Mercedes-Benz Infuses C-Class With SLK Power for 1999
2 November 1998
Mercedes-Benz Infuses C-Class With SLK Power for 1999; New C230 Kompressor Makes Northeast Auto Show Debut in Boston BOSTON, Nov. 2 -- Mercedes-Benz is showcasing the 1999 C230
Kompressor at the 1999 New England Auto Show at the Bayside Expo Center,
through November 8. For 1999, Mercedes has revved up its C230 entry model by
installing the supercharged engine from the acclaimed SLK roadster. The
resulting model is the C230 Kompressor, the only supercharged car in its
segment.
The C230 Kompressor joins the V6-powered C280 and the limited-production,
ultra-performance V8-powered C43 models in Mercedes-Benz dealerships. With 37
more horsepower (185 vs. 148) and 38 more lbs.-ft. of torque (200 vs. 162)
than its predecessor, the C230 Kompressor can accelerate from zero-to-60 in
just 8.1 seconds -- a full two seconds quicker than the normally aspirated
1998 C230! Because Mercedes-Benz always balances performance with safety, the
new C230 Kompressor features full-range ASR traction control as standard
equipment. Formerly a $990 option, ASR aids driving on slippery road surfaces
by limiting wheelspin electronically with both the rear brakes and throttle
control (already standard on the C280 and C43).
All 1999 C-Class models receive enhancements that further increase value
for the customer. Leather seating inserts are now standard on the C230
Kompressor and C280. Full leather, which covers the seats entirely and is
used on the door panels, is an option (standard for C43). A new-generation
radio unit features fiber-optic technology and integrates controls for the
sound system and optional CD changer and cellular telephone in a single unit.
These substantial performance and safety and luxury enhancements to the
entry-level Mercedes-Benz sport sedan come with a minimal change in price: the
1999 C230 Kompressor has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $31,200.
On an equipment-adjusted basis, this actually represents a 6.5-percent
decrease from the 1998 C230 price, which retailed for $30,450. The 1999 C280
sedan, which is powered by a new-generation 2.8-liter V6 engine, has a
suggested retail price of $35,600 2.1 percent lower than the 1998 C280 when
adjusted for the previously mentioned additional equipment. The 1999 C43 super
sedan has a suggested retail price of $53,000.
Safety First
While performance is clearly the underlying theme for the 1999 C-Class,
safety remains the cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz engineering. As on every 1999
Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class comes standard with front and door-mounted side
airbags, as well as ABS anti-lock brakes. In addition, all 1999 Mercedes-Benz
passenger vehicles come with Brake Assist, the first system in the auto
industry proven to reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations.
Brake Assist can detect an emergency or panic stop by how quickly the brake
pedal is applied. With lightning speed, it then applies full braking force
faster than a driver could.
The extraordinary Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is standard on
the limited-production C43 and optional for the C280 ($1,000), can detect and
help prevent an impending spin or slide. ESP actually corrects understeer
("plowing") and oversteer ("fishtailing") by braking one wheel, thus helping
to keep the car going where the driver is steering it. The system is always
on, working at all speeds on all road surfaces.
All 1999 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles are equipped with the
BabySmart(TM) automatic child seat recognition system, a Mercedes-Benz
innovation that uses transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-
side airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child
booster seat (available from Mercedes dealers).
Performance Is The Word For 1999
Mercedes-Benz gives buyers three distinct levels of performance in the C-
Class model line. The C230 Kompressor shares the four-cylinder 185-horsepower
supercharged engine with the SLK roadster. Within the crankshaft-driven
supercharger, twin three-lobed rotors turn at up to 12,000 rpm to compress
incoming air. An intercooler then cools the pressurized air, which creates a
denser intake charge to boost power further. With its 200 lbs.-ft. of torque
available from 2,500-4,800 rpm, the C230 Kompressor rewards the driver with
the smooth, flexible response one would expect of a larger displacement
engine.
Next up is the C280, powered by a new-generation light-alloy V6 engine
with innovative twin-spark/three-valve technology for high performance with
low emissions and Mercedes-Benz smoothness. With 194 horsepower, the C280 can
sprint from zero-to-60 in eight seconds. Its 195 lbs.-ft. of peak torque is
available over an extremely broad range from 3,000-4,800 rpm.
