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, it catered to buyers seeking the versatility of a wagon with the refined driving experience and fuel economy associated with a modern turbodiesel engine. This variant was part of the W202 C-Class family, Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level model at the time, and aimed to compete with rivals like the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi 80 Avant. The C 250 Turbodiesel distinguished itself through its robust engine and comfortable, albeit conservatively styled, interior.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-class |
| Generation | C-class T-modell (S202) |
| Type (Engine) | C 250 Turbodiesel (150 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| 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) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 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 | 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 (Back) track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC |
| 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 Steering |
| 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, contributing to improved breathing and efficiency. Paired with this engine was the 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission, a five-speed unit designed for smooth and refined gear changes. This transmission was a key component in delivering a comfortable driving experience, particularly for those prioritizing ease of use over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The C 250 Turbodiesel Automatic offered a relaxed and refined driving experience. While not a sports-oriented vehicle, the engine provided ample torque for everyday driving and comfortable highway cruising. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did slightly diminish the engine’s responsiveness compared to the available manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 10.5 seconds, and top speed was limited to 200 km/h (124 mph). The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising, rather than rapid acceleration. The rear-wheel drive configuration provided balanced handling, though it wasn’t particularly engaging for enthusiastic drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C 250 Turbodiesel T-modell typically came equipped with features such as power windows, central locking, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, though leather options were available. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and climate control. The trim level was generally considered mid-range, offering a good balance of features and affordability. The estate body style itself added a significant level of practicality, with a generous cargo capacity of 465-1510 liters (16.42-53.33 cu. ft.) depending on the rear seats’ configuration.
Chassis & Braking
The S202 C-Class featured a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The C 250 Turbodiesel was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were included both front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C 250 Turbodiesel T-modell was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and practical estate body style. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel slightly sluggish, and the engine, while torquey, wasn’t particularly powerful. Compared to the C 220 Diesel (a lower-powered, more economical option) and the C 280 (a higher-performance petrol variant), the C 250 Turbodiesel offered a compromise between performance and fuel economy. It appealed to buyers who needed the space of an estate car but didn’t require the outright performance of the petrol models.
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 C 250 Turbodiesel T-modell is a relatively rare and sought-after classic car, particularly among Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. While finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, the robust engine and practical estate body style continue to appeal to those seeking a reliable and versatile classic vehicle. Common maintenance issues include wear and tear on suspension components and potential issues with the precombustion chamber injection system, but parts availability remains reasonably good.
