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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
Date Published: 5/03/08
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
The least-expensive cars from Mercedes-Benz come in sedan, wagon, and coupe body styles. Sedans and wagons are available with all-wheel drive vs. the standard rear-wheel drive. C230 versions have a 189-hp supercharged 4-cyl engine; they come in Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan trim. C240 versions have a 168-hp V6 and come as a sedan or wagon. C320 versions have a 215-hp V6 and come in all three body styles and include Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan editions. The high-performance C32 AMG sedan has a supercharged 349-hp V6, sport suspension, and 5-speed automatic transmission. On other C-Class models, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic is optional, except on the C240 and C320 sedan and wagon, where the automatic is standard. Mercedes' 4Matic AWD is available for any automatic-transmission C-class sedan or wagon, except the C230 and C32. Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan editions come with sport-tuned suspension, manual transmission, body cladding, and aluminum interior trim. Sport editions and the C32 have 17-inch wheels vs. other models' 16s. This year, 4Matic and heated front seats add $1200, a $1250 cut vs. 2003. All models are now factory prewired to accept a newly optional dealer-installed satellite radio. And Sports Coupes gain as standard a 3-spoke steering wheel, enlarged chrome exhaust tip, and other sporty appearance features. Every C-Class has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' BabySmart child-seat recognition system. Coupes are available with Mercedes' large Panorama sunroof that teams with a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat; each has a power sunshade. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system is standard on the C32, available for other models. A navigation system also is available. Bi-xenon headlamps are a linewide option.
News
The C-Class won't be Mercedes' smallest U.S. car by mid-decade, as two subcompacts are reportedly the way. One is a redesigned version of the Euro-market A-Class, which is probable for 2006 or '07. Sized like a Ford Focus, this tall, minivan-shaped 4-dr features a unique bi-level floor sandwiching exhaust system and other components. Overall length is said to be around 160 inches. Power will come from one or more 4-cyl engines, probably in the 1.6- to 2.0-liter range with something like 125-150 hp. A 2-dr A-Class is also in development and could come Stateside. All models should offer front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us..

But wait. There's less. Confirmed for 2006, likely as an early '07 debut, is the Smart Formore, an SUV-style miniwagon from DaimlerChrysler's European small-car division. Smart launched some 6 years ago with a tall, very short ForTwo front-drive coupe with a 660cc turbo 2-cyl. A targa convertible followed soon after. A longer, lower, more conventional 2-seat Roadster and Coupe-Roadster bowed in '03 with 4-cyl power. The Foremore shares a basic design with the new Euro-market ForFour hatchback that's built in Holland alongside a related Mitsubishi, but the demi-SUV features AWD, raised suspension, flared fenders and other off-roader touches. ForMore will be sourced from Brazil, likely with a 1.5-liter Mitsubishi 4-cyl making around 110 hp. Transmissions should be conventional 5-speed manual and a computer-controlled "clutchless" 6-speed manual with automatic mode. Like earlier Smarts, some body panels are made of a plastic-like material and are interchangeable for color. Again, we should be getting more specifics soon, so keep checking back.

2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (C320, C32) Rear visibility (coupe)
Steering/handling Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe)
Available AWD
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
4 6 6 7 6.1

C320s best all-around. Test C320 sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph, coupe 6.9; both had automatic transmission. Test automatic-transmission C230 sedan took 8.1 sec. Manual-transmission C240 sedan took 9.2 sec, weak for this class. Test C32 took just 5.1 sec, but supercharger-related throttle lag tempers midrange response. 4Matic adds about 200 lb, but AWD models accelerate virtually the same as rear-drive counterparts.
Fuel Economy

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
5 5 5 4 5.2

Test C230 sedan averaged 23.4 mpg with automatic transmission. C240 sedans averaged 19.3-22.2 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.4 with manual. Test C320 sedans and wagons averaged 15.7-19.2 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test C320 4Matic sedan averaged 21.1 mpg. Test C320 coupe averaged 17.6 with automatic transmission. Test C32 averaged 20.3. All engines require premium fuel.
Ride Quality

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.4

Supple, composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on C32 and models with 17-inch tires, but still comfortable. AWD does not affect ride quality.
Steering/Handling/Braking

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 7.1

Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Firmer Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan suspension and 17-inch wheels enhance base chassis' already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard antiskid/traction control a security plus for any rear-drive C-Class. Get 4Matic for impressive all-season roadholding. Brakes deliver short, undramatic stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some test cars.
Quietness

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.2

Impressively low wind rush. All engines quiet, refined. Road noise relatively high in C32, sedans with 17-inch tires, and coupe with Panorama sunroof.
Controls

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
7 6 7 7 6.6

Typical Mercedes, with sober design, a few cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for accessing vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power-window switches should be lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy except for some plastics and assembly details, especially on coupe.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
6 6 6 6 6.3

A bit cozy feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Some testers find firm seats lack sufficient lumbar support. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps tailor good basic driving stance. Tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but tinted glass panel below hatch window aids parking.
Room/Comfort (rear)

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
4 4 4 3 3.9

Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. Coupe's rear seat not as cramped as in most rivals; medium-size adults ride in relative comfort, but entry/exit still a chore.
Cargo Room

