1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Mercedes-Benz sent its 190-series sedan into retirement after 1993, replacing it with a slightly larger C-Class sedan. Measuring 2.3 inches longer overall than the 190, and 1.2 inches wider, it rode a wheelbase one inch longer. The rear-wheel-drive, compact-size C-Class sedan came in two flavors. The C220 sedan used a 147-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual camshafts. The C280 sedan held a 194-horsepower, 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine, also with dual camshafts. All models came with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual airbags were installed, along with antilock all-disc braking. Traction control was an option on the C280, governing both the throttle and the brakes.

Year to Year Changes

1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A new Electronic Traction System applied brakes to either drive wheel if slippage is noted, transferring more power to the opposite wheel. ETS replaced an automatic-locking differential on the C220's option list. Acceleration Slip Control, a more advanced system that also employed throttle control, remained optional on the C280. This year, it gained a dashboard switch that permitted turning off the throttle-control portion, leaving only the braking function. A high-performance, limited-production C36 sedan debuted in spring of 1995 with a dual-cam 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that made 268 horsepower. The C36 model also got a firmer sport suspension, 17-inch wheels and tires, and color-keyed exterior trim.

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Except for a few new standard features, little changed for the third season of the Mercedes-Benz entry-level sedan.

1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A base C230 model with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced the C220. Horsepower rose only slightly, but torque grew from 155 to 162 pound-feet. A new 5-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed unit, with adaptive electronic control that modifies shift action to match the operator's driving style. The airbag system now includes a front-seat occupant detection sensor, which deactivates the passenger-side airbag if it detects a weight of less than 26 pounds on the seat.

1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The C-Class gets a host of revisions for 1998. Gone is the inline 6-cylinder in the C280, replaced by a V6 engine of the same displacement and horsepower rating. Also new is a high-performance model called the C43. It is powered by a 302-horsepower V8. Other changes include revised styling and a new "Smart-Key" anti-theft ignition system.

1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Changes included a new standard engine for the base model, standard traction control, and a new sport handling package on C230 models. The base engine was a supercharged version of the old and sported an additional 39 horsepower.

2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Automatic transmissions gained Touch Shift manual-shifting capability, with a separate gate. A telescoping steering column and antiskid control moved from optional to standard.

1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Road noise

Steering/handling	Rear-seat room

Acceleration (C280, C36)	Wet-weather traction

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Both the 4- and 6-cylinder engines are quiet and refined, even when pushed hard, but suffer rather leisurely acceleration from a standing start. Both of the 2001 V6 engines are quite smooth. The older engines do gather steam quickly and deliver strong passing power--especially the C280. A C280 sedan accelerated to 60 mph in a brief 8.3 seconds. The C320, introduced in 2001, did 0-60 in just 7.2 sec. The automatic transmission downshifts promptly to deliver passing power when it's needed, though upshifts can feel sloppy during hard acceleration. Steering response is excellent, and handling is balanced with fine grip through turns. You'll feel most of the bumps in either of these cars, even though the firm suspension absorbs the worst of the impacts. Road noise intrudes on the pleasure, too--especially emanating from the rear tires. Controls are laid out in a user-friendly manner, and you get a comfortable driving position. Though more spacious than its 190 predecessor, the C-Class isn't exactly roomy. Tall drivers might lack sufficient head or leg room, even with the seat position considerably rearward. Moving the driver's seat all the way back drastically cuts into rear leg space, which is only adequate even under the best conditions. Cargo space is good in a usefully square trunk, and an optional folding rear seatback provides extra space.

