Tradition – 25 years of the C-Class

Mercedes-Benz 190

1983

The third Mercedes model series was launched with two engine variants: the 190 (66 kW/90 hp) and the 190 E (90 kW/122 hp). The basic price was DM 25,600. The 190 D (53 kW/72 hp) and 190 E 2.3-16 (136 kW/185 hp) followed in the autumn. In Southern Italythe V16 established three world records, notching up average speeds of over 247 km/h.

1985

The 190 D 2.5 (60 kW/90 hp) was added to the model range.

1986

The 190 E 2.3 (100 kW/136 hp) and the six-cylinder 190 E 2.6 (122 kW/166 hp) celebrated their market launch in October. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz offered the option of a controlled catalytic converter for the petrol-engined models.

1987

Mercedes-Benz presented the 190 D 2.5 Turbo (90 kW/122 hp).

1988

In the spring the 1,000,000th 190 series vehicle came off the production line. The saloons were given a modified body design with a new front apron and side rub strips.

1989

The 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution (143 kW/195 hp) formed the basis for a DTM Group A touring car. The “Sportline” equipment package was available for all models as an option. The diesel models were given redesigned engines, delivering an outstanding reduction in particulate emissions.

1990

The 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II (173 kW/235 hp) premiered at the Geneva Motor Show. The new 190 E 1.8 (80 kW/109 hp) marked the end of the carburettor engine era at Mercedes-Benz. An oxidising catalytic converter was available for diesel models from October.

1991

All 190 Saloons came with ABS as standard, with the exception of the 190 E 1.8 and 190 D entry-level models.

1992

In March, Mercedes-Benz presented three limited-edition special models by the name of “AVANTGARDE”, each with its own particular youthful appeal.

1993

In February, the Bremenplant discontinued production of the Mercedes-Benz 190. Since 1983 around 1.88 million 190 Saloons had been manufactured.

Model history Mercedes-Benz C-Class

1993

In June, the C-Class was launched with four separate lines and seven engines (55 kW/75 hp to 142 kW/193 hp). The diesel engines offered outstanding four-valves-per-cylinder technology. Driver airbag, side impact protection, power steering, ABS and central locking were part of the C-Class standard specification. In September, Mercedes-Benz also unveiled its new high-performance saloon, the C 36 AMG (206 kW/280 hp).

1995

Within 22 months over 500,000 C-Class units had been produced. As part of a facelift, the Saloons received new tail lights and wider tyres (195/65 R 15). The C 230 KOMPRESSOR (142 kW/193 hp) and C 250 TURBODIESEL (110 kW/150 hp) provided new additions to the line-up.

1996

May saw the start of the Europe-wide launch of the newly developed C-Class Estate. In August, the C 230 superseded the previous C 220. A new electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.

1997

The C-Class now boasted a modified design, more extensive standard specification and the very latest technical innovations. New V6 engines developing 125 kW/170 hp and 145 kW/197 hp added a new dimension to the engine line-up. In September 1997, the new C 43 AMG with its 225-kW/306-hp V8 engine was unveiled. The C 220 CDI (92 kW/125 hp) with common-rail direct injection was another new addition to the line-up.

1998

The C 200 CDI (75 kW/102 hp) joined the ranks of the diesel range.

1999

The ESP® Electronic Stability Program became part of the standard specification.

2000

Since 1993 Mercedes-Benz had produced over 1.6 million C-Class Saloons. In March, DaimlerChrysler CEO Jürgen E. Schrempp and Head of the Mercedes Car Group Professor Jürgen Hubbert presented the successor model, which would make its market debut in May.

2001

Around spring the 203 series Estate and C-Class Sports Coupé were launched.

2002

In autumn 2002, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive made its debut in the Saloon and Estate versions of the six-cylinder C 240 and C 320 models. 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive had already enjoyed several years of success in the E-Class.

2003

Clocking up a million cars in just under three years, the current C-Class model series with the Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé set a new production record for Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars.

2004

In spring 2004, the C-Class facelift included an interior (e.g. new instrument cluster) and exterior upgrade for all models.

2005

The C-Class cruised into 2005 with two new V6 engines. The 6-cylinder petrol unit delivered 200 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the C 350. The V6 diesel powerplant was the most powerful 6-cylinder diesel engine in the line-up to date, boasting 165 kW and 510 Nm. The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission made its debut in the C-Class.