"Mercedes W203": specifications, description, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Mercedes W203 is the second generation of the C-class mid-size cars produced by the world famous Stuttgart company. It was it that replaced its predecessor, the car known as the Mercedes-Benz W202.

Start release

So, first of all, I would like to note that the “Mercedes W203” was originally published as a sports coupe and sedan. And the production itself started in 2000. Seeing that the model was becoming popular, the company's specialists decided to add a station wagon (S203). The first three years the car has not undergone virtually no changes. Restyling was planned only for 2004. During the modernization process, the car received not only a new, improved exterior and interior (the interior, by the way, has changed significantly), but also improved engines.

This car was produced until 2006. Then the manufacturers released a new product - W204, which also quickly became popular. However, in all those six years, the company sold more than two million copies. But, by the way, in 2006 W203 did not sink into oblivion. Two years later, it was this car that formed the basis of the project to create a separate CLC-class.

Design

Few people know, but the design of the car "Mercedes W203" began to be developed back in 1994. The final version was approved in 1995, and at the end of the year. Patented design already in 1999.

Many critics immediately said that this car is very similar to the W220 (only it's not a C, but an S-class). A rounded body with soft lines and a spacious interior caught the eye. There is indeed a lot of space inside, despite the fact that the car looks very compact, low and generally sporty.

The length of the model is 4526 mm, the wheelbase is 2715 mm. The car is 1728 mm wide and 1426 mm high. In general, the body of the Mercedes W203 turned out to be very elegant and spectacular. It is impossible not to note the attention of the oval headlights in front and the triangular-shaped lights in the back. Moreover, the body turned out to be extremely aerodynamic. The drag coefficient is only 0.26 Cx! Thus, the lifting force is reduced by almost 57%. This is just an amazing score. Thanks to this, the car is incredibly comfortable to drive and stable on any, even the most slippery and bad roads. It is for this that the people who have become the owners of this car love it.

The appearance of a new coupe

Some time after the start of production, a new coupe appeared, which was decided to be called the C-Class Sportcoupé. This car is known to the world as CL203. Then new engines began to appear, which the Mercedes C-class W203 could boast of. More precisely, the motor was one,however, he commanded the respect of all motorists. After all, it was a diesel 170-horsepower C270 CDI!

Then a special, sporty model was released, which was perfected by the famous AMG studio. Initially, this Mercedes W203, the photo of which is provided below, was offered to a potential buyer with a supercharged gasoline engine under the hood. The V6 powered car became known as the C32. However, some time later, in 2002, the first diesel version from the AMG studio was released! Its name is C30 CDI (I5). The car existed for quite a long time - it was produced for three years. Only discontinued in 2005.

Restyling

And in 2004 it was restyled. The interior has changed - in particular, the experts decided to install a new, modern dashboard, center console and audio system. We also introduced full iPod support and improved interaction with smartphones via Bluetooth. And the version that was offered to buyers from North America received a sports package. This model had a special tuning. Mercedes W203 of this version has got a stylish bumper, rear spoiler and side skirts.

2004

A few years after the start of production, the company released several new engines. Naturally, they were first installed under the hood of Mercedes-Benz W203 cars. These were the M272 and OM642 units - each V6. In 2004, models with these engines appeared in Europe, and in North America - only two years later. Then, at that time, they stopped releasingversions C240 and C320. But others appeared - 230, 280 and 350.

It was evident that the new power units are much more powerful. It was even found out the percentage by which the performance of the motors increased, compared with the previous ones. 24 percent! Almost a quarter. At the same time, less fuel was noticed, as well as CO2 emissions minimized.

But there was also a car with a diesel engine. Yes, and it was replaced with a new one, and a much more efficient engine was installed under its hood - a 3-liter, V6. The novelty, which became known as the C320, was often compared with the C 270. It really was more powerful. Its engine produced as much as 224 hp. s., but less diesel was required. By the way, the C 220 model (also CDI) has also undergone some changes. The power of its engine has grown - not by 50-100 horses, of course, but it has risen from 143 to 150 horses. Moreover, all units were now equipped with a 7G-Tronic 7-band automatic.

Salon

The interior, which every Mercedes W203 can boast of, receives extremely positive reviews. The owners of the car claim that the interior is designed exactly as it should be, nothing more. Everything is elegant, refined, expensive, but without frills. In the best tradition of Mercedes!

The interior is made in rounded and soft forms, which are in perfect harmony with strict lines. The first thing that catches your eye is the multifunctional steering wheel. By the way, you can customize it however you like. The dashboard looks stylish too. And besides, it is very ergonomic.

Comes with a center display as standard,automatic dipped beam and many other functions. For cars with a diesel engine, for example, an autonomous heater is installed. In the version with gasoline units - an on-board diagnostic system. Other equipment could be ordered. And there are quite a few of them. Navigation system, automatic climate control, radio and CD player, control system (voice) … This is just a small list of different functions! In general, the developers of Mercedes-Benz approached the issue of equipment responsibly.

