W202 Query

[Inkyskin]

Hey all - my W202 is a manual Sport model. Theres also the Classic, Esprit and Elegance...

Whats the difference between them other than trim specs?

On Parkers there doesn't seem to be any engine difference, so is it just trim? (If so, I'm not bying a sport next time round, I wan't an elegance!)

 

[Joe_SP]

No difference in engines between trim levels.

Esprit and sport have lower more sporty suspension.

 

[MarkCL]

No difference in engine, it's all in the suspension setup and the level of trim/toys etc only really. Sport models have lower/stiffer suspension + carbon fibre look trim panels, others have wood, classic is the lowest spec usually with least toys, sometimes even steel wheels instead of alloys etc...

For your next one I'd suggest going for an auto model (adds cruise control!) with a slightly bigger engine - C200 or bigger if you can afford it, and the elegance trim will give you a comfy cruising machine I had a manual C180 sport before and although I liked it I've been very impressed with MB's auto box and now wouldn't want a Merc with anything else really, though on the 180 engines it can tend to be a bit sluggish unless you pick a newer Kompressor model where the higher engine output can balance out the power lost through the torque converters etc. Hope that helps

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Inkyskin]

I probably will be going for a 2 litre on my next car, but I think I'll stay manual - I have never gotton on with auto boxes, just my personal preference...

As for the carbon trim - mine doesn't actually have that (It must be the only sport that doesnt!) - it's from back in '95 though, so might have been an option that the original owner didnt think to include. The console on mine is just plain black - very very dull.

I also never got alloys with it, or even air con - I'm wondering if mine really is a sport model...

 

[Joe_SP]

I probably will be going for a 2 litre on my next car, but I think I'll stay manual - I have never gotton on with auto boxes, just my personal preference...

As for the carbon trim - mine doesn't actually have that (It must be the only sport that doesnt!) - it's from back in '95 though, so might have been an option that the original owner didnt think to include. The console on mine is just plain black - very very dull.

I also never got alloys with it, or even air con - I'm wondering if mine really is a sport model...

What does your registration document say?

 

[Inkyskin]

It doesnt say which, just Mercedes C180 - but was advertised as a Sport. To be honest it doesn't bother me which it is, but would be nice to know which it is for when it comes time to sell it on etc.

 

[Kompressor_Dude]

True, mine says sport on the V5.

If you want a bit more power next time around, go for the 230 Kompressor, goes like faeces off a digging impliment and they are quite cheap to insure. Not that im biased or anything!

Also, if you want the facelift option then late '97 onwards is the age to look for.

P.S....... i'm with you on the manual box!

 

[gurpz]

That cant be a Sport model, the Sport model from the begining of production had the carbon fibre effect trim although this changed over the years but since day one it was existant. Also Sport models always came with alloys since day one as standard. The Sport steering wheel was also different (although that cant be seen in your picture) Lastly the Sport model never came with orange front and rear lenses. In my opinion that interior looks that of a very early Espirit model.

I would do a VIN check to confirm if this really is a Sport model but the evidence on your car does not suggest it to be one.

 

[1998K]

That cant be a Sport model, the Sport model from the begining of production had the carbon fibre effect trim although this changed over the years but since day one it was existant. Also Sport models always came with alloys since day one as standard. The Sport steering wheel was also different (although that cant be seen in your picture) Lastly the Sport model never came with orange front and rear lenses. In my opinion that interior looks that of a very early Espirit model.

I would do a VIN check to confirm if this really is a Sport model but the evidence on your car does not suggest it to be one.

I'm with you, sport come with alloy wheel, leather steering gear and different interior.

The car of our Friend seems a esprit (no leather wheel, hub cup,..)

If I well remember esprit come with lower suspension but not with sport dumper, sport come with both sport setting!

 

[gurpz]

The early Espirt models from the time period of Inkyskin's also had matt non painted rubbing strips that went around the whole of the car this was also the case for Classic models from the same period. Sport models had the same strips body coloured.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Im pretty sure it is a Esprit model, remember that his car is one of the 1st off the line (W124 style switches, Orange lights etc).

I wouldnt rely on the V5 though, my old car said Classic when the VIN said Elegance.

Trim levels cant straight cut, my mate (TOE on here) has a very late Esprit with virtually all the toys & trim my sport has!

It goes:

Classic - Basic model, most have no electric windows and no centre storage bin/armrest
Esprit - Classic, but with carbon style trim and lower springs
Elegance - Higher more comfy ride height, Chrome on bumpers & rubbing strips, real electric windows, Black chrome around windows, facelift front bumpers have a bar aross them
Sport - eg 'Avantgarde' Different carbon trim that Classic, bucket style seats, smaller steering wheel, Ivory dash & heater dials, Lower springs and sport pads, no chrome anywhere on the bodywork, facelift front bumpers have mesh in the centre.

AMGs of course come under the Sport models...
Think thats the lot

 

[Inkyskin]

Thanks all - As I said the V5 doesn't say which it is, although I haven't checked the VIN yet. Once I finally find out I'll let you all know Quite a little mystery I have on my hands here

 

[salesac1]

I


Think thats the lot

You forgot Classic Selection :
- W/X 2000 C180/C200/C220cdi, possibly some X/2001
As standard:
-'Classic Selection' wing badges (my avatar)
- 6-hole alloys
- Front and rear e/windows
- Leather 'Selection' gearknob
- Leather steering wheel
- Special carpet mats
- Single CD player

Might be one or two other extra bits...don't have brochure to hand.

 

[Spinal]

I probably will be going for a 2 litre on my next car, but I think I'll stay manual - I have never gotton on with auto boxes, just my personal preference...

As for the carbon trim - mine doesn't actually have that (It must be the only sport that doesnt!) - it's from back in '95 though, so might have been an option that the original owner didnt think to include. The console on mine is just plain black - very very dull.

I also never got alloys with it, or even air con - I'm wondering if mine really is a sport model...

I have an Esprit, and it has the exact same trim you have...

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I didnt want to complicate it all, as there are a couple of other models out there also, eg DTM Sport edtion (I have the side badges & see the gear stick cover below) and a special C36 edtion with C43 bodykit

 

[salesac1]

I didnt want to complicate it all, as there are a couple of other models out there also, eg DTM Sport edtion (I have the side badges & see the gear stick cover below) and a special C36 edtion with C43 bodykit

Fair enough, it's just that I know Classic Selection is a specific model variant for insurance purposes, Parkers listings etc, so it may be helpful to someone to know the differences from a standard Classic. They have a centre armrest and box too :bannana: .

 

[Inkyskin]

Well, for now I'll assume my car is an Esprit, it seems the closest fit I phoned the local dealer and gave them my VIN, they said they would try and find out for me - I'm not holding out though!

 

[1998K]

furthermore it was available also, as the classic selection, also the elegance selection, at least here in Italy.

another difference is the glass tint: sport model should come with blue tint while the other with green tint.
This also for W203, W210 avantgarde (=sport), but probably no more with W204, please someone may confirm?

 

[gurpz]

DTM Sport edtion (I have the side badges & see the gear stick cover below)

Very nice, I take it you shall be buying that gear knob cover to match your side DTM madges

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Very nice, I take it you shall be buying that gear knob cover to match your side DTM madges

Couldnt get it as the German seller didnt take Paypal and wanted a bank transfer...