Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz C-class W202, facelift 1997 AMG C 43 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz C-class:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of compact executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's line-up until the W168 A-Class arrived in 1997. The C-Class has been available with a "4MATIC" four-wheel drive option since 2002. The third generation was launched in 2007 while the current W206 generation was launched in 2021.
Initially available in sedan and a station wagon configurations, a fastback coupé variant followed and was later renamed to Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. It remained in production until 2011 when a new W204 C-Class coupé replaced it for the 2012 model year....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W202, facelift 1997 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz C-class (W202, facelift 1997). With 410 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1570 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
AMG C 43 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent AMG performance with a thrilling V8 engine, offering strong acceleration and a sporty character.
Fuel Economy
Very poor fuel economy, a characteristic of high-performance V8 engines.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent build quality and robust engineering for its age
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality, typical Mercedes-Benz luxury
- • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful AMG V8s
- • Classic, understated styling that has aged gracefully
- • Generally good reliability, though age-related issues can arise
Cons:
- • Dated safety features compared to modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Petrol engines, especially V6 and V8, can be very thirsty
- • Prone to rust in common areas (e.g., wheel arches, door bottoms)
- • Interior technology is basic by modern standards
- • Some parts can be expensive due to Mercedes-Benz branding
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T-modell (S202): October, 1995 - June, 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | C-class |
| Generation: | W202, facelift 1997 |
| Modification (Engine): | AMG C 43 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | October, 1997 |
| End of production: | May, 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 306 Hp @ 5850 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.7 Hp/l [29mm more] |
| Torque: | 410 Nm @ 3250-5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113 E 43 / 113.944 More details about the engine M 113 E 43 / 113.944 |
| Engine displacement: | 4266 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 194.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 261.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1570 |
| Max. weight: | 1970 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 430 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4516 mm mm [29mm more] |
| Width: | 1723 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1387 mm mm [73mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2690 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1509 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.74 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!