Model designations

[LeeCP]

I've a feeling this will be a silly question with a straight forward answer, but I have to ask...
What are all the C207 & W212 designations I see in the posts here, where do they come from and how would I find what my E class cabriolet is?
Thanks all!

 

[markjay]

This is the model designation that pinpoints your car much more accurately than the name given to it by the marketing department.

The three numbers in the model designation are also the first three digits in your VIN (after the manufacturer's designation).

A207 is the model designation of the E Class Cabrio for model years 2010-2017.

Your A207 is likely to have a VIN similar to this: WDD207xxxxFxxxxxx.

 

[Londonscottish]

E Class saloons have, over the last 4 gens gone W210, W211, W212 & W213. Estates are the same numbers prefixed by "S".

I've had 2 x E500's. One was an S211 the other an S212. Explaining it like makes it clear which generation I'm referring to.

(if you know the numbers)

Similarly I've had 2 x C43's - one a W202 the other an S202. Using those numbers means they don't get confused wiyth the latest, very recent C43 which bears no relation to it's predecessors.

 

[markjay]

Also, C stands for Coupe. A stands for Cabrio. W stands for Wagon (saloon).

Your car has the marketing designation of 'E Class Cabrio'. But this can be misleading, when looking at buying parts for maintenance purposes for example, because mechanically your car does not share any components with the E-Class Saloon of the same era (W212).

Instead, your car is based on the floorplan and drivetrain of the W204 (C Class Saloon), with the luxury trim levels of the E Class series.

This allowed MB to have upmarket 2-door coupe and convertible cars with E Class trim levels, while using the smaller and more agile chassis of the C Class.

 

[LeeCP]

Thanks for the explanations, it now makes sense.
I now feel slightly cheated by MB. Thought I'd bought a nice big E class convertible, only to discover its a C class with flashy threads!