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49-641: Mercedes-Benz W202 is the internal designation for a compact sedan/saloon manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz between 1992 and 2001, as the first generation of the C-Class , now in its fifth generation. Replacing the 190 series/W201 in June 1993, the C-Class sedan was Mercedes' entry-level model until 1997, when the company launched the A-Class . Production reached 1,847,382 over model years 1994–2000. Development started on

98-609: A "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the kei car . One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the Toyota Publica with an air-cooled two-cylinder opposed engine, the Datsun 110 series , and the Mitsubishi 500 . The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at

147-423: A B (Brake) range is available on the shifter. This activates the kickdown solenoid, forcing the transmission to shift down to 1st sooner for increased engine braking . A hydraulically activated piston prevents shifting into Reverse when the car is moving forward. Models from 1990 and earlier allow for push starting the engine. They are fitted with a secondary fluid pump, driven by the transmission output shaft. When

196-442: A complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111 , debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), the only four-cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1997 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with

245-474: A large car by contemporary European standards. The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of 110 inches (2,794 mm) or less. It established a new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term. Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed

294-512: A license plate number beginning with "5". In the past, the small size category has received tax benefits stipulated by the Japanese government regulations , such as those in the 1951 Road Vehicle Act . In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that

343-499: A potential market size of 275,000 cars. By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a convertible model became a success and was now available in station wagon , hardtop , and sedan body styles. During the Recession of 1958 , the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers. By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of

392-583: A push toward compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the Studebaker Lark , Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon , and Plymouth Valiant . These models also gave rise to compact vans built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van, Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier , Ford Econoline , and Dodge A100 . During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of

441-589: A replacement to the 190 series in October 1986, with design work commencing in 1987 under Bruno Sacco. By 1988, the first full-scale models were made, narrowed to two design directions by December 1988. The design by Olivier Boulay was chosen in 1989 and the production design was frozen in January 1990, subsequently patented on 19 December 1990. Rough prototypes went into testing in 1989, with first production design prototypes commencing testing in 1990. The C-Class debuted with

490-451: A slight 4 PS (3 kW; 4 hp) increase with the change). In the last four years of production, the W202 received a few changes in the choices of engine. In 1998, a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000, the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 displacement

539-404: A standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a general output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N⋅m (284 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm. AMG later conceded that since the engine was hand-assembled, power outputs could vary slightly from 276 hp (206 kW) to 287 hp (214 kW). The C36 AMG accelerates to 60 mph (97 km/h) from

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588-416: A stop in 5.8 seconds and top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Unlimited Top Speed was recorded at 272 km/h (169 mph). Only a total of 5200 C36 AMGs were produced. In late 1997 (1998 model year) AMG released a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8 , which could now achieve 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 5850 rpm, with

637-475: A supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor. The 1997 diesel models featured the OM611 , equipped with a common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an improved output of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Also,

686-482: A tiptronic shift gate for all W202s, and AMG stamped letters on the brake calipers (C43 only). The car was manufactured for a little more than two years – from the end of 1997 to the spring of 2000 for a total of 4,200 units 20% of which are estates and 80% saloons, with only 25 C 43 vehicles of the 2000 model year imported to the US. The C43 is powered by a tuned version of the 4.3-litre M113 V8 engine originally found on

735-605: A torque of 410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) at 3250 rpm. Unlike the C36, which was in fact a "ready-to-sell" C280 disassembled for tuning at the AMG factory, the C43 was the first AMG car to be completely assembled at the Mercedes factory after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time in 5.7 seconds for the saloon version and 5.9 seconds for

784-435: Is a 1:1 ratio. Controls are all mechanical and pneumatic, except for the kickdown solenoid and 2-3 upshift delay solenoid on some models. In some markets a W-S (Winter - Standard / Sport) switch was provided on the shifter. Activating S mode changes a linkage which effectively shortens the throttle pressure bowden cable . This causes later, higher RPM shifts and on some models a move off in 1st gear instead of 2nd. On V8 models

833-497: Is a hydraulically operated 4-speed automatic without lock-up that replaced the similarly designed W3A 040, W3B 050, and W4B 025 family of automatic transmissions with the introduction of the W126 S-Class in 1979. In some models it is calibrated to move off in second gear to reduce "creeping" and provide a smoother ride, selecting 1st only if the selector is in "2" or in case of abrupt acceleration. Other calibrations have

882-530: Is a registration category that sits between kei cars and regular cars, based on overall size and engine displacement limits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, compact cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 100–109 cu ft (2.8–3.1 m ). The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were

931-556: Is an AMG-modified version of the five-speed automatic gearbox (722.6) found on 1998–2000 R129 SL 500 . Main modifications were made in order to achieve a crisper and better adapted gearbox to higher-rpm upshifts. Also the braking system has been taken from the W210 E 55 AMG . From 1998 a conversion option was available to outfit the C 43 AMG with a 5.4-litre M113 V8 engine producing 347 PS; 342 hp (255 kW) at 5500 rpm and 510 N⋅m (376 lbf⋅ft) at 4300 rpm. This would precede