Value for the Money
All told, we've been impressed with the C-Class. This sedan is well worth a look if you're shopping in the luxury end of the compact-car league.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Mercedes-Benz C280	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	3

Total:	46

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Brake noise: Brake squeal at low speeds (under 10 mph) may activate the antilock brake system. (1994-97)

Clock: The clock on the C220 may reset itself when starting the engine due to a faulty instrument-cluster voltage regulator. (1994)

Dashboard lights: The EC warning light may come on indicating loss of A/C refrigerant caused by a faulty refrigerant pressure sensor. (1997)

Fuel gauge: Erroneous fuel-gauge readings are often due to a bad potentiometer on the fuel-level sensor. (1994-96)

Hard starting: The starter may corrode due to the windshield water draining onto it. (1994-96)

Rough idle: Mass airflow sensors (MAS) malfunction could cause a variety of performance problems including rough idle when cold and off-idle hesitation. (1994-2000)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$865

Alternator	$330

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,035

Brakes	$200

Exhaust System	$650

Radiator	$445

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,200

Timing Chain or Belt	$305

Universal Joints	$545

NHTSA Recall History

1994 C220: Cruise-control linkage may be inadequately lubricated, subject to binding, so throttle will not return to closed position when pedal is released.

1994-95 C220/C280, C36: In minor frontal impact, hood-latch hook may not function properly as secondary safety catch.

1996 C280: Drive-belt pulley of a few 6-cylinder engines can develop fatigue cracks and break; car would then lack engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.

1998-99 w/Hoppecke battery: Battery-maintenance schedule could be less than needed to maintain proper electrolyte levels. Low electrolyte levels could result in battery explosion.

1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
C220	$3,200-3,900	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000
C280	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100

1995
C220	$3,700-4,500	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300
C280	$4,100-4,900	$3,400-4,000	$1,400-1,600
C36	$6,000-7,000	$5,200-6,100	$2,500-2,900

1996
C220	$4,400-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,500-1,800
C280	$4,900-5,600	$4,200-4,800	$1,900-2,200
C36	$7,300-8,300	$6,600-7,500	$3,600-4,100

1997
C230	$5,200-6,100	$4,400-5,200	$2,100-2,400
C280	$5,700-6,600	$4,900-5,700	$2,300-2,700
C36	$8,500-9,700	$7,700-8,700	$4,400-5,000

1998
C230	$6,000-6,900	$5,200-6,000	$2,500-2,900
C280	$6,600-7,400	$5,800-6,500	$3,000-3,400
C43	$10,200-11,700	$9,200-10,500	$5,300-6,100

1999
C230	$7,100-8,000	$6,300-7,100	$3,400-3,800
C280	$7,600-8,600	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300
C43	$12,300-13,800	$11,100-12,400	$7,000-7,900

2000
C230	$8,300-9,300	$7,500-8,400	$4,300-4,800
C280	$9,000-10,000	$8,100-9,000	$4,700-5,200
C43	$14,500-16,000	$13,200-14,600	$9,000-9,900

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	105.9

Overall Length, in.	177.4

Overall Width, in.	67.7

Overall Height, in.	56.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	3173

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.4

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All C-Class sedans had a 4-speed automatic transmission, but engine choices differed markedly. A dual-overhead cam, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder went into the C220, while a 2.8-liter 6-cylinder provided the power to the C280 sedan. Delivering a lot more get-up-and-go was the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine installed in the limited-edition C36, producing 268 horsepower. For 1997, a 2.3-liter engine replaced the 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, and all models got a 5-speed automatic transmission. In 1998, Mercedes replaced the C36 with an even hotter model called the C43. It sported a 4.3-liter V8 with 302 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Then in '99, the base 2.3-liter was given a supercharger and an additional 39 horsepower.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.2 / 132	147	155	4-speed automatic: 23/29	4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	2.3 / 140	148	162	5-speed automatic: 23/30	5-speed automatic: --

Supercharged dohc I4	2.3 / 140	185	200	5-speed automatic: 22/29	5-speed automatic: 22.8

dohc I6	2.8 / 173	194	199	4-speed automatic: 19/26 5-speed automatic: 20/27	4-speed automatic: 19.2 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.6 / 220	268-276	284	4-speed automatic: 18/22 5-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed automatic: 19.7 5-speed automatic: --

ohc V8	4.3 / 260	302	302	5-speed automatic: 18/23	5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 C-Class

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

< 1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Photos

1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Local Listings >

Also in the 1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Photos

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review