C-Class (W204) Mercedes Confirms Return of 4-cyl. C-Class

[Wolfgang]

by Herb Schuldiner, Wardsauto.com

December 23, 2009

NEW YORK – Mercedes Benz USA confirms it once again will offer 4-cyl. C-Class models in the U.S. – with both gasoline and diesel powerplants in the plans.

The possibility of adding a 4-cyl. gasoline model to the C-Class line here first was raised by Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche in a November conference call with reporters to discuss the auto maker’s overall business outlook.

The smaller gasoline engine will make its U.S. return soon, says MBUSA President Ernst Lieb and the diesel will bow in the next-generation C-Class due for the 2012 model year, says MBUSA President Ernst Lieb.

The 4-cyl. diesel C-Class will be available prior to the planned production launch of the car at the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, AL. Daimler said earlier this month it would build C-Class sedans there beginning in 2014, with the plant ultimately accounting for 20% of the compact car’s worldwide production.

“We can't wait that long before bringing the 4-cyl. diesel engine in,” Lieb says.

Mercedes stopped offering a 4-cyl. gasoline engine in the U.S.-market C-Class after the 2005 model year, according to Ward’s data. The last 4-cyl. in the lineup was a supercharged 1.8L.

Gasoline 4-cyl. on way soon, followed by diesel
in the 2012 model year.

http://wardsauto.com/ar/mercedes_confirms_4_cyl_091223/

 

[Merc1]

A nice turbo 200-220hp C230/250 or whatever they call it should work if they finally get around to giving the C300 and C350 new engines for 2011.

M

 

[Nicks]

in europe c250cgi has 204 hp

 

[dtd]

I expect the C250CDI will be here by the end of 2010 as 2011MY. It would be too long if they wait untill mid to late 2011 to bring it over. The CGI 4 banger probably will get here around summer of 2010. Of course, the bump in horsepower for the C300 or C350 will be an interesting story.Price will be increased accordingly.
dtd

 

[ateekt]

About time, so they've taken the step Bimmer took with 3-Series! They should've never discontinued the 4-Cyl for Us market!

 

[NarutoRamen]

Honestly, only offer the damn small engine if it actually offers better mileage...not just a 1 mpg more.

 

[dtd]

Besides the frugal fuel consumption of diesel engines, I wonder how MB can keep the NVH issues from these 4 bangers under control and makes them as refine as the V6 counterparts. What about the performance ? We all love to save gas and the earth but I guess it is hard to accept if they perform as a typical Corolla.
dtd

 

[Wolfgang]

NVH is a problem. Recently compared a 4 cylinder diesel (OM646) in the C and the E. Liked the E, drives refined. Didn't like the C muchly.

Some NVH issues were mentioned in the press recently:

Mercedes-Benz to introduce a four-cylinder diesel on the S300 CDI in 2010

As you may know already, we reported that Mercedes-Benz is planning to add a four-cylinder diesel engine to it S-Class flagship sedan. Apparently, the new model will be called S300 CDI and will carry the same engine found on the E250 CDI, capable to deliver 201bhp and 384lb ft of torque.

According to Mercedes’ R&D boss Thomas Weber, it appears that the big problem with installing this new engine on the S-Class was to make it silent, but the German engineers did it again and we shall see this new model in 2010 ready to hit the streets. “The issue is NVH [noise, vibration and harshness]. Getting refinement to S-Class levels was difficult and we had to change engine mounts and add body stiffness” said Thomas Weber.

Mercedes-Benz to introduce a four-cylinder diesel on the S300 CDI in 2010

Daimler Reportedly Close to Decision on 3-Cylinder Engines for Mercedes-Benz

Daimler executives are close to deciding whether to manufacture fuel-efficient 3-cylinder engines for several of its Mercedes-Benz models, the British publication Autocar announced today.

As we reported Wednesday, those same executives have just decided to put a four-cylinder diesel engine in Mercedes' flagship S-Class models starting next year.

The 3-cylinder engines - sized between 1.4- and 1.6-liters - would be used in both the next-generation A/B-class replacement and the C-class range if Daimler decides to embrace the 3-pot, Autocar said.

Although BMW has already committed itself to using a thee-cylinder engine in the next-generation 3-series, Mercedes bosses are hesitating to follow because of what they say are the extra costs and complexity involved.

One senior source told Autocar that using a three-cylinder engine (most likely engineered as half of Mercedes V-6 unit) "was relatively expensive to optimize."

This means that extra, potentially costly, measures had to be employed with the to reduce the noise, vibration and harshness that is typical of a three-cylinder layout.

As well as extra sound deadening, more sophisticated engine mounts and selective stiffening for the body shell would all be needed, adding to the costs of what would be entry-level models for the brand.

According to the source, the cheaper alternative is for Mercedes to look for a partner who could supply a more conventional four-cylinder unit, which Mercedes could then modify with its own direct injection and turbocharger.

"Daimler Reportedly Close to Decision on 3-Cylinder Engines for Mercedes-Benz" Green Car Advisor

 

[dtd]

NVH is a problem. Recently compared a 4 cylinder diesel (OM646) in the C and the E. Liked the E, drives refined. Didn't like the C muchly.

