2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class undergoes extreme winter testing: new aero windscreen wiper for optimum safety

Stuttgart, Feb 12, 2004
The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is due to make its market debut in Spring 2004, has now been put through its paces under extreme climatic conditions in the world's largest climatic wind tunnel. The results of the testing carried out at the "Research and Test Institute for Road and Rail Vehicles" in Vienna confirmed that the newly developed aero windscreen wiper continues to function flawlessly in heavy snow and at Arctic temperatures. Mercedes-Benz is the world's first passenger car manufacturer to conduct tests in the state-of-the-art climatic chamber. The chamber is normally used for testing entire high-speed trains, locomotives, trams and buses in preparation for practical operation.
The week-long programme of C-Class testing, which was also attended by experts from Bosch, focused on the comparison of windscreen wipers which featured a range of different technologies and rubber compounds. Mercedes engineers simulated a prolonged motorway journey in heavy snow and temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. The investigations examined whether the wiper blades iced up, how clearly the driver was able to see and how much noise was produced by the windscreen wipers.
The highly efficient aero windscreen wiper, which makes up part of the standard specification on the latest C-Class models, returned the best marks in the tests. Únlike the system used for conventional wiper blades, where the wiper rubber is hooked into a jointed holder, the aero wiper is made from a single-section rubber strip with an integral spoiler and sprung rails positioned on the outside, allowing precision adjustment to the curvature of the windscreen. The sprung rails ensure that the contact pressure is distributed evenly over the full length of the wiper blade, thereby maximising the contact force at all times. The result is a far superior wipe quality, even when snow is falling heavily. By dispensing with the conventional holder system, which often ices up in winter, it has been possible to almost halve the overall height of the wiper blade, leading to a significant reduction in wiper noise.




Extreme winter cold, torrential rain or radiant sunshine

The new climatic wind tunnel in Vienna provides an ideal setting for testing under extreme weather conditions. The facility is capable of adjusting the interior air temperature to as low as minus 50 or, if needs be, to as high as plus 60 degrees Celsius. The maximum possible wind speed is 300 km/h, while the maximum hourly precipitation is 80 litres per square metre. The effect of the sun is simulated using specially designed floodlights with a heat output of 1000 watts per square metre, a level which even the hottest places on earth are unable to match.

Source - Daimler Chrysler Media

More dynamic, impressive and attractive: Mercedes-Benz makes new emphases in the C-Class

Stuttgart, Feb 09, 2004
Four years after its launch, Mercedes-Benz is significantly upgrading the successful C-Class in terms of technology, equipment and design. The suspension, steering and six-speed manual transmission have a more sporty configuration, ensuring that the C-Class offers an even more agile driving experience. From spring 2004 a 141 kW/192 hp supercharged four-cylinder engine will join the engine range available for the Saloon and Estate models. In future the C 220 CDI will have an output of 110 kW/ 150 hp, which is 5 kW/7 hp more than before. With the new 270 kW/367 hp C 55 AMG Mercedes-Benz is offering an eight-cylinder unit for the first time in this model series.
The interior of the new C-Class has been upgraded by a new cockpit design with sophisticated new controls, line-specific seats and THERMATIC automatic climate control as standard. The innovative, more scratch-resistant paintwork based on nano-technology is likewise standard. Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, steering-wheel gearshift buttons for the automatic transmission and new audio/navigation systems round off the highly desirable, high-tech specification.Even at standstill the redesigned front end with its bumper, radiator grille and headlamps conveys the dynamic characteristics of this Mercedes model series, which is available as a Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé.



In addition to the sporty and elegant Saloon, the C-Class model family features the versatile Estate as well as the youthful and agile Sports Coupé, both of which were launched in March 2001.

Mercedes-Benz has now reinforced the well-proven characteristics of the C-Class with an intensive model facelift, at the same time making new emphases in terms of dynamism, comfort and perceived value.



The more dynamic appearance is above all created by the redesigned front bumper with its striking, sportscar-like lower air intake and the likewise redesigned radiator grille, which has three slats, appears wider and therefore conveys an impression of power. Depending on the model and equipment, these slats are painted or embellished with a sporty matrix of perforations. In future Mercedes-Benz is equipping the C-Class with clear-lens headlamps as standard.

An increase in track width from 1493 to 1505 millimetres, 16-inch tyres as standard and wide-base tyres of size 205/55 R 16 also emphasise the dynamic appearance of the C-Class. In addition the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines are equipped with the more sporty side skirts and rear bumper of the AVANTGARDE line.

An even longer-lasting shine is guaranteed by the newly developed, more scratch-resistant paintwork, which is based on nano-particle technology and reinforces the legendary long-term quality of Mercedes. This too is standard equipment.

Interior: new cockpit design and high value impression

Mercedes designers have upgraded the interior of the C-Class with great care and attention to detail. This is shown not only by the discreet chrome trim on various controls on the dashboard, but also by newly developed switches and the modified seat design, which underlines the character of the different lines and offers even better seating comfort.

