The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) C 220 CDI Automatic, produced from March 2000 to June 2003, represented a significant entry point into the premium compact executive car segment for buyers seeking diesel efficiency and refinement. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the W203 lineup – which also included petrol variants like the C180 Kompressor and higher-performance models like the C32 AMG – the C 220 CDI Automatic aimed to balance fuel economy with acceptable performance for everyday driving. It was a key model for Mercedes-Benz in Europe, where diesel engines held a substantial market share, and increasingly gained traction in other markets as well. This variant combined a 2.2-liter common rail diesel engine with a five-speed automatic transmission, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-class |
| Generation | C-class (W203) |
| Type (Engine) | C 220 CDI (143 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | March, 2000 |
| End of production | June, 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 177 g/km |
| 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 | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 218 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 143 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 315 Nm @ 1800-2600 rpm (232.33 lb.-ft. @ 1800-2600 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 4750 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 611.962 |
| Engine displacement | 2148 cm3 (131.08 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1445 kg (3185.68 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Max load | 555 kg (1223.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 455 l (16.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4526 mm (178.19 in.) |
| Width | 1728 mm (68.03 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1980 mm (77.95 in.) |
| Height | 1426 mm (56.14 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2715 mm (106.89 in.) |
| Front track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1476 mm (58.11 in.) |
| Front overhang | 755 mm (29.72 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1056 mm (41.57 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.76 m (35.3 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 288 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 278 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R 15 91 V |
| Wheel rims size | 6 J x 15 H 2 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the C 220 CDI Automatic was the OM 611.962, a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s diesel offerings in the early 2000s. It featured a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head, a configuration chosen for durability and weight reduction. The engine utilized a second-generation common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures (up to 1600 bar) for improved combustion efficiency and reduced noise. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhanced power output. The valvetrain employed a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, optimizing gas flow. The five-speed automatic transmission, a 722.6 unit, was a conventional torque converter automatic, known for its smoothness but not particularly for its fuel efficiency compared to later generations of automatic gearboxes.
Driving Characteristics
The C 220 CDI Automatic offered a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. With 143 horsepower and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) of torque, acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 10.5 seconds, and top speed was limited to 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The automatic transmission, while smooth, did contribute to a slight reduction in performance compared to the available manual transmission. The torque curve was relatively flat, providing good responsiveness in everyday driving situations, particularly for overtaking. However, the engine lacked the outright punch of the larger petrol engines in the C-Class range. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and comfort, rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C 220 CDI Automatic typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, although leather options were available. Dashboard trim was typically wood or aluminum effect. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, automatic climate control, and parking sensors. The C 220 CDI Automatic often sat in a middle ground in terms of trim levels, offering a step up from the base models but lacking the luxury appointments of the higher-end C 320 or AMG variants.
Chassis & Braking
The W203 C-Class featured an independent suspension system all around. The front utilized a McPherson strut setup, while the rear employed a multi-link suspension. This configuration provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The C 220 CDI Automatic, due to its weight, often featured slightly stiffer spring rates compared to lighter petrol models. Braking was accomplished via ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C 220 CDI Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical choice. Its fuel economy – around 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) combined – was a major selling point, particularly in Europe. Compared to the C 180 Kompressor, the C 220 CDI offered more torque and better fuel economy, albeit with slightly slower acceleration. The C 320, while offering more power, was significantly more expensive and less fuel-efficient. Reliability was generally good, although the common rail injection system could be prone to issues if not properly maintained.
Legacy
The OM 611 engine family, including the 611.962 found in the C 220 CDI, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. Many examples have exceeded high mileage with proper maintenance. On the used car market today, the W203 C 220 CDI Automatic represents a relatively affordable entry point into Mercedes-Benz ownership. However, potential buyers should be aware of the age-related issues common to older vehicles, such as wear and tear on suspension components and potential problems with the automatic transmission. The C 220 CDI Automatic remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to diesel technology and a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and economical compact executive car.
