Mercedes-Benz W203

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) lasted seven years. During this time, more than 1.8 million cars have rolled off the production line. The new generation W203 was introduced in 2000. A year later, along with the sedan and wagon, a three-door coupe appeared on the market. In 2004, the "Tseshka" experienced restyling, which, in addition to light stylistic adjustments, brought an increase in the level of equipment and quality. The modernization did not bypass the chassis: stronger bearings, Silent blocks and a reinforced rear stabilizer were used. The manual transmission has been improved. Diesel units have become compliant with Euro IV emission standards, and power has increased by 7-150 hp. A year later (in 2005) the engine line was adjusted. In particular, there was a new six-cylinder turbodiesel with a capacity of 225 hp (320 CDI), which was combined with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. In 2007, the W203 gave way to the next generation, the W204. The 203 was offered in four basic performance levels: Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, Sportline.

Equipment

Mercedes C class is a direct competitor of the BMW 3 Series. Therefore, the creators had the task to properly adjust the chassis and equip the car with the latest technology. The main was a 6-speed manual transmission. For most versions, a 5-band machine was also available. The list of standard equipment includes: ESP, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel and 6 airbags. For an additional fee, you could get an onboard Comand complex that combines audio, radio, television and navigation systems.

Interior

There isn't much space inside the C-Class. The front space limits the massive central tunnel. Behind a small reserve of space in the legs - the knees of passengers rest on the front seats. The seats themselves have a fairly hardy upholstery, unlike the materials of the armrest and the internal door handles. Some people will find it strange to have a simultaneous combination of manual and electric adjustments to the front seats. For example, longitudinal adjustment is carried out using a classical lever under the chair. The luggage compartment of the sedan has a capacity of 455 liters, a station wagon - 470 liters, a sports coupe - 310 liters.

Walking

The second generation Mercedes C-Class, compared to its predecessor, received the perfect chassis with a small share of sports emotions. Designers replaced a pair of lower transverse arms trapezoidal lever McPherson with interchangeable Silentblocks. But the first pancake came out in a lump. The Silent blocks of the levers quickly wore out, and the suspension began to knock. The manufacturer soon refined the element, using more wear-resistant materials. In addition, it was necessary to upgrade and fixing the stabilizer to eliminate dirt and sand, contributing to the rapid wear of the stabilizer itself. Today, stabilizers still suffer from premature wear, except for the top versions of AMG. The rear multilink suspension does not cause problems, although light alloy components are used there.

After the modernization, the durability of the running has slightly increased. Her settings have changed a little. Engineers managed to make the suspension denser, almost without loss for comfort, which affected the decline in roll and increased stability on the track.

Engines

C180 - 2.0/130 hp (10/2000 - 05/2002)

C180 Kompressor - 1.8/143 hp (since 05/2002)

C200 Kompressor - 2.0 / 163 hp (05/2000 - 05/2002)

C200 Kompressor - 1.8/163 hp (since 05/2002)

C230 Kompressor - 1.8/192 hp (since 02/2004)

Under the hood of the Mercedes W203 was visited by many engines. Until 2003, the main was the 4-cylinder unit of the M111 series (in the C180 and C200 models), which proved itself well in the Mercedes W124. It was a 2-liter block. For the C180 version, it is exclusively atmospheric, and for the C200 it is supplemented by a mechanical compressor Eaton of the Roots type. The compressor provided good traction at low speeds. Among the shortcomings, we can note the imperfection of the crankcase ventilation system and stretching of the timing system chain at large runs. In 2003, the M111 engine was abandoned, replacing it with the M271. The engine in all versions had a working volume of 1.8 liters and was equipped with a mechanical compressor Eaton, which usually did not cause any problems (from 17 000 rubles per used). But the chain drive timing system (8,000 rubles per set) and gear camshafts (14-33 thousand rubles) could wear after 100-150 thousand km. In addition, the unit suffered from problems with the valve saddles, which broke the head due to the accumulation of coarseness. The first symptoms are high fuel consumption and a drop in dynamics. The only solution to the problem is to replace the head of the block. Over time, magnets begin to flow, as a result, the oil gets on the lambda and ECU of the motor. Of the six-cylinder gasoline units, the M112 is the most reliable.

Transmission

With all engines combined 6-speed manual transmission. Until 2002, there was a problem with the first three speeds. In addition, the manual transmission may be disturbed by fuzzy gear switching (wear and tear of the gear selection mechanism), especially in machines of the first years of production. After the restyling, the deficiency was eliminated. The mechanics clutch goes up to 300,000 km.

An alternative to the manual transmission will be a 5-speed 5G-Tronic (722.6), which appeared in Mercedes in 1989. The automatic transmission works slowly and smoothly. According to many experts, it is less reliable than the previous 4-speed machine, but up to 200-300 thousand km survives. To keep the box in shape, you need to change the oil regularly - every 60,000 km, including the filter. Otherwise, repairs are inevitable – about $1,000-2000. The selector (from 15 000 rubles), electronic board (leaking through the connector), hydroblock (from 70 000 rubles), hydrotransformer or ECU box (EGS - 31 000 rubles) fail.

The 7G-Tronic 7-speed machine (722.9) is even less reliable, but it works well and delivers low fuel consumption. It is worth preparing for problems after 100-150 thousand km (50-100 thousand rubles).