980-472: The W210 E 430 model. After modifications this engine delivers 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5,850 rpm, up to 410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,250 rpm-5,000 rpm (taken at the crank ) and up to 241 hp (180 kW) at 6,320 rpm measured at the wheels. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can reach 155.5 mph (250.3 km/h), with electronic speed limitation and 168 mph (270 km/h) without. Transmission

1029-637: The W4A ;020 were used until mid-1996. The W4A 028 variant was used for off-road applications ( RWD and 4X4 ). The W5A 030 is basically the same transmission with an additional electrically controlled 5th gear overdrive section attached to the main body in a separate housing; it was available as an extra charge option. All 4G-Tronics were succeeded by the more modern and economic 5G-Tronic (Type 722.6) transmission that features an integrated 5th gear overdrive ratio, torque converter lock-up and fully electronic control. The 4G-Tronic transmission

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1078-509: The pony car , named after the Ford Mustang , which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models. Early definitions of vehicle size class were based on wheelbase, with models under 111 inches as compact, 111 to 118 inches intermediate, and over 118 inches as full size, at least until EPA classes based on interior volume of

1127-791: The 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions. In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo as well as the Chevrolet Cavalier. For the 2019 model year, the best sellers were the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. In Japan, vehicles that are larger than kei cars , but with dimensions smaller than 4,700 mm (185.0 in) long, 1,700 mm (66.9 in) wide, 2,000 mm (78.7 in) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in) are classified as "small size" cars. Small-size cars are identified by

1176-556: The 6-cylinder or V8-powered six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than compacts (and sometimes even mid-sizers) by European manufacturers, which were typically five-passenger four-cylinder engine cars. Nevertheless, advertising and road tests for the Ford Maverick and the Rambler American made comparisons with the popular Volkswagen Beetle . Compact cars were also the basis for a new small car segment that became known as

1225-476: The C 280s equipped with the automatic transmission and in the C 36 AMG, as ETS in the 4-cylinder models, except for the C 180 and the C 220 Diesel. With the 1997 restyling ASR became standard in all the models, except in the C 180 and C 220 Diesel. This last model continued to offer ETS available as extra cost. Moreover, front side airbags and Brake assist (BAS) came in the list of standard safety features. The two basic models finally joined ASR in 1998, and, in 1999,

1274-527: The Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6, and the Changan Alsvin. Mercedes-Benz 4G-Tronic transmission Mercedes-Benz 4G-Tronic transmission is the unofficial name given to the transmission by car enthusiasts. It was produced from 1979 to 1996 in W4A 040, W4A 028 (both type 722.3), W4A 020 (type 722.4), and W5A 030 (type 722.5) variants. The W4A 040 and

1323-600: The U.S. just like the Euro spec models. Mercedes-Benz introduced a C-Class station wagon model in 1996 (type S202), internally designated T-Model (T for tourenwagen – touring car). It shared the same trim levels as the sedan , with the exception of the AMG versions. The W202 T-model was not made available to the North American market, although the W203 version was. On 2 May 1996, German design patents were filed for updates made to

1372-426: The U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars. By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space. Between 1958 and 1960, the major U.S. car manufacturers made

1421-493: The W202 C-Class. The C-Class was subsequently given a minor facelift revised wheel, interior trim, door mouldings, front and rear bumper fascias as well as colour-coded side skirts, darker rear tail light lenses, and a rear windshield integrated radio antenna. The revised C 200 and C 230 models were fitted with a supercharger with a trunk lid mounted "Kompressor" emblem. Compact car In Japan, small size passenger vehicle

1470-421: The W202 was the first compact sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range. In 1995, the C-Class received its first genuine performance model, the C 36 AMG, to counter the new six-cylinder BMW M3 . Developed with AMG , the tuning house that had now become a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, it had racing-tuned suspension (lowered by 25 mm (1 in)) and in the US, a four-speed automatic gearbox , followed by

1519-807: The beginning of a downsizing of all vehicles so that cars such as the AMC Concord and the Ford Fairmont that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega (such as the Ford Escort and Chevrolet Cavalier ) became classified as compact cars. Even after the reclassification, mid-size American cars were still far larger than mid-size cars from other countries and were more similar in size to cars classified as "large cars" in Europe. It would not be until

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1568-454: The chrome AMG and Mercedes-Benz star logos is also very typical from that period in this market segment. Some differences have been reported between the 1998 and the 2000 version such as the ECU software on the 2000 version that seems to provide better gearbox performances and longer life to the gearbox. The 2000 model also gives the ability to power tilt the steering wheel and manually shift with

