The version with 32 AMG can rarely be found on the road, and on sale even more so. And if you manage to find such an option at an affordable price, then most likely the machine is in a very worn state and soon a serious repair is to be ahead. After all, such devices are purchased in order to anneal in full.
In 2005, the 272nd V6 motor went to the series. On Sportcoupe, two versions were installed with 230 (204 hp) and with 350 (272 hp). These units also had a number of constructive miscalculations. So, the main problem was the wear of the asterisk of the balancer shaft. Problems could be observed at 80,000 km. At the same time, I had to remove and disassemble the motor to replace the asterisk and the conjugated parts. The cost of eliminating the problem could often reach $ 8000. Often there were refusals of electromagnets of camshaft management, the replacement of which is also expensive.
Diesel versions (OM 611 and OM 646) had a working volume of 2.1 liters and were designated as from 200 CDI (122 hp), from 220 CDI (143 hp and 150 hp). The three -liter engine OM 612, pumped by the court atelier, was indicated with 30 CDI AMG and had 231 hp under a hood. Units operating on diesel fuel are quite reliable in themselves, but Russian fuel is often the reason for the failure of the fuel pump, nozzles and other elements of the power system that do not cause problems in Europe.
Sportcoupe installed 5- and 7-speed automatic gearboxes, 6-speed mechanics and its own option with the SEQUENTRONIC system, which switches the gears in automatic mode. Automatic machines are quite reliable and in most cases do not present unpleasant surprises. The traditional softness of switching and some thoughtfulness of boxes make the ride more comfortable than sports. The main recommendations here change the oil with a filter every 60,000 km, although you can often hear from the masters that the oil is flooded for the entire service life. A 5-speed box is characterized by oil leakage through an electric connector. There are no complaints about the mechanics. The clutch wear out here after about 150,000 km. The cost of replacing on average costs $ 1000 with spare parts. The option, supplemented by the SEQUENTronic system, is quite capricious. Often there are problems with the hydraulic pump, the cost of their elimination of about $ 500.
The car suspension has a comfort for the brand, although on SportCoupe it is more elastic and underestimated, unlike the same C-class sedan, justifying the Sport prefix to some extent. Thanks to this, the car has become more grouped on the road, there are fewer rolls in corners.
By German standards, the chassis is quite hardy. The stabilizer racks and bushings wear out more often ($ 40 in the first case and $ 10 in the second). They are enough (depending on operating conditions) for about 40,00050,000 km. Silent blocks of the lower levers and steering tips serve as the same. The remaining elements of the suspension travel up to 100,000 km on average. The rear suspension levers wear out about 80,000 km after about 80,000 km. With neat driving, shock absorbers are enough for more than 100,000 km. In case of replacement, you will have to leave $ 450 in the service for a couple of front and $ 400 for the rear. The front pads are enough for more than 20,000 km ($ 130 with work), the rear by about 50,000 km ($ 90 with work). Disks withstand on average two sets of pads. Replacing the front brake discs with spare parts devastates the wallet by about $ 200, the rear by $ 150.
The steering rack, as a rule, does not cause trouble, although sometimes it can tap on irregularities. Nothing wrong with that. But if the rail flowed, then replacing it will cost a lot.
FITTING
The 2003 issue of 2003 issued in Russia was imported into Russia three years ago for the current owner. To date, the car mileage is 180,000 km. During this time, the engine demanded that the motor had to replace the valves. SEQUENTRONIC is also changing the hydraulic pump of the box. Now the car is in good condition, the owner is satisfied with it. The average price of similar specimens in a decent state is 550,000 rubles.
EXCURSION
In 2000, the public presented the new Mercedes-Benz Sportcoupe, built on the C-class platform, in the 203rd body. Apart from the A-class, it was the first hatchback of the concern. The car was produced in Germany at a factory in Zindelfingen. A choice was offered 12 gasoline and 4 diesel engines with a capacity of 122 to 354 hp. Over the whole time, more than 300,000 compact compacts were produced.
In 2007, they presented the second generation of hatchback. Production was transferred to Brazil. Despite the general external resemblance to the shirt, in the 204th body, the car had the same platform as the first generation of the model. In fact, the changes affected only the front and back of the machine. The salon was also undergoing minimal improvements. Basive and diesel engines were offered with a capacity of 143 to 272 hp.
Mercedes-Benz Sportcoupe, despite its modest size, the car is quite expensive, emphasizing the status of the owner. Unfortunately, childhood diseases that the first owners had to be distinguished are spoiled by the general impression. However, by purchasing a copy with already fixed problems, one can hope for a long and reliable service of one of the most comfortable cars in its class.
Source: Mkobil magazine [September/2010]