Pendant

This is also an important topic that should be noted when talking about the Mercedes W203. The suspension of this car receives extremely positive reviews. And this is understandable, because this model has a MacPherson strut, unlike its predecessor (there was a 2-link suspension). But this is the front. The rear has remained multi-link. Also, experts have developed a more advanced steering mechanism and equipped the novelty with ventilated disc brakes. And the “Mercedes C180 W203” could be both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

This machine is also equipped with the proprietary and well-known 4MATIC system. But this option could only be available on the C320 and C240 versions. If we talk about the usual performance, then everywhere there was a 6-band mechanics. At the individual request of the client, a 5-speed automatic could be installed. And in 2004, when restyling took place, they began to release versions with a 7-speed automatic 7G-Tronic.

And, of course, ESP and ABS. They were installed on the car of eachconfiguration.

Security level

“Mercedes S W203” is not just a high quality car. It is also a vehicle with an excellent security system. The novelty of 2000 included about 20 different technical innovations. Until the moment the W203 project appeared in the company's plans, these technologies were used exclusively on high-end cars. The interior is equipped with four airbags (2 of which are adaptive, and 2 are side). As an option, two passenger ones were offered. And the air curtains were already included.

By the way, after testing Euro NCAP found out that the new product is much safer than its predecessor. The level of both active and passive safety is very high. Total - four stars out of five. This is an excellent indicator. On which Mercedes-Benz decided not to stop, and in 2002, having passed the tests again, it already received five stars. By the way, the car "Mercedes s180 w203" participated in the test.

Classic line

“Mercedes-Benz W203” was offered to potential buyers in several trim levels. To be more precise, three. And the first, as always, is a classic. Her equipment is far from poor. The steering column is adjustable in both tilt and height. By the way, the steering wheel is multifunctional. There are armrests (not simple, but with compartments for various small things), exterior mirrors equipped with electronic adjustment and heating. Headrests, power windows, window cushionssecurity, automatic heating and ventilation, climate control, a variety of sensors. All this is included in the classic package. There is also an ELCODE locking system, a 6-speed manual transmission, an anti-dust filter, a tachometer, an on-board computer, and much more. In general, there are several dozen items of equipment. So it's not surprising why many people who bought a W203 decided to settle for the classic version. After all, it really has everything you need.

Elegance

This is another set. In addition to all of the above, these versions boast something else. For example, the armrests in this modification are not ordinary, but adjustable in height (besides, on the center console). And the backlight is built into the front doors - it's much more convenient to get in and out of the car at night. The roof and windows are completely finished with anodized aluminum. And the interior is made of natural noble wood. The radiator grille, as you might have guessed, is also chrome-plated. What to say about the quality of the finish, even if the steering wheel is made of leather.

Also noteworthy are the chrome side moldings and bumpers, body-colored door handles and seat belts, made to match the interior upholstery. Even the gearshift lever is trimmed in leather. Its tone, of course, matches the colors of the interior upholstery.

Avantgarde

This is the last of the three kits provided. So, the previous two have been considered and, as you can already understand, they are quiterich. What is the latest, most luxurious set of equipment "Mercedes W203"? Characteristics, one might say, are impressive. In addition to everything that was listed above, there are also wide-profile R16 tires, anodized aluminum windows and roof, a black chrome grille, 7Jx16 alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel … It's really impressive. Particularly pleased with the aluminum trim interior! And even the door sills are made in a special form. What's more, the sun visors are equipped with illuminated mirrors. And the last thing that surprises this equipment is the blue glazing that absorbs heat.

BRABUS

Everyone knows very well which studio specialists make the most expensive and powerful cars from cars that cannot be called weak anyway. This is BRABUS. And this studio did not disregard the W203. Its experts have made this "Mercedes" a real monster and conqueror of roads. Under the hood of this car, a V8 engine is installed, the volume of which is 5.8 liters. And its power is 400 horses! Pistons, cylinder block, crankshaft - all this was done by the specialists of the BRABUS studio. Moreover, a special high-performance exhaust system has been developed specifically for this model. It was made from stainless steel. This car accelerates to hundreds in a little more than 4.5 seconds. And the motor is controlled by a 5-speed automatic.

What about the exterior and interior? All in the best traditions of BRABUS. The car did not lose its elegance, but nevertheless acquired a more dynamic andsporty look. 19-inch wheels and aluminum calipers added a certain zest to it. The interior is also very successful - everything inside is trimmed with BRABUS leather and other high-quality materials. And the calibrated speedometer, which flaunts a maximum of 300 km / h, received special attention.

Cost and reviews

The Mercedes C W203 is a very special car. The people who own it claim that few cars can give such driving pleasure. Unless it's not another Mercedes. The owners assure that everything is on top in that car. Elegant exterior, sophisticated interior, amazing driving performance, smooth handling and decent power. Motorists say that if you want to take possession of a car that would become not just a vehicle, but a way of life and a true friend on the road, then you should take the W203. Despite the fact that these cars stopped going out 10 years ago, it is quite possible to find such a Mercedes in good condition. But half a million for such a car will have to be paid - and this is at least. However, it must be admitted that this model is worth it.