Four clearly arranged dial instruments with white lighting in the style of high-quality chronometers form the centrepiece of the completely redesigned cockpit. Between the speedometer and rev counter, information appears in a vertical central display which corresponds to the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and allows numerous individual settings to be selected. The form and function of the air conditioning controls has also been improved: large, clearly arranged rotary switches make adjustment easier and make a further contribution to the high-value impression in the interior.

Even the basic CLASSIC model is equipped with new exotic wood trim which highlights the high-quality appearance of the centre console and transmission tunnel cladding. In the AVANTGARDE line there is a choice of aluminium or optional bird’s-eye maple trim. The seats of this model variant are upholstered in a combination of fabric and the new material ARTICO as standard.

In addition, the C-Class Sports Coupé emphasises its youthful and dynamic character with a new three-spoke steering wheel featuring solver-coloured control buttons, aluminium trim on the centre console and sports seats. THERMATIC automatic climate control is also standard equipment in the Sports Coupé.

Chassis: axles, steering and transmission with a sporty configuration

Even more superb handling dynamics are ensured by various technical modifications to the suspension, steering and manual transmission in the C-Class. This package of measures, which is known as DIRECT CONTROL, includes newly developed front and rear axle bearings which provide more agile cornering with no loss of comfort, a more direct steering ratio and reconfigured standard and sports suspension systems. The new six-speed manual transmission is now easier to operate, more precise and has a shorter shift travel.

In the C 320 and models with the sports package/AMG sports package and EVOLÚ-TION/EVOLÚTION AMG (Sports Coupé) Mercedes-Benz now installs a transmission with a sporty configuration and significantly shorter shift travel.

Engines: powerful new petrol unit and higher output for the C 220 CDI

Mercedes-Benz has extended the range of engines for the Saloon and Estate models with a 141 kW/192 hp supercharged engine which was previously only available for the Sports Coupé. With a maximum torque of 260 Newton metres, this four-cylinder power unit accelerates the C 230 KOMPRESSOR from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds (Estate: 8.7 s) and provides a maximum speed of 240 km/h (Estate: 235 km/h). Thanks to the TWINPÚLSE system, which combines various technologies such as a supercharger, balancer shafts, intercooling, variable camshaft adjustment and four-valve technology, this engine consumes only 8.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption; Estate: 9.3 l/100 km).

The output of the well-proven four-cylinder diesel in the C 220 CDI has been increased to 110 kW/150 hp (previously 105 kW/143 hp). This engine is equipped with second-generation common-rail direct injection and runs with exemplary smoothness by virtue of balancer shafts. Fuel consumption is just 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption; Estate 6.5 l/100 km).

Thanks to a technically sophisticated, additive-free particulate filter system the diesel models C 200 CDI and C 220 CDI already meet the EÚ-4 exhaust emission limits valid from 2005.

C 55 AMG: new performance standards in this vehicle class

With the new C 55 AMG Mercedes-Benz is offering an eight-cylinder model in the current C-Class for the first time, thereby entering the performance domain of thoroughbred sports cars: 270 kW/367 hp and 510 Newton metres of maximum torque are previously unattained peak values in this vehicle class. From standstill the new C 55 AMG accelerates to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds, and guarantees sporty driving pleasure at the highest level with its standard sports suspension and five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift buttons and AMG SPEEDSHIFT.

Externally the C 55 AMG is distinguishable from the other models in the C-Class by its striking front-end design, with elliptical twin headlamps and an approx. 80- millimetre longer front-end structure. This makes it possible too install the beefy V8 engine. The striking design of the side skirts, boot lid and rear bumper also emphasises the high-performance character of the eight-cylinder model. 18-inch light-alloy wheels, tyres in size 225/40 R 18 (front) and 245/35 R 18 (rear), AMG sports seats with Alcantara upholstery and a decidedly sporty instrument cluster with silver-coloured dials are further special features of the new C 55 AMG, which is available as a Saloon or Estate and replaces the previous C 32 AMG.

Technology: premiere of newly developed cornering light function

The C-Class is reinforcing its reputation as a technology trendsetter in this market segment with innovations for even more safety and comfort. These include powerful bi-xenon headlamps, which Mercedes-Benz has combined with a special cornering light function. This is integrated into the fog lamps, which illuminate the areas in front of and to the sides of the vehicle over a wide angle, so that pedestrians and cyclists can be seen more easily when cornering. Even tight bends are more clearly visible with this system.

From spring 2004 an even more efficient generation of car radios will enter the C-Class. In addition to the radio/CD combination Audio 20 CD, two new units with an integral navigation system will be available: Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS. These make Europe-wide navigation with dynamic route guidance possible on the basis of up-to-date traffic information. The top-of-the-line model COMAND APS is also equipped with a CD player, DVD navigation, a large colour screen (6.5’’) and four 50-watt amplifiers. SMS messages and e-mails can also be received and answered with this unit.

The C-Class is now also available with a 320-watt sound system with surround sound and the voice control system LINGÚATRONIC, which operates the car telephone and numerous audio functions by voice commands. Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to offer voice control for navigation destinations in this vehicle class.

