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Denlasoul
04-23-2003, 01:30 AM
Hi all:

I was reading the April issue of Mercedes Enthusiast and one article mentioned that in 1997 the C Class received a facelift. Is that so? What was changed to give the 97+ Models a different look?

DLS

SLK Boy
04-23-2003, 08:58 AM
I think the facelift began in 98 for US cars. They had restyled front/rear bumpers, side skirts, rims, and little things here and there.

pnsji
04-23-2003, 12:19 PM
To add to ExSLKBoy list:
- Trunk
- Tail Light
- Door panel
- Seat (For the Sport model)
- Steering Wheel
- Tow Switch
- Head Unit
and many others that I might forget

Denlasoul
04-23-2003, 12:53 PM
Mainly cosmetic details, huh? Thanks!

714guy
04-23-2003, 05:36 PM
I think the 98 280s got the v6 instead of the inline 6 and they also introduced the kompressors for the 230s also.

Denlasoul
04-23-2003, 08:46 PM
714: Yes I believe you are correct. Also, the 5 speed tranny was included...or was it in 96?

pnsji
04-24-2003, 10:10 AM
For the AMG model, the 5 speed tranny was introduced in 1997.
I believe the '97 C280 comes with 5 speed as well.

ub_ahn82
04-24-2003, 11:26 AM
the 230's became kompressors in '99, but iono if it was an option in '98

nokia8860
04-24-2003, 06:37 PM
Originally posted by ub_ahn82
the 230's became kompressors in '99, but iono if it was an option in '98

yep the 98 didnt have that option.

MrSpace
04-28-2003, 08:02 PM
Year-to-Year Changes

1995: A new Electronic Traction System applied brakes to either drive wheel if slippage is noted, transferring more power to the opposite wheel. ETS replaced an automatic-locking differential on the C220's option list. Acceleration Slip Control, a more advanced system that also employed throttle control, remained optional on the C280. This year, it gained a dashboard switch that permitted turning off the throttle-control portion, leaving only the braking function. A high-performance, limited-production C36 sedan debuted in spring of 1995 with a dual-cam 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that made 268 horsepower. The C36 model also got a firmer sport suspension, 17-inch wheels and tires, and color-keyed exterior trim.
1996: Except for a few new standard features, little changed for the third season of the Mercedes-Benz entry-level sedan.

1997: A base C230 model with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced the C220. Horsepower rose only slightly, but torque grew from 155 to 162 pound-feet. A new 5-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed unit, with adaptive electronic control that modifies shift action to match the operator's driving style. The airbag system now includes a front-seat occupant detection sensor, which deactivates the passenger-side airbag if it detects a weight of less than 26 pounds on the seat.

1998: The C-Class gets a host of revisions for 1998. Gone is the inline 6-cylinder in the C280, replaced by a V6 engine of the same displacement and horsepower rating. Also new is a high-performance model called the C43. It is powered by a 302-horsepower V8. Other changes include revised styling and a new "Smart-Key" anti-theft ignition system.

1999: Changes included a new standard engine for the base model, standard traction control, and a new sport handling package on C230 models. The base engine was a supercharged version of the old and sported an additional 39 horsepower.

2000: Automatic transmissions gained Touch Shift manual-shifting capability, with a separate gate. A telescoping steering column and antiskid control moved from optional to standard.

taken from http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2204.htm#changes

Etienne

drayon
01-09-2005, 08:09 AM
Mr Space & others

hrm, Does this info u included apply only to the USA models?

Im in Australia, an the 1997 models i have seen here seem to have the new bumpers, skirts etc

I was under the impression the V6, the 5 Speed Auto and the new bumpers/skirts came in the 1997 model all at the same time. Perhaps early months in 1997 produced various combinations???

Is it true there maybe 1997 C280's out there with the new bumpers/skirts with the straight 6 & 4speed auto? Would there be any 1997 C280's out there with the V6 and the 4 speed auto? (Factory released of course)

Is it true the 5 speed auto is to be avoided due to many problems?

Did the V6 have the 'head gasket' defect problem of the straight 6's?

Wish this site had a 'History' section on W202 documenting its introduction, its designated market, its position in the Mercedes family, years of each model and changes including useful info like 5 speed auto known problems, head gasket problems and perhaps anything else which could help new members here figure out which are the year models to be avoided an which ones are proven cream of the crop.

Would save a whole lot of time asking trivial questions.

drayon
01-10-2005, 06:17 PM
bumpity

jnolte
01-10-2005, 06:45 PM
Originally posted by drayon
Mr Space & others

hrm, Does this info u included apply only to the USA models?

Im in Australia, an the 1997 models i have seen here seem to have the new bumpers, skirts etc

I was under the impression the V6, the 5 Speed Auto and the new bumpers/skirts came in the 1997 model all at the same time. Perhaps early months in 1997 produced various combinations???

Is it true there maybe 1997 C280's out there with the new bumpers/skirts with the straight 6 & 4speed auto? Would there be any 1997 C280's out there with the V6 and the 4 speed auto? (Factory released of course)

Is it true the 5 speed auto is to be avoided due to many problems?

Did the V6 have the 'head gasket' defect problem of the straight 6's?

Wish this site had a 'History' section on W202 documenting its introduction, its designated market, its position in the Mercedes family, years of each model and changes including useful info like 5 speed auto known problems, head gasket problems and perhaps anything else which could help new members here figure out which are the year models to be avoided an which ones are proven cream of the crop.

Would save a whole lot of time asking trivial questions.

the V6 will not have the headgasket problem but may have the Harmonic balancer problem. The 5spd auto is problematic if not taken care of , just get the fluid changed regularly and it should be fine. the preface lifted w202s are going to have wire harness burn outs too. I would say the best year is the 2000.

drayon
01-10-2005, 09:36 PM
thanks kindly for your reply. the last year being the best year eh hehe typical ;-)

Thanks again this was the answer i was anticipating.