New C-Class changes announced

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Stuttgart, Apr 24, 2003 - Following Press release reproduced Courtesy DaimlerChrysler AG

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: New four-cylinder diesel engines and even more top-class engineering for superb ride comfort

C 200 CDI and C 220 CDI powered by second-generation common-rail engines

  • Fuel saving of as much as 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres

    Peak torque of C 220 CDI increased to 340 Newton metres

    Balancer shafts for even greater smoothness in C 220 CDI

    Five-speed automatic with "Comfort" shift mode

    Automatic ESP® warning function in event of tyre pressure loss
With production since its market launch in May 2000 already topping the one million mark, the highly successful Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now set to become even more economical, comfortable and fun to drive.

This is due primarily to two further-improved four-cylinder diesel engines boasting second-generation common-rail direct injection technology. The result is lower fuel consumption, smoother running and even higher performance. The maximum output of the C 200 CDI model has thus been increased from 85 kW/116 hp to 90 kW/ 122 hp, while at the same time the NEDC combined consumption has dropped from 6.3 to just 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The four-cylinder CDI powerplant now develops a peak torque of 270 Newton metres which it maintains between 1400 and 2800 rpm (previously: 250 Nm from 1350 – 2800 rpm). The engine's increase in power and torque makes itself clearly felt when accelerating: the new C 200 CDI completes the dash from standstill to 100 km/h in 11.7 seconds (Saloon), making it 0.4 seconds quicker than previously.

C 220 CDI: enhanced smoothness and just 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres

The maximum output of the C 220 CDI remains unchanged at 105 kW/143 hp, while torque has been boosted by around eight per cent as a result of the advanced common-rail technology, and now peaks at 340 instead of 315 Newton metres. The Saloon's fuel consumption, on the other hand, has been cut by 0.5 litres to 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the four-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the C 220 CDI with two balancer shafts which counter-rotate at twice the crankshaft's speed. This allows them to compensate for the inertia forces which occur naturally as a result of the pistons' movements and which can cause irritating vibration. The clear reduction in noise and vibration levels resulting from this technology translates into a considerable improvement in ride comfort.

Sports Coupé: class-beating economy

From June 2003, the 90-kW/122-hp diesel engine powering the C 200 CDI model is to make its debut in the C-Class Sports Coupé, a well as being available for the Saloon and Estate versions. The fuel consumption figures of just 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), make this attractive two-door model the most economical in its class.

The key data for the new four-cylinder diesel engines at a glance:

C 200 CDI Saloon/ Estate/ Sports C.

  • Maximum output kW/hp 90/122
    Torque Nm at rpm 270 at 1400-2800
    Top speed km/h* 208, 202, 208
    0–100 km/h s* 11.7, 12.2, 11.7
    Fuel consumption ** 5.9, 6.3, 6.1

C 220 CDI Saloon/ Estate/ Sports C.

  • Maximum output kW/hp 105/143
    Torque Nm at rpm 340 at 2000
    Top speed km/h* 220, 214, 220
    0–100 km/h s* 10.3, 10.7, 10.3
    Fuel consumption ** 5.9, 6.3, 6.1
*Provisional figures;
**NEDC combined fuel consumption in l/100 km

CDI technology: fuel consumption and noise levels optimised yet further

The second generation of common-rail technology excels by virtue of a series of measures which have allowed significant advances to be made in terms of power, torque, fuel consumption and noise levels:

  • System pressure increased from 145 to 155 bar, resulting in an optimised charge cycle in the cylinders.
    Newly developed high-pressure pump, which can be adjusted to current requirements by means of an intake throttle control, thereby reducing the engine's fuel consumption.
    Turbocharger with electrically adjustable guide vanes to improve pulling power and in-gear acceleration at low rev speeds.
    Newly developed seven-hole injection nozzles (six-hole nozzles used previously) for even finer distribution of the fuel and better mixture formation.
    Maximum injection pressure raised to 1600 bar from 1350.
    Twin-pilot injection to further reduce combustion noise.
Like the petrol-powered models, all diesel models in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range will also be fitted with an onboard diagnosis system from June. This system monitors all of those components in the engine and the emission control system which are crucial to the maintenance of low emission values. Should a fault be detected, the "Check Engine" display lights up in the instrument cluster. At the same time, the malfunctions are stored to allow service mechanics to detect what the problem is and remedy it without delay.

Five-speed automatic: new shift mode for even smoother motoring

Mercedes-Benz has devised new shift modes for the five-speed automatic trans-mission available as an option for the C-Class. In addition to the standard mode, which can be activated with the switch next to the selector lever labelled "S", the automatic transmission will now feature a comfort mode, "C". With this mode selected, the C-Class always pulls away in second gear and gearshifts are made before the engine reaches its maximum rev speed.

ESP®: automatic warning when tyre pressure is too low

The sensors fitted as part of the standard-specification Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) will in future also be able to monitor tyre pressure. If this item of optional equipment is selected, a message will appear in the instrument cluster display to warn motorists if the pressure in one tyre starts to drop. To calculate the pressure in the tyres, the ESP® system continually compares the tyres' rolling circumferences, which change depending on the road speed and the tyre pressure. ESP® permanently records the wheel rotation speeds and compares the values with one another, allowing the system to swiftly detect any significant deviations. The control module also automatically checks other variables relevant to the vehicle's handling dynamics, such as lateral acceleration, yaw rate and wheel torques in order to diagnose any loss of pressure in a tyre. The system does not however measure the actual air pressure in the individual tyres.

Aero wipers: ultra-effective technology direct from the wind tunnel

Mercedes-Benz is further enhancing both safety and convenience in the C-Class by fitting all models as standard with the aero wipers which have already proved their merit in the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer's leading model series. The new windscreen wipers are the result of development work carried out in the wind tunnel: unlike the hinged holder system featured by conventional wiper blades, where the wiper rubber is hooked into the blade's grips, the aero wiper consists of a single moulded rubber strip with an integral aerodynamic lip and sprung rails on the outside. These rails are able to adapt exactly to the contour of the front windscreen, meaning that optimum contact force is maintained during the full sweep of the wiper. The result is lower wind noise and improved wipe quality, particularly when travelling at motorway speeds.

Plus, the front windscreen's rain sensor will now be able to do more than to just adjust the wiper speed to the intensity of the rainfall; as an option, it can also close the tilting/sliding sunroof automatically and raise it into the tilted position.
 

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