Source - Daimler Chrysler Media

Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG: The most sporty C-Class ever – made by Mercedes-AMG

Stuttgart, Feb 09, 2004
An AMG V8 engine with 5.5 litres of displacement, 270 kW/367 hp and 510 Nm of torque — Mercedes-AMG GmbH is rolling out its most sporty C-Class ever: the new C 55 AMG. With these figures, the AMG high-performance car has posted new records for its segment. The eight-cylinder top model guarantees excellent driving performance and ensures the very best in driving pleasure thanks to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission that employs steering-wheel shifting. The car has extremely dynamic handling as a result of the new, more rigid AMG sport chassis, including the newly tuned ESP, the AMG high-performance braking system and the more directly transferred steering. As far as looks go, the new eight-cylinder top model stands out from other members of the C-Class, and its unique design creates a dynamic impression thanks to its reworked front end and wider track, 18-inch AMG light-alloy, double-spoke wheels, AMG styling, rear trailing edge (saloon only) and sporty AMG exhaust system with chrome-plated twin tailpipes.
The C 55 AMG’s interior really stands out, thanks to its exclusive sporty equipment and first-class ambience. Excellent lateral support is provided by the new AMG sport seats covered with nappa leather and featuring shoulder-height Alcantara inserts. The strikingly styled sporty AMG steering wheel with gearshift buttons and the new AMG instrument cluster with its classic round gauges enhance the vehicle’s dynamic appearance. The market introduction of the saloon and estate-car versions of the C 55 AMG will begin in April 2004 at the same time as the new generation C-Class.
Athletic, muscular and nicely proportioned — this is how the new Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG looks. The redesigned front end signals the vehicle’s technological uniqueness. The dominant feature beneath the bonnet is the large power package — an eight-cylinder AMG engine with 5.5 litres of displacement, 270 kW/367 hp and 510 Nm of torque. As a result, the C 55 AMG outperforms its predecessor model, the C 32 AMG, with an additional 10 kW/13 hp and 60 Nm and races ahead of all other vehicles in its competitive segment.




The powerful drive system enables the vehicle to offer high-level sports car performance and dynamic driving pleasure: It takes only 5.2 seconds (saloon) or 5.4 seconds (estate) to jump from zero to 100 km/h. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Teamed up with AMG SPEEDSHIFT and steering-wheel gear changing, the C 55 AMG offers a unique power package. The gears of the five-speed automatic transmission can be changed by touch control on the selector lever or by buttons on the new ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel. In the manual shift program “M,” no down-shifting occurs even at full throttle and kick-down. As a result, the driver can fully tap the eight-cylinder engine’s high torque. In addition, AMG SPEEDSHIFT offers torque converter lockup, optimal gear function, automatic braking deceleration and faster gear changing, thus creating a truly thrilling driving experience.



Agile and dynamic are the features characterizing the more rigid AMG sports chassis of the C 55 AMG. The car’s handling is made even more precise and sporty thanks to a number of features: new springs and shock absorbers and harder bearings for the wheel suspension that work together with a seven-percent more directly transferred steering system and a 14 millimetre wider front-axle track. AMG’s 18-inch light-alloy, double-spoke wheels, the powerful AMG braking system and the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) that is outfitted with a new type of traction function satisfy the highest demands for dynamic handling.

Únique look and redesigned interior

One look at the car’s new front end and powerful tail end shows that the new C 55 AMG is in a class of its own. The bonnet, fenders, headlights and radiator grille have been redesigned, as has the vehicle’s rear. AMG styling and a trailing edge on the boot cover (saloon only) are among the C 55 AMG’s standard features. The new sporty AMG exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipes serves as a visual highlight for the vehicle. But there is more than meets the eye: The unmistakable sound of the V8 engine adds a further dynamic feature to the new AMG model.

The car’s new sportiness also can be seen in the eye-catching interior: New AMG sports nappa leather seats with shoulder-height Alcantara inserts to ensure optimal lateral support. These inserts are also found on the outside back-row seats. At the driver’s seat, your eye is caught by the new AMG instrument cluster equipped with four classic round gauges and the ergonomic sports steering wheel with gear-shifting buttons.

Successful AMG top models of the C-Class

AMG’s top C-Class models traditionally serve as cornerstones of Mercedes-AMG’s success. They also are among the most popular vehicles in the entire AMG product range. The C 36 AMG introduced in 1993 marks a milestone for the vehicles, since it was the first AMG vehicle to be developed and sold as the result of a partnership agreement between Daimler-Benz and AMG. In 1997, the first successor model with an eight-cylinder engine, the C 43 AMG, was introduced. And, for the first time, an estate-car version became available. In 2001, the C 32 AMG equipped with a super-charged V6 engine and based on the totally new C-Class was presented.

With 260 kW/354 hp, it moved to the head of the pack in its class. A year later, the first diesel sports car, the new C 30 CDI AMG, appeared. Over a period of 10 years, around 19,200 sporty C-Class models from AMG were sold.

Source - Daimler Chrysler Media