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2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
Date Published: 5/03/08
Also in the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
A station wagon and a high-performance sedan join Mercedes' entry-level line for 2002. Models start with the C230, a 2-dr hatchback coupe with a supercharged 4-cyl engine. The C240 sedan has a 2.6-liter V6. The C320 sedan and new C320 wagon use a 3.2 V6. The new C32 AMG sedan has a supercharged V6, 17-inch wheels vs. other models' 16s, plus sport suspension. The C230 and C240 have standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is optional for those models and is mandatory on C320 and C32. (The C32's "SpeedShift" automatic is programmed for high-performance driving.) All models come with traction control, antiskid system, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Also included are front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' BabySmart child-seat recognition system. Leather upholstery is standard on C32, optional on other models. Available for sedans is a Sport Package with upgraded suspension and aero body add-ons. The coupe's optional Panorama glass sunroof opens wider than other sunroofs and includes a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat, plus dual power sunshades. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system is optional for C230 and standard elsewhere. Available for all is Mercedes' COMAND navigation system, which includes an Internet-based "InfoServices" feature that displays user-selected information.
Competition
This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.
We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
News
C-Class sales jumped 45.6 percent year-to-year in the first nine months of 2001, helped by redesigned sedans and the addition of a C320 wagon and entry-level Sport Coupe. Mercedes' compact-car line should now take a breather for the next year or three, though some new features may appear along the way. There may also be yet more model choices. Among the prospects being rumored: an SUV-flavored sport wagon with high-rise styling and M-B's 4-Matic all-wheel drive, and V6 and supercharged V6 Sports Coupes.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (C320, C32) | Rear-seat room (C230) |
| Build quality | Rear-seat entry/exit (C230) |
| Steering/handling | Rear visibility (C230) |
| Quietness | |
| Seat comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The C320s are the best all-arounders here. Test C320 sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; C320 wagon feels little slower. Automatic-transmission C230 is no slouch at 7.7 sec in our tests, but its supercharged engine is gruff and throbby for this class. Test manual-transmission C240 feels underpowered for a near-luxury sedan, and test example did 0-60 in 9.2 sec. Test C32 rocketed 0-60 in 5.1 sec, though a lag in response is evident in some midspeed throttle applications until the supercharger delivers its thrust.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
The C320s are the best all-arounders here. Test C320 sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; C320 wagon feels little slower. Automatic-transmission C230 is no slouch at 7.7 sec in our tests, but its supercharged engine is gruff and throbby for this class. Test manual-transmission C240 feels underpowered for a near-luxury sedan, and test example did 0-60 in 9.2 sec. Test C32 rocketed 0-60 in 5.1 sec, though a lag in response is evident in some midspeed throttle applications until the supercharger delivers its thrust.
Fuel Economy
Test C320 averaged 19.2 mpg despite gas-eating performance runs. In mixed city/highway driving, though, a C320 wagon returned a mediocre 15.7. Like conditions yielded 18.4 mpg with manual-transmission C240, 19.3-22.2 for automatic versions. Test C32 averaged 20.3 in mostly highway travel. All engines require premium fuel.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
Test C320 averaged 19.2 mpg despite gas-eating performance runs. In mixed city/highway driving, though, a C320 wagon returned a mediocre 15.7. Like conditions yielded 18.4 mpg with manual-transmission C240, 19.3-22.2 for automatic versions. Test C32 averaged 20.3 in mostly highway travel. All engines require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
A strong point regardless of model. Supple and composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on coupe, Sport Package sedans, and C32, but still comfortable.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
A strong point regardless of model. Supple and composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on coupe, Sport Package sedans, and C32, but still comfortable.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Sedan Sport Package enhances base suspension's already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard traction and antiskid systems are foul-weather safety pluses for these rear-drive cars. Brakes deliver short, undramatic emergency stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some cars tested.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Sedan Sport Package enhances base suspension's already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard traction and antiskid systems are foul-weather safety pluses for these rear-drive cars. Brakes deliver short, undramatic emergency stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some cars tested.
Quietness
Impressively low wind rush. V6s rise only to distant growl at top rpm, but C230's supercharged four is too gruff for a Mercedes. Tire noise relatively high in coupe, C32, and in sedans with more-aggressive Sport Package treads.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Impressively low wind rush. V6s rise only to distant growl at top rpm, but C230's supercharged four is too gruff for a Mercedes. Tire noise relatively high in coupe, C32, and in sedans with more-aggressive Sport Package treads.
Controls
Typical Mercedes, with sober design and some cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for calling up vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power window switches too low on doors and aren't lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Typical Mercedes, with sober design and some cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for calling up vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power window switches too low on doors and aren't lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
A bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Seats are firm, yet feel deficient in lumbar support to some testers. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor a good basic driving stance. Busy tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but the tinted glass panel below the hatch window aids parking.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
A bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Seats are firm, yet feel deficient in lumbar support to some testers. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor a good basic driving stance. Busy tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but the tinted glass panel below the hatch window aids parking.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Sedans and wagons have adequate space for two adults but no more. Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. C230's 2-passenger rear seat isn't as cramped as in most coupes and carries youngsters and small adults in relative comfort, though entry/exit is a chore.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Sedans and wagons have adequate space for two adults but no more. Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. C230's 2-passenger rear seat isn't as cramped as in most coupes and carries youngsters and small adults in relative comfort, though entry/exit is a chore.