Some NVH issues were mentioned in the press recently:

Oh boy, this will be tough for me. I've been waiting for the diesel engine which I never owned one before. If it's not real good then, I have to go with the gasoline C300 and hopefully they will upgrade it to DI which could bump the horsepowers to 240hp.
dtd

 

[cawimmer430]

A few weeks ago I rode in a W210 E220 CDI taxi. I couldn't believe how quiet the engine was. I mean you had to listen hard to hear it rattle very quietly in the background. The car also didn't vibrate. This particular taxi had over 423,000 km on the odometer. Someone once told me a diesel engine will be properly broken-in by around 50,000 km at which the noise levels will drastically decrease.

From my experience with the outgoing 2.2-l 4-cylinder CDI which was still offered in the W204 C-Class (has now been replaced by the 2.1-l), it was a fairly refined and smooth engine. I am assuming the 2.1-l motor, which I have sadly never experienced as a driver, will be worlds better and hopefully appeal to the tastes of prospective American diesel Mercedes customers. In the end though, I think it is the good performance and gas mileage that really matters to these people and they might be willing to endure a little soft diesel clatter for that. Who knows? I've seen extremely positive responses to this engine from North American citizens on IHT.com - a newspaper with generally intellectual and open-minded readers.

If you ask me, I think the 2.1-l diesel in the US will be a winner regardless if its refinement is top or not.

 

[dtd]

Hi Cawimmer430,
Does the modern MB diesel engine still smell bad at the exhaust pipe? I've heard the Audi A3 TDI in the U.S is fairly quiet and does not give out black smoke. I've never seen it .Thanks,
dtd

 

[Merc1]

So were talking 4 C-Class variants for 2011? A C250 Bluetec/CDI etc, a 4-cylinder C200/220/etc, C300 and a C350? Should be interesting. Hopefully the hp numbers will be right, finally. There needs to be a C350 luxury model too and a 4Matic models like with the C300. Hp needs to be 265hp and 325hp, C300 and C350 respectively.

A C350 Sport Coupe with 300+ hp sound downright irresistible.

Could the concept at Detroit be about the C-Class Coupe?


M

 

[Gullwing]

Hi Cawimmer430,
Does the modern MB diesel engine still smell bad at the exhaust pipe? I've heard the Audi A3 TDI in the U.S is fairly quiet and does not give out black smoke. I've never seen it .Thanks,
dtd

Both I6 and V6 diesels in the W211 did not smell. You can have one running in a shop and not know it.

 

[cawimmer430]

Hi Cawimmer430,
Does the modern MB diesel engine still smell bad at the exhaust pipe? I've heard the Audi A3 TDI in the U.S is fairly quiet and does not give out black smoke. I've never seen it .Thanks,
dtd

Hey,

I don't believe so. I have no experience with the new 2.1-l diesel from Mercedes, but the outgoing 2.2-l 4-cylinder CDI I experienced and drove numerous times in the W203, W204, W210 and W211 C- and E-Classes and I've never smelled any diesel exhaust. I've also driven the C320 CDI (W203), E280 CDI, E320 CDI, CLS320 CDI and ML320 CDI as well as the old ML270 CDI and never had to deal with diesel exhaust smell even when the engine was cold.

A good sign. Definitely.

 

[dtd]

Thanks cawimmer430 and Gullwing. I want to try diesel for my next car. The refresh C class is on top of my list , unless the new 3er comes out the same time, it would make it hard to choose. Anyway, is there any difference in term of maintenance between gasoline and diesel engines that one should be aware of ?
dtd

 

[Wolfgang]

is there any difference in term of maintenance between gasoline and diesel engines that one should be aware of ?
dtd

Different engine oil.

gassers: Mobil 1 0W-40
diesel: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40

Owner manuals and maintenannce manuals for the USA are here:

Mercedes-Benz - Home of C, E, S, CLK, CLS, CL, SLK, SL, SLR, R, GLK, M, GL, G Class

For Europe:

Mercedes-Benz Deutschland - Services Online - Betriebsanleitungen

 

[dtd]

I read in the GL owner manual, it says the diesel fuel requires low level of sulfur. I don't know if the diesel here in Cali is good enough . I see a new wave of diesel cars will come here in the 2011 or 2012 time frame. Perhaps it will give enough time for U.S refineries to upgrade their capacities. I just don't know. I do want to try out the diesel if it does not cost me more in term of maintenance beside of fuel efficience.
dtd

 

[Wolfgang]

I read in the GL owner manual, it says the diesel fuel requires low level of sulfur. I don't know if the diesel here in Cali is good enough . I see a new wave of diesel cars will come here in the 2011 or 2012 time frame. Perhaps it will give enough time for U.S refineries to upgrade their capacities. I just don't know. I do want to try out the diesel if it does not cost me more in term of maintenance beside of fuel efficience.
dtd

We have the ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) already in California. This is the sticker on the diesel fuel pump:


Picture: http://catrvclub.org

 

[Mr Robert]

Good move. We have had diesel with at the most 10 ppm sulphur since 1991. Diesel should be used by people who drive a lot.

 

[dtd]

Oh I was not aware of that.So Let's wait and see when the Bluetec engine cars arrives here ( probably in late summer of 2010 ) how customers are going to react. I think with a small FL for 2011MY and a wide range of new update engines , plus small/ no change in price, MB will have a winner.The question will be how good is the new 3er will it comes.
dtd