Typical problems and malfunctions

The Mercedes C-class W203 has become a hostage to the growing demand for electronics and multiplex networks, with electronics occasionally failing. Besides, there's a leak. In case of problems with electronics, a message about the inclusion of the parking brake may be highlighted, although in fact it will be unlocked. In addition, complications with the lock and ignition key, the dashboard display (4-5 thousand rubles) and the rear SAM unit (3-4 thousand rubles) are common. In addition, with age, sometimes the wiring in the engine compartment crumbles. After restyling, electronics became more reliable. Be careful with vehicles recovered from an accident. In the future, such a copy can cause many problems. Spare parts on Mercedes are not cheap, and not everything can be obtained on the secondary market. It is worth noting that pre-restyling machines are prone to corrosion, but the power elements - spars and cups of shock absorbers do not rot yet. Restyled samples of the "red plague", as a rule, do not get sick. Open the hood and be sure to inspect the water drain holes. If they are clogged with dirt, then there is a high probability of corrosion near the windshield. But most importantly - clogged drains contribute to the ingress of water on electronic blocks. In particular, the front unit of the SAM (from 28 000 rubles) fails, and the closure of its tracks can pull the engine ECU (another 30 000 rubles). Climate control is also a source of trouble. It stops regulating the air temperature. The reason is the destruction of the plastic thrust of the flap, responsible for mixing warm and cold air.

Audi A4 B7 (2004-2009)

There's a lot of mistakes in the article. For example, the C 320 (even both petrol and diesel) was fitted with a manual box. I didn’t put it on other models, I suggest you guess which ones.

Walking

• The manufacturer soon refined the element, using more wear-resistant materials.
• In addition, it was necessary to upgrade and fixing the stabilizer to eliminate dirt and sand, contributing to the rapid wear of the stabilizer itself.
• Today, stabilizers still suffer from premature wear, except for the top versions of AMG.
• The rear multilink suspension does not cause problems, although light alloy components are used there.
• Engineers managed to make the suspension denser, almost without loss for comfort, which affected the decline in roll and increased stability on the track.

Engines

• In 2003, the M111 engine was abandoned, replacing it with the M271.
• The engine in all versions had a working volume of 1.8 liters and was equipped with a mechanical compressor Eaton, which usually did not cause any problems (from 17 000 rubles per used).
• RUB) could wear out after 100-150 thousand km.
• In addition, the unit suffered from problems with the valve saddles, which broke the head due to the accumulation of coarseness.
• The only solution to the problem is to replace the head of the block.
• Over time, magnets begin to flow, as a result, the oil gets on the lambda and ECU of the motor.
• M272 suffers from problems with electromagnets control camshafts and valves of the intake manifold.
• But it is more famous for premature chain stretching and wear of the balance star.

Transmission

• Until 2002, there was a problem with the first three speeds.
• In addition, the manual transmission may be disturbed by fuzzy gear switching (wear and tear of the gear selection mechanism), especially in machines of the first years of production.
• To keep the box in shape, you need to change the oil regularly - every 60,000 km, including the filter.
• Otherwise, repairs are inevitable – about $1,000-2000.
• The selector (from 15 000 rubles), electronic board (leaking through the connector), hydroblock (from 70 000 rubles), hydrotransformer or ECU box (EGS - 31 000 rubles) fail.
• It is worth preparing for problems after 100-150 thousand km (50-100 thousand rubles).

Typical problems and malfunctions

• The Mercedes C-class W203 has become a hostage to the growing demand for electronics and multiplex networks, with electronics occasionally failing. Besides, there's a leak.
• In case of problems with electronics, a message about the inclusion of the parking brake may be highlighted, although in fact it will be unlocked.
• In the future, such a copy can cause many problems.
• It is worth noting that pre-restyling machines are prone to corrosion, but the power elements - spars and cups of shock absorbers do not rot yet.
• Open the hood and be sure to inspect the water drain holes.
• If they are clogged with dirt, then there is a high probability of corrosion near the windshield.
• In particular, the front unit of the SAM (from 28 000 rubles) fails, and the closure of its tracks can pull the engine ECU (another 30 000 rubles).
• Heating problems can be caused by the failure of an additional pump (14,000 rubles) or a clogged heater radiator.

When choosing Mercedes C class W203, you should give preference to models produced after restyling. They are more reliable and suffer less from electrical problems. Gasoline engines are more stable than diesel engines. The choice is better to make in favor of 4-cylinder gasoline units with a hardy mechanical compressor. After purchase, you should keep a stock of at least 100,000 rubles to eliminate unforeseen malfunctions.

• Equipment: Mercedes C class is a direct competitor of the BMW 3 Series.
• The interior: The seats inside the C-Class aren't that many.
• Driving: The manufacturer soon refined the element, using more wear-resistant materials.
• In 2003, the M111 engine was abandoned, replacing it with the M271.
• Transmission: Until 2002, there was a problem with the first three speed synchronizers.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: The Mercedes C-class W203 has become a hostage to the growing demand for electronics and multiplex networks - electronics fail at times. Besides, there's a leak.
• Audi A4 B7 (2004-2009): A lot of mistakes in the article.

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