1617-516: The estate. The C43 was the first C-Class to be equipped with a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine. Two versions exist: a saloon (chassis W202.033) and estate also called the "T version" (chassis W202.093). The overall body of the C43 AMG estate version has many similarities with the C36 AMG, except for the front and rear bumpers as well as the side body, both of which were re-designed. The black engine cover with

1666-399: The front-turn signals. The U.S. models also did not have the hazard triangle, which is regularly located in the trunk in case of a road emergency. The AMG variants rode about an inch higher than Euro spec models. The top speed was also electronically limited for non AMG variants to 130 mph (210 km/h) in the US due to tire speed restrictions. The C43 AMG was able to go 155 mph in

1715-550: The inline six engines were replaced by a family of V6 , the M112 . The new engines featured SOHC heads instead of the previous DOHC , three valves per cylinder instead of four, and twin sparkplugs . The four-cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had

1764-619: The late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the Ford Light Car. Neither car reached production in the U.S., however Ford SAF in France bought the plans of the "small Ford" and produced the Ford Vedette . The first U.S.-produced postwar compact car was the 1950 Nash Rambler . It was built on a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase, which was nonetheless still

1813-674: The long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J (also re-badged as the Allstate ), the Willys Aero and the Hudson Jet . In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in the U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million cars. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting

1862-428: The optional six-speed G56 manual from the W203. At the launch the C-Class had a standard driver airbag, ABS and integrated side-impact protection; the front passenger airbag became standard from 1995 onwards, and from the same period Traction control (ETS in the 4-cylinder models, combined with limited slip differential (ASD) or ASR in the 6 cylinders models) was available as extra cost. In 1997 ASR became standard in

1911-622: The passenger and cargo compartments were introduced in the late 1970s. In the early 1970s, the domestic automakers introduced even smaller subcompact cars that included the AMC Gremlin , Chevrolet Vega , and Ford Pinto . In 1973, the Energy Crisis started, which made small fuel-efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain. The 1977 model year marked

1960-621: The same output, although with torque increased to 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft). The C 280 was the high-end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-six engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp). Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful OM605 five-cylinder engines which were available in naturally aspirated (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The turbodiesel

2009-622: The series produced C 55 AMG which was introduced in 2005, based on the W203 platform and used a version of the same 5.4 litre M113 engine. W202s in North America included the C220 (later replaced by the C230), C280 (both I6 and V6) and the AMG variants. It was launched in the U.S. in November 1993, and unlike models in Europe, featured a third brake light, no specific trim levels, and side markers integrated into

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2058-807: The time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the Hino Contessa in 1961, the Isuzu Bellett , Daihatsu Compagno and Mazda Familia in 1963, the Mitsubishi Colt in 1965, and the Nissan Sunny , Subaru 1000 , and Toyota Corolla in 1966. Honda introduced its first four-door sedan in 1969, called the Honda 1300 . In North America, these cars were classified as subcompact cars . By 1970, Nissan released its first front-wheel-drive car which

2107-414: The transmission rest in 2nd gear and kick down to 1st as soon as the accelerator is touched but before the throttle is opened. In some V8 installations a small control unit activates the kick down solenoid when the brake pedal is released so that the car moves off in 1st gear. Other attributes of this transmission include a 2-3 shift delay when the engine is cold in order to speed up catalyst warm-up. 4th gear

2156-399: The vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at 30 km/L (85 mpg ‑imp ; 71 mpg ‑US ) or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least 100,000 km (62,000 mi). This established

2205-475: The vehicle is rolling at 20 mph shifting from Neutral to the 2 range will couple power to the engine. The secondary pump and thus the push starting facility was eliminated for the 1991 model year. It is considered by enthusiasts to be one of the most reliable transmissions ever built by Mercedes-Benz with some examples exceeding 300,000 miles of service. For this W4A -models 4 forward gears using 8 main components show economic equivalence with

2254-530: Was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine. *Sold in selected markets such as Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia and Hungary The original W202 came standard in Germany with a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions optional. In the United States, automatic transmission

2303-529: Was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Due to the tax law in Italy and Portugal, models in those countries featured

2352-598: Was originally developed by Prince Motor Company which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the Nissan Cherry . In 1972, the Honda Civic appeared with the CVCC engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a catalytic converter . In Pakistan, the concept of compact cars is significant. The most common cars tend to be Kei cars . Popular compact cars in recent times are

2401-504: Was standard, with manual available as a delete option (with few choosing to do so). The four-speed automatic was the 722.4 version of the 4G-TRONIC . In 1996, this old transmission—released in 1981—was replaced by a five-speed automatic, the 722.6 or 5G-TRONIC , which received a manual shift mode in 1999 ( 722.6 ). In 2000, with the T-Model only remaining on sale, the RWD C 240 was available with

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