The W202 C-Class Is Now Officially 30 Years Old
It may be hard to believe but the first ever Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the W202, is now 30 years old!
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class today is a household name and has been one of the brand’s best selling models. Its roots can be traced back to the 190E (W201) which is fast becoming a collector’s item. While the W201 just turned 40 late last year, the W202 today turns 30. The W202 was actually the first model to be referred to as the ‘C-Class’, making it the first of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles to have a letter BEFORE the digits that indicated its powertrain.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-W202-2-600x400.jpg)
During its production cycle, which lasted from 1993 to 2001, Mercedes-Benz was able to sell 1.9 million models in both sedan and wagon body styles. The W202 C-Class was larger than the W201 and offered new petrol and diesel motors with 4 valves per cylinder for better fuel efficiency. Emissions were also improved as a result of better engine management and lower internal friction.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_456/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-W202-13-600x456.jpg)
Another aspect that was improved was safety. The C-Class had better rear and side impact collision protection with a new one-piece side wall, tubular structure and a triple-skinned B-pillar along with massive cross members. Unfortunately this was also when Mercedes-Benz engineers had to start thinking about the environment a bit more. So rather than fitting the car with the most durable materials available, 85% of the W202 was made of recyclable materials. That being said you still see plenty of W202 models still being driven today, so that indicates quality was still high.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_385/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-W202-4-600x385.jpg)
The exterior design was modern, clean and evergreen. It still looks modern enough today even 30 years later. Packaging was a major area of improvement on this C-Class. The W201 190E that came before was co-developed with the W124, so had some packaging limitations.
![BHP](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_78/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BHPetrol_Euro5-Diesel_Web-Banner_EN_DSF_650x85_FA-1-600x78-1.jpg)
This time around, Mercedes-Benz relocated the fuel tank and re-arranged the engine bay, axles and transmission to create a significantly largely interior and boot space.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_438/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-W202-15-600x438.jpg)
Despite being a smaller Benz, the C-Class was still uncompromising in comfort thanks to the dual wishbone front suspension and the independent multi-link rear suspension. What’s more, the springs and dampers were revised and the overall footprint of the vehicle was increased.
![W202 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Range](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_456/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-W202-11-600x456.jpg)