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
3 3 7 6 3.9

Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies. Wagon beats Audi A4 and especially BMW 3-Series rivals for volume. Coupe has good luggage space even with rear seat up. Split fold rear seats enhance versatility, but are sedan options.
Value within Class

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
4 7 7 5 5.1

C320 sedans and wagons are desirable near-luxury cars. Some interior details disappoint, but they vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. 4Matic versions match AWD rivals from BMW and Audi for all-season security. Less accommodating than the sedans, C-Class coupes are slow sellers.
Total Score

C240 sdn, auto. C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. C320 Sports Cpe, auto. Class Average
54 58 63 59 56.8
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
47
Average Score
56
High Score
63
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/15/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
C230 Sports Coupe 2-door hatchback, manual $25,850 $24,041 $720
C320 Sports Coupe 2-door hatchback, manual $28,250 $26,273 $720
C230 Sport Sedan 4-door sedan, manual $29,250 $27,203 $720
C240 4-door sedan, automatic $32,650 $30,365 $720
C240 4Matic AWD 4-door sedan, automatic $33,850 $31,481 $720
C240 4-door wagon, automatic $34,150 $31,760 $720
C240 4Matic AWD 4-door wagon, automatic $35,350 $32,876 $720
C320 Sport Sedan 4-door sedan, manual $37,350 $34,736 $720
C320 4-door sedan, automatic $37,950 $35,294 $720
C320 4Matic AWD 4-door sedan, automatic $39,150 $36,410 $720
C320 4-door wagon, automatic $39,450 $36,689 $720
C320 4Matic AWD 4-door wagon, automatic $40,650 $37,805 $720
C32 4-door sedan, automatic $51,400 $47,802 $720
Price note: C32 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
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/C320 Sports Coupe
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc 4-cylinder supercharged engine (C230), 3.2-liter V6 engine (C320), 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 controls, interior air filter, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, cargo cover, heated intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, sport suspension, full-size spare tire, 225/45ZR17 tires, alloy wheels.
C230 Sport Sedan adds to C230/C320 Sports Coupe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/vinyl upholstery, front-seat power height adjustment and reclining, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat, cargo cover.
225/45HR17 front tires, 245/40HR17 rear tires.
C240 adds to C230 Sports Sedan:
Powertrain
2.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power front seats, wood interior trim, split folding rear seat (wagon), heated intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: sport suspension.
Roof rails (wagon), 205/55HR16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated front seats.
C320 adds to C240:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission (Sport Sedan).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors, Bose sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim (Sport Sedan).
Sport suspension (Sport Sedan), 225/45HR17 front and 245/40HR17 rear tires (Sport Sedan), AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated front seats.
C32 adds to C320:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 supercharged engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Upgraded brakes, TeleAid telematics system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery, heated front seats, split folding rear seat, power sunroof, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
Performance suspension, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Comfort Pkg.
C230/320 Sports Coupe
$1,450
$1,349
230 Sport Sedan, C240
$1,280
$1,190
Power front seats w/driver-seat memory, universal garage-door opener (coupe), illuminated visor mirrors (coupe).
Premium Pkg.
C230/C320 coupe
$2,810
$2,613
Leather upholstery, power Panorama sunroof, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors.
Sunroof Pkg.
coupe
$1,240
$1,153
sedan
$1,640
$1,525
wagon
$1,510
$1,404
Power Panorama sunroof (coupe), power sunroof (sedan, wagon), rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power rear sunshade (sedan). NA C32.
Rear Seat Pkg.
sedan
$460
$428
Split folding rear seat, ski sack. NA C32.
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
C230, C320 Sport Sedan, C320 Sport Coupe
$1,360
$1,265
Comfort and Convenience Features
TeleAid telematics system
C230, C240, C230
$800
$744
COMAND navigation system
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
$2,170
$2,018
Replaces cassette w/CD player.
Navigation CD collection
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
$150
$140
Requires COMAND navigation system.
Full leather upholstery
C230, C240, C320
$1,470
$1,367
Heated front seats
C230, C240, C320
$670
$623
Std. AWD.
Multicontour driver seat
C240, C320
$490
$456
NA C320 Sports Coupe, C320 Sport Sedan.
Ski sack
C32
$220
$205
Wood interior trim
C230/C320 Sports Coupe
$360
$335
Bose sound system
C230, C240, C320 Sports Coupe
$640
$595
Voice-activated cellular telephone
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
$1,995
$1,437
6-disc CD changer
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
$410
$381
Power rear sunshade
C32
$460
$428
Rain-sensing wipers
C32
$210
$195
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
$670
$623
Lighting Pkg.
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
$770
$716
Xenon headlights w/washers.
Heated headlight washers
C32
$380
$353
2004 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. 3250 3310 3415
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. 1.8 /110 2.6 /159 3.2 /195 3.2 /195
Horsepower @ rpm. 189 @ 5800 168 @ 5500 215 @ 5700 349 @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 192 @ 3500 177 @ 4500 221 @ 3000 332 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
6-speed manual 22/30 --/-- 19/26 --/--
5-speed automatic 23/30 19/24 19/27 16/21
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
Front Impact, Driver NA 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger NA 4 NA
Rollover Resistance NA 4 NA
Side Impact, Driver NA 5 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA 5 NA
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: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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