The Mercedes-Benz C-Class T-modell (S202) C 250 Turbodiesel, produced from June 1995 to June 1997, represented a compelling blend of practicality and efficiency within the compact executive estate car segment. Positioned as a mid-range offering in the S202 series – the wagon variant of the W202 C-Class – it catered to buyers seeking the spaciousness of a station wagon with the refined driving experience and diesel economy characteristic of Mercedes-Benz. This model occupied a space between the base C 220 Diesel and the more powerful C 300 Turbodiesel, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It was primarily sold in the European market, where estate cars held significant popularity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-Class |
| Generation | C-Class T-modell (S202) |
| Type (Engine) | C 250 Turbodiesel (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 1995 |
| End of production | June, 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1800-3600 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1800-3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 605 D 25 LA/605.960 |
| Engine displacement | 2497 cm3 (152.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1520 kg (3351.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 465 l (16.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1510 l (53.33 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Length | 4487 mm (176.65 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2690 mm (105.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1499 mm (59.02 in.) |
| Rear track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the C 250 Turbodiesel was the OM 605 D 25 LA engine, a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder diesel. This engine utilized precombustion chamber injection, a system common in Mercedes-Benz diesels of the era, known for its relatively quiet operation and good combustion efficiency. A turbocharger with an intercooler was employed to boost power output to 150 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque between 1800 and 3600 rpm. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The five-speed manual transmission was standard, providing a balance between fuel economy and drivability. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration were typical of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars at the time.
Driving Characteristics
The C 250 Turbodiesel offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to its gasoline-powered siblings. While not a sports car, the turbo-diesel engine provided ample torque for relaxed cruising and confident overtaking. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) took approximately 10.5 seconds, and top speed was limited to 200 km/h (124 mph). Compared to the C 220 Diesel, the C 250 offered noticeably improved performance, while remaining more economical than the C 300 Turbodiesel. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided balanced handling, although it wasn’t as agile as front-wheel-drive competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C 250 Turbodiesel T-modell typically came equipped with features considered standard for a mid-range Mercedes-Benz in the mid-1990s. This included power windows, central locking, and an adjustable steering column. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather was available as an option. Optional extras included a sunroof, automatic climate control, and upgraded audio systems. The dashboard layout was functional and understated, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on practicality and build quality. The estate body style naturally provided a large cargo area, making it ideal for families and those needing to transport bulky items.
Chassis & Braking
The S202 C-Class featured a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Brakes were ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The steering was a cone worm type with hydraulic power assistance. The car rode on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6.5J x 15 inch wheels.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C 250 Turbodiesel T-modell was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy compared to gasoline engines. Compared to competitors like the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi 80 Avant, the C 250 Turbodiesel offered a more luxurious interior and a reputation for reliability. Fuel economy was a key selling point, particularly in Europe where diesel fuel was often cheaper than gasoline.
Legacy
The OM 605 engine family, including the 2.5-liter version found in the C 250 Turbodiesel, is renowned for its durability and longevity. These engines are known to reliably exceed 300,000 kilometers (186,000 miles) with proper maintenance. Today, the S202 C-Class T-modell C 250 Turbodiesel is a sought-after classic among Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, particularly those looking for a practical and reliable estate car. While finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, the C 250 Turbodiesel remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess and commitment to quality.