Cargo Room
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies, and wagon is truly useful, with some 15-cu-ft-more cargo room than BMW 3-Series wagon. Coupe has fine room even with rear seat up, and standard split-fold rear seats enhance versatility in all models.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 4.2 |
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies, and wagon is truly useful, with some 15-cu-ft-more cargo room than BMW 3-Series wagon. Coupe has fine room even with rear seat up, and standard split-fold rear seats enhance versatility in all models.
Value within Class
Now more than just a "baby Mercedes," the C-Class is a desirable near-luxury car in its own right--despite some cut-rate interior details. Sedans and wagons vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. The C230 has Mercedes' lowest base price but skimps on standard luxuries, and options can price it near an Acura CL, which has a more-polished powertrain but fewer safety features.
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 4.3 |
Now more than just a "baby Mercedes," the C-Class is a desirable near-luxury car in its own right--despite some cut-rate interior details. Sedans and wagons vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. The C230 has Mercedes' lowest base price but skimps on standard luxuries, and options can price it near an Acura CL, which has a more-polished powertrain but fewer safety features.
Total Score
| C230, auto. | C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto. | C320 w/nav. sys. | C320 wgn. | Class Average |
| 54 | 53 | 59 | 63 | 54.5 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/21/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| C230 Sports Coupe 2-door hatchback | $24,950 | $23,204 | $665 |
|
|
|||
| C240 4-door sedan | $30,550 | $28,412 | $665 |
|
|
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| C320 4-door sedan | $36,950 | $34,364 | $665 |
|
|
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| C320 4-door wagon | $38,450 | $35,759 | $665 |
|
|
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| C32 4-door sedan | $49,900 | $46,407 | $665 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
C230 Sports Coupe
Powertrain
2.3-liter dohc 4-cylinder supercharged engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and additional controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, cargo cover, heated intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, full-size spare tire, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
C240 adds to C230 Sports Coupe:
Powertrain
2.6-liter V6 engine.
Safety
TeleAid emergency assistance system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/vinyl upholstery, 8-way power front seats, wood interior trim, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat, cargo cover.
C320 adds to C240:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, climate control), split folding rear seat (wagon), Bose sound system, cargo cover (wagon), rear heated wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack (wagon).
C32 adds to C320:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 supercharged engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery, heated front seats, split folding rear seat, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Option Pkg. C1
|
||
|
C230, C240
|
$1,225
|
$1,139
|
|
10-way power front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, memory system for driver seat, steering wheel, mirrors and climate control.
|
||
|
Option Pkg. C2
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||
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C240, C320 sedan
|
$1,370
|
$1,274
|
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C320 wagon
|
$1,250
|
$1,163
|
|
C230
|
$995
|
$925
|
|
Power sunroof, power rear sunshade (sedan), rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
Option Pkg. C3
|
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|
C240, C320 sedan
|
$435
|
$405
|
|
Split folding rear seat, ski sack.
|
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|
Option Pkg. C4
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320
|
$820
|
$763
|
|
Heated front seats and headlight washers.
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Premium Option Pkg. C5
|
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C230
|
$2,700
|
$2,511
|
|
Leather upholstery, power sunroof, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers.
|
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|
Option Pkg. Sport C6
|
||
|
C240, C320
|
$3,010
|
$2,799
|
|
Full leather upholstery, sport bucket seats, aluminum interior trim, unique gauge faces, body cladding, firmer suspension, 225/50VR16 tires, unique alloy wheels.
|
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Wheel Option Pkg. C7
|
||
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C230
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
Aluminum pedals and door sills, leather shift knob, 225/45ZR17 tires.
|
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|
Option Pkg. K2
|
||
|
C230 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$1,795
|
$1,669
|
|
Cellular telephone, 6-disc CD changer.
|
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|
Option Pkg. K2A
|
||
|
C230 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$2,190
|
$2,037
|
|
Voice-activated cellular telephone, 6-disc CD changer.
|
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|
|
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Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
C230, C240
|
$1,300
|
$1,209
|
|
|
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Safety |
||
|
TeleAid emergency assistance system
|
||
|
C230
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
C240, C320 sedan
|
$1,185
|
$1,102
|
|
COMAND navigation system
|
||
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C230 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$2,080
|
$1,934
|
|
Navigation CD collection
|
||
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C230 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$140
|
$130
|
|
Requires COMAND navigation system.
|
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Full leather upholstery
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C230, C240, C320
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$1,410
|
$1,311
|
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Multicontour driver seat
|
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C240, C320
|
$460
|
$428
|
|
Ski sack
|
||
|
C32
|
$205
|
$191
|
|
Bose sound system
|
||
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C230, C240
|
$610
|
$567
|
|
Power rear sunshade
|
||
|
C32
|
$205
|
$191
|
|
Rain-sensing wipers
|
||
|
C32
|
$200
|
$186
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Xenon headlights
|
||
|
C240, C320, C32
|
$870
|
$809
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
C230 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$640
|
$595
|
|
|
||
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2-door hatchback | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 | 106.9 | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.0 | 178.3 | 178.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.0 | 68.0 | 68.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.3 | 55.2 | 55.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3306 | 3310 | 3495 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 38.1 | 12.2 | 63.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.9 | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 37.3 | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 33.0 | 33.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Supercharged dohc I4 | sohc V6 | sohc V6 | Supercharged sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.3 /140 | 2.6 /159 | 3.2 /195 | 3.2 /195 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 192 @ 5500 | 168 @ 5500 | 215 @ 5700 | 349 @ 6100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 200 @ 2500 | 177 @ 4500 | 221 @ 3000 | 332 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 6-speed manual | 19/29 | 17/26 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | 21/28 | 19/26 | 19/25 | 17/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2-door hatchback | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door wagon |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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