April 25, 2003

Mercedes-Benz improves performance of European diesels

Stuttgart, Germany - Mercedes-Benz has further-improved four-cylinder diesel engines with second-generation common-rail direct injection technology. The result is lower fuel consumption, smoother running and higher performance. The maximum output of the Mercedes-Benz C 200 CDI model has been increased from 116 hp to 122 hp, while at the same time the NEDC combined consumption has dropped from 6.3 to just 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The four-cylinder CDI powerplant now develops a peak torque of 270 Newton metres which it maintains between 1400 and 2800 rpm (previously: 250 Nm from 1350 - 2800 rpm). The engine's increase in power and torque makes itself clearly felt when accelerating: the new C 200 CDI completes the 0 to 100 km/h in 11.7 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds quicker than before.

The maximum output of the C 220 CDI remains unchanged at 143 hp, while torque has been boosted by around eight per cent as a result of the advanced common-rail technology, and now peaks at 340 instead of 315 Newton metres. The fuel consumption, on the other hand, has been cut by 0.5 litres to 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the four-cylinder engine under the hood of the C 220 CDI with two balancer shafts which counter-rotate at twice the crankshaft's speed. This allows them to compensate for the inertia forces which occur naturally as a result of the pistons' movements and which can cause irritating vibration. The clear reduction in noise and vibration levels resulting from this technology translates into a considerable improvement in ride comfort.

From June 2003, the 122-hp diesel engine powering the C 200 CDI model is to make its debut in the C-Class Sports Coupé, a well as being available for the Saloon and Estate versions. The fuel consumption figures of just 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), make this attractive two-door model the most economical in its class.

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