MERCEDES-BENZ REVAMPS BEST-SELLING
C-CLASS FROM GRILL TO TAILLIGHTS

No Price Increase, Even With New V6 Engine, More Safety Advances
And Significantly Sportier Styling

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sport sedan, the best-selling model in the company's 112-year history and multiple winner of prestigious industry awards, has been revised from grill to tail for 1998, yet prices on this enhanced model line have been held at 1997 levels: the C23O still starts with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $30,450, and new V6-powered C280 starts at $35,400.

RENOVATIONS - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

The most obvious change to the Mercedes C-Class is its sportier new look - inspired by the much- heralded C36 super sedan - while even bigger changes can be found underneath the sheetmetal. With a new V6 engine, new safety and security advances and more standard equipment than last year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is positioned to deliver the best value in the entry luxury segment. There are two mid-size C-Class models for 1998, the four-cylinder C230 and the V6-powered C280. The C230's double-overhead-cam, four- valve 2.3-liter powerplant produces 148 horsepower and 162 lbs.-ft. of torque. Variable intake valve timing boosts mid-range power for responsive performance.

ENGINE - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

In the C280, a new-generation three-valve/twin-spark 2.8-liter V6 replaces the inline six used since the car's introduction. A part of a new family of Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines, the new 2.8-liter unit is designed to produce more torque at lower engine speeds for improved overall performance. The new V6 produces 194 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, with 195 lbs.-ft. of peak torque over an extremely broad range from 3,000-4,600 rpm. By comparison, the previous inline six also produced 194 horsepower, but had a more narrow torque band and reached its peak torque of 201 lbs.-ft. at a higher 3,750 rpm. With the new engine, the 1998 Mercedes C280 accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 8.0 seconds, compared to 8.4 for the 1997 model. Fuel efficiency is also improved - the 1998 C280 is rated at 21 miles per gallon in city driving and 27 on the highway (compared to 19/26 for the 1997 model). The new engine weighs about 100 pounds less than the previous inline six, which also benefits vehicle handling and dynamics. An electronically controlled two-stage resonance intake manifold helps the engine deliver impressive low-end and mid-range torque. A balance shaft ensures smooth operation, while sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure quick response. The new Mercedes-Benz V6 was designed with reduced operating costs in mind. Its 12 platinum- tipped sparkplugs (two per cylinder) can last up to 100,000 miles. Just as significant, a new Flexible Service System (FSS) makes scheduled oil changes obsolete. The system monitors stresses on the engine oil to determine optimal service interval. FSS can discern between urban and highway driving, and can account for oil top-ups. With FSS, the minimum service interval is now 10,000 miles, and some drivers will be able to go as much as 20,000 miles between oil changes - a boon to owner convenience and the environment. The driver is alerted to the service interval by an instrument panel indicator.

SPORT SEDAN REFINED - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has always been praised for its impeccable combination of athletic handling and smooth ride. Its double-wishbone front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-arm multilink rear suspension allow more precise wheel control than the strut-based suspension systems used on some cars in this segment. Handling can be further enhanced for the C280 with the optional Sport Package. For just $890, the Sport Package adds larger wheels, performance tires, sport seats, leather upholstery, firmer suspension calibrations and special interior trim. Mercedes-Benz expects about 30 percent of C280 customers to order the Sport package. For 1998, the C280 Sport Package features larger 16" x 7" six-spoke wheels (replacing 15" wheels) and several SLK-like interior touches, including a new sport steering wheel, ivory-color gauge faces and revised console and B-pillar trim.

TRANSMISSION - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

Both C-Class engines are teamed with the company's acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission that adapts to an individual's driving style. The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with quick, smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quick acceleration. A "Winter" mode helps enhance traction by starting in second gear and shifting at lower engine speeds. For 1998, a number of styling changes give the C-Class a more aggressive, hunkered-down stance: a redesigned front airdam, new side sills, more flared wheel openings and sculpted bumpers. The grill now features more prominent horizontal ribs. Larger alloy wheels with a new turned finish add to the sporty look. They're 15" x 7" - up from 15" x 6.5" on the 1997 model. Tires are also larger - 205/60-15 compared to 195/65-15 last year. There's a new trunklid with an integrated spoiler and accent line, along with new "smoked" taillight lenses. The mast antenna has been eliminated, its functions now handled by a telephone antenna hidden in the rear bumper and a radio antenna laminated into the rear glass. The new C-Class models have been revamped inside, as well, for safety and luxury. Side airbags have been added behind recontoured door panels and armrests, and the knee bolsters have been made smaller to increase room. Added comfort and convenience comes from brighter instrument panel markings, a more convenient pull-type trunk release and rear cupholders. The power windows now have the added convenience of a standard express-up and down feature.

SAFETY FEATURES - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

As on every 1998 Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class comes standard with front and side airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes. In addition, the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with the new Brake Assist feature, the only system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an emergency or panic stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied. With lightning speed, it then applies full braking force faster than a driver could. Newly standard for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans is the BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, which uses transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes dealers). For safe driving in poor weather, ASR traction control is standard on the C280 (it was formerly available in an option package). This sophisticated system, which is optional on the C230, detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively applies the brake to that wheel to restore straight- line traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle more quickly than the driver can react. ASR works at all engine speeds. The extraordinary Mercedes-Benz Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is optionally available for the first time on the C280. ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and apply selective braking (even braking one wheel) to keep the car going where the driver is pointing it. The system helps prevent understeer ("plowing") and oversteer ("fishtailing"). ESP is always on, working at all speeds on all road surfaces.

SMARTKEY - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

Mercedes-Benz is advancing the science of auto theft prevention with a new electronic key called SmartKey, standard on many 1998 models, including the C-Class. The key fob contains a radio-frequency unit to lock and unlock the doors, and a separate system to start the car. However, there is no metal ignition key that could be illegally copied. Instead, the driver inserts the pointed tip of the key fob into the "key" slot and turns it. An infrared data exchange between the car and the remote unit electronically unlocks steering column and engages the starter motor. For maximum security, the code needed to unlock and start the car are changed each time the car is used. Convenience features include selectable locking (driver's door and fuel flap or all doors), a trunk release and a panic button. For additional safety, the system features drive-away locking, which locks the doors and trunk as the car reaches nine miles per hour. There is a metal key hidden inside the unit that can lock the trunk and glovebox before turning the car over to a valet. An anti-theft alarm is standard on the new C-Class.

BEST VALUE - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

What hasn't changed about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the class-leading combination of performance, quality, safety and value. Since its introduction, the C-Class has been repeatedly recognized by independent sources, including Intellichoice: The Complete Car Cost Guide and the American Automobile Association (AAA), for delivering the best value in its segment. For 1998, both the C230 and C280 models deliver even greater value for the customer, thanks to increased standard equipment with no price increase. In addition to the safety advances already described, standard features include automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, a high-performance cassette audio system and auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors. For cold weather, the climate control system features a REST function that recirculates warm air through the interior for up to 30 minutes while the car is parked. Newly optional for the 1998 C-Class are Xenon gas- discharge high-intensity headlamps, which have proven to be popular options on E-Class and S-Class models. Rain sensor automatic intermittent windshield wipers, first introduced on the premium luxury S-Class models, are now optionally available for the C-Class. This system uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to measure rain intensity on the windshield and regulates wiper speed according to rainfall intensity.

WARRANTY - Buy The Mercedes C-Class Here

Every 1998 Mercedes-Benz comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period. In addition, all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year, are covered by the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, mounting the spare tire or a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.

Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610