The Mercedes-Benz W202 is one of those iconic cars that holds a special place in automotive history. If you’re a fan of classic German engineering, the W202 definitely stands out. Manufactured between 1992 and 2001, it was the first generation of the C-Class, which eventually became one of Mercedes-Benz’s most popular models.
A Bit of History
The W202 was designed to replace the legendary 190 series (W201). Mercedes-Benz wanted to create a compact sedan with a strong presence, and it did just that. The car was introduced in June 1993 and, at the time, was considered the company’s entry-level sedan. It became even more significant when, in 1997, Mercedes-Benz launched the A-Class, but the C-Class (W202) kept going strong. By the end of its production run, over 1.8 million units were sold, showing just how much people loved it.
The development of the W202 started all the way back in 1986, with the design taking shape over the next few years. By 1989, a design was chosen, and testing prototypes were being tested on the roads. The final design was patented in 1990, and in 1992, production began.
Engine Options – A Powerhouse of Choices
The W202 offered a wide range of engine options, giving buyers plenty of choice when it came to performance and efficiency. Here’s a look at some of the most notable powerplants offered over the years.
Petrol Engines:
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C 180 (1993–1996)
- Engine: 1.8 L, 4-cylinder
- Power: 122 hp
- Torque: 170 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 12 seconds
- Top speed: 193 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 8.5 L/100 km
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C 200 (1993–1996)
- Engine: 2.0 L, 4-cylinder
- Power: 136 hp
- Torque: 190 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 11 seconds
- Top speed: 203 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 8.6 L/100 km
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C 220 (1993–1996)
- Engine: 2.2 L, 4-cylinder
- Power: 150 hp
- Torque: 210 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 10.5 seconds
- Top speed: 210 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 8.7 L/100 km
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C 230 Kompressor (1995–2000)
- Engine: 2.3 L, supercharged 4-cylinder
- Power: 193 hp
- Torque: 280 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds
- Top speed: 230 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 9.8 L/100 km
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C 240 (1997–2000)
- Engine: 2.4 L, V6
- Power: 170 hp
- Torque: 225 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 9.3 seconds
- Top speed: 218 km/h
Diesel Engines:
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C 200 Diesel (1993–1995)
- Engine: 2.0 L, 4-cylinder
- Power: 75 hp
- Torque: 130 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 19.6 seconds
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 6.6 L/100 km
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C 200 CDI (1998–2000)
- Engine: 2.2 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Power: 101 hp
- Torque: 235 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 13.1 seconds
- Top speed: 185 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 6.1 L/100 km
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C 250 TD (1995–2000)
- Engine: 2.5 L turbocharged 5-cylinder
- Power: 122 hp
- Torque: 280 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 12.6 seconds
- Top speed: 200 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 7.4 L/100 km
The Special AMG Models
If you’re a fan of performance, you might be interested in the AMG models. Mercedes-Benz partnered with AMG to offer some seriously powerful versions of the W202. For instance:
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C 36 AMG (1993–1997)
- Engine: 3.6 L, 6-cylinder
- Power: 276 hp
- Torque: 385 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.8 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 10.7 L/100 km
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C 43 AMG (1997–2000)
- Engine: 4.3 L, V8
- Power: 302 hp
- Torque: 410 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 11.7 L/100 km
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C 55 AMG (1998–2000)
- Engine: 5.4 L, V8
- Power: 342 hp
- Torque: 510 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 11.9 L/100 km
What I Love About the W202
For me, the Mercedes-Benz W202 C-Class represents the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and reliability. The engines, ranging from the economical diesel variants to the high-performance AMG models, offer something for every type of driver. Whether you’re looking for a smooth daily commuter or a car that can really pack a punch on the autobahn, the W202 has you covered.
The styling, especially when compared to its predecessor, the W201, is sleek and modern. It’s also incredibly well-built, which is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The interior is classic Mercedes too—luxurious, comfortable, and high-quality materials everywhere you look.
The W202 is a great option if you’re in the market for a used car with a strong history, solid engineering, and a timeless design.
Key Specs Recap:
Petrol Engines:
- C 180 – 122 hp, 170 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 12 seconds, Top speed: 193 km/h
- C 200 – 136 hp, 190 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds, Top speed: 203 km/h
- C 220 – 150 hp, 210 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, Top speed: 210 km/h
- C 230 Kompressor – 193 hp, 280 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, Top speed: 230 km/h
- C 240 – 170 hp, 225 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, Top speed: 218 km/h
Diesel Engines:
- C 200 Diesel – 75 hp, 130 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 19.6 seconds, Top speed: 160 km/h
- C 200 CDI – 101 hp, 235 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 13.1 seconds, Top speed: 185 km/h
- C 250 TD – 122 hp, 280 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 12.6 seconds, Top speed: 200 km/h
AMG Models:
- C 36 AMG – 276 hp, 385 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, Top speed: 250 km/h
- C 43 AMG – 302 hp, 410 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, Top speed: 250 km/h
- C 55 AMG – 342 hp, 510 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, Top speed: 250 km/h
If you’re on the hunt for a car that’s classy yet practical, and you love the idea of owning a piece of Mercedes history, the W202 might just be your perfect match.