Topping the range is one of the most exciting Mercedes-Benz models ever
offered -- the C43. Mercedes-Benz developed the C43 with its high-performance
tuner partner, AMG. The 4.3-liter V8 is modified by AMG to produce 302-
horsepower and 302 lbs.-ft. of torque (up from 275 and 295, respectively, for
the stock V8 in the E430 and CLK430). AMG also developed the suspension
tuning. The C43 shows more of the AMG touch in its special exhaust system,
lower body styling and exclusive interior appointments. Only 1,500 C43 models
will be imported over a three-year period, the majority of them being
available for model year 1999.
Both the Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines are equipped with the unique
Flexible Service System (FSS) that includes an oil quality sensor, which can
discern actual wear and tear on the engine oil. The system can also account
for urban and highway driving, and for oil top-ups. With FSS, the minimum
service interval is now 10,000 miles, and some drivers will be able to go as
much as 20,000 miles between oil changes -- a boon to owner convenience and
the environment. An instrument panel indicator tells the driver when service
is due.
All C-Class engines are teamed with the company's acclaimed electronic
five-speed automatic transmission that adapts to an individual's driving style
(the C43 employs the higher-torque capacity unit from the SL500 roadster).
The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with
quick, smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who does
frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds
each gear longer for quick acceleration. A "Winter" mode helps enhance
traction by starting in second gear and shifting at lower engine speeds.
Sport Sedan Benchmark
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is already one of the world's most responsive
sport sedans, thanks to a super-stiff body structure, double-wishbone front
suspension and patented five-link-per-side rear suspension. The control-arm
suspension design of the C-Class allows more precise wheel control than the
simpler strut-based suspension systems used on some cars in this segment. The
C230 Kompressor and C280 come standard with 15" x 7" alloy wheels and 205/60R-
15 all-season tires. The C43 features substantially larger AMG wheels and
high-performance tires in a "staggered" arrangement: 225/45ZR-17 front and
245/40ZR-17 rear.
For an even sharper edge on handling, both the C230 Kompressor and C280
can be equipped with the optional Sport Package. An outstanding value at
$890, the package includes larger wheels, performance tires, front sport
seats, leather front sport seats, firmer suspension calibrations, telescoping
steering column adjustment and special interior trim. Six-spoke 16" x 7"
wheels replace the standard 15" wheels, and tires are lower-profile
performance tread (205/55R-16).
C-Class A Best Value, The Experts Say
Beyond its proven performance, safety and quality, the Mercedes-Benz C-
Class treats its occupants to a lengthy list of standard luxury features,
including: automatic climate control (manual on C230 Kompressor) with
dust/pollen filters, power driver's seat, power windows with express-up and
down control; standard three-channel integrated garage door opener, outside
temperature gauge, auto-dimming day/night mirror, cruise control and heated
power side-view mirrors. For cold weather, the climate control system can
circulate residual warm air through the interior for up to 30 minutes while
the car is parked.
The unique Mercedes-Benz SmartKey remote locking/anti-theft system was
introduced in 1998 and is standard on many 1999 models, including the C-Class.
The key fob contains a radio-frequency unit to lock and unlock the doors, and
a separate system to start the car. However, there is no metal ignition key
that could be illegally copied. Instead, the driver inserts the pointed tip
of the key fob into the "key" slot and turns it. An infrared data exchange
between the car and the remote unit electronically unlocks steering column and
engages the starter motor. The code needed to unlock and start the car is
changed each time the car is used, and the system disables the engine and
sounds an alarm if theft is attempted by tow truck or flatbed.
Since its introduction, the C-Class has been repeatedly praised by
independent sources. Right out of the gate in 1994, the C-Class garnered the
inaugural North American Car of The Year Award from an independent jury of
auto writers and industry analysts. Intellichoice: The Complete Car Cost Guide
has given C-Class models "Best Value" awards for five consecutive years; the
American Automobile Association (AAA) has also acknowledged the Mercedes C-
Class for delivering the best value in its segment. Equally impressive is
that the C-Class won these accolades in one of the most competitive segments
in the automobile market.
Every 1999 Mercedes-Benz comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited
warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full cover-
age period. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram covers all Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks, regardless of model year.
This peace of mind can include a free jump-start, a few gallons of fuel or
mounting the spare tire, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.
