2000 MERCEDES BENZ C-Class (W203) Photos, engines & full specs

The second-generation C-Class saw the arrival of a completely redesigned vehicle with a longer, curvier nose and a sportier, shorter rear. It was introduced in March 2000 to replace the previous legendary W202. It came in an era of transition when Mercedes decided to try something new in design and technology.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes-Benz used top-quality materials and plenty of options. There are two options for the automatic climate-control unit, CD-Radio or Navigation Systems, Bluetooth to connect a phone or a cradle where the driver can plug in a phone. The central armrest is refrigerated.

The manufacturer offered heating and ventilation systems with dedicated air vents for the rear-seat passengers. A lot of goodies from a premium brand, but there are also a few downsides.

If you are not very familiar with Mercedes, the parking brake might feel a bit odd, being the third pedal if you have an automatic gearbox and the fourth pedal if you have a manual. Unfortunately, even if it is a well-built car, the rust problems stay close to this model, especially if you live in countries with warmer, rainy weather.

Being a bit oldie, it looks rust problems start to appear on fenders, chassis, boot, joints, steering wheel, seats, ceiling, wallet, etc. Rust forming everywhere is a sign to the lowest point of Mercedes's body quality.

Having a well-built reputation for durable engines, they decided to continue ,equipping the W202 with some of the most durable ones. The C class is equipped with various engines, both gasoline and turbodiesel. The new design language carried over the cues introduced by its bigger brother, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210, with twin double-rounded headlights.

The engines were mostly carried over from the previous generation except for a couple of models, such as the C 320, which delivered an output of 218 hp. Diesel units were also upgraded, fitted with common-rail direct injection systems and variable geometry turbochargers.

One of the most popular engines is the 2.2-liter engine found on various Mercedes models, from Vans such as Sprinter and Vito to the stylish W203. If they managed to put those engines on heavily used vans, without a doubt, buying a 2.2 is a good choice if you want durability.

Six-speed manual transmissions became standard on nearly all versions, while letter and number labeling no longer reflected the engine's displacement. The C 180 had a 2.0-liter while the C 240 had a 2.6-liter unit. The new 5G-Tronic installed in the C-Class is an electronically shifted 5-speed overdrive automatic transmission with five forward gears and two reverse gears.

The 1.8 petrol version is a bit pretentious; after 200.000 km, oil gradually disappears from one service to another. The M272 engines and the facelift V6 petrol have their problems, too. The camshaft is wearing out and needs to be replaced, and this model is not a simple operation.

If you are on a budget and are not willing to pay more than 2000 Dollars or Euros, the C class should be one to consider. Let's be serious. You get a premium, comfortable car for almost the price of a bike.