Review: Mercedes-Benz S202 C-Class Estate (1996-00)

Review: Mercedes-Benz S202.I C-Class Estate (1996-97)

Overview

Released in October 1996, the Mercedes-Benz S202 Series I (S202.I) C-Class Estate was a compact executive wagon. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive S202.I C-Class Estate range consisted of the C 200 which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the S202.I C-Class Estate range consisted of Classic, Elegance and Sport variants.

Please note that the Mercedes S202 C 43 AMG Estate has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and suspension

The Mercedes-Benz S202 C-Class Estate was 4487 mm long, 1720 mm wide, 1430 mm tall and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the C-Class Estate had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and an anti-roll bar).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz S202.I C-Class Estate consisted of a driver’s airbag, ABS and front seatbelt pre-tensioners; Elegance variants were further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

In February 1997, standard features were extended to include a front passenger airbag.

Features: C 200 Estate

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz S202 C-Class Estate Classic included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, cloth seat trim, central locking, power mirrors and power front windows.

Visually, the Classic variants could be identified by their dark gray bumpers, white/red tail-lights and ‘Classic’ fender shields. Inside, the Classic variants had Zebrano wood trim panels for the centre console and black door fabrics.

Compared to the Classic variants,

• the Sport variants could be identified by their 15-inch five-hole alloy wheels, 25 mm lower suspension, body-coloured bumpers, patterned B-pillar trim and ‘Sport’ fender shields. Inside, the Sport variants had carbon-look trim, front sports seats with patterned cloth, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and gearshift lever and ‘Sport’ lettering on the gear lever plaque; and,
• the Elegance variants could be identified by their 15-inch alloy wheels, red/grey tail-lights, contrasting colour bumpers with chrome inserts, door handles with chrome inserts, black gloss painted B-pillar trim and window bars and ‘Elegance’ fender shields. Inside, Elegance variants were further equipped with a CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear windows, rear centre armrest, front centre armrest with storage compartment, ruffled seatback pockets, walnut trim and ‘Elegance’ lettering for the gear lever plaque.

Review: Mercedes-Benz S202.II C-Class Estate (1997-00)

Overview

Released in September 1997, the Mercedes-Benz S202 Series II (S202.II) C-Class Estate introduced an expanded range with the C 240.

Visually, the S202.II C-Class Estate could be identified by its new front and rear bumpers with integrated spoilers, revised radiator grille and body-coloured side-skirt panels; the radio aerial was also integrated into the rear window. Other changes for the S202.II C-Class Estate included:

• The introduction of CAN-bus wiring;
• A new driver authorisation system (ELCODE) with an infrared radio remote control; and,
• The introduction of Mercedes-Benz’s ASSYST service computer which calculated service intervals as required.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz S202.II C-Class Estate included dual front airbags, front-side airbags, ABS, brake assist and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters; the C 240 was also fitted traction control (Mercedes-Benz’s Acceleration Skid Control, or ASR). From October 1998, however, traction control (ASR) was fitted as standard.

Features: C 200 and C 240 Estate

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz S202.II C 200 Estate included 15-inch steel wheels with 195/65 R15 91H tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors, power front windows, front armrest with stowage compartment and an immobiliser. In October 1998, standard features were extended to include a front armrest and power rear windows.

The C 240 Estate was further equipped alloy wheels, leather upholstery and Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Speedtronic’ cruise control with a variable speed limiter.

Variants: Classic, Elegance and Sport

Compared to the Classic variants, the Elegance and Sport variants were further equipped with a ten-stack CD player, a leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift lever, seatback pockets and sunvisors with illuminated mirrors.

Inside, Classic variants had ‘Alameda’ wood trim for the centre console. The Elegance variants, however, were distinguished by their burr walnut wood trim, ten-hole alloy wheels and metallic paint. Relative to the Classic variants, Sport variants were fitted with six-hole alloy wheels with wider tyres and a rear armrest with cup holder.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W202 C-Class