Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)
C-Class I
Mercedes-Benz W202 is the internal designation for a compact sedan/saloon manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz between 1992 and 2001, as the first generation of the C-Class (W202), now in its fifth generation (W206). Replacing the 190 series/W201 in June 1993, the C-Class sedan was Mercedes' entry-level model until 1997, when the company launched the first generation A-Class (W168). Production reached 1,847,382 over model years 1994–2000.
Background
Development started on a replacement to the 190 series in October 1986, with design work commencing in 1987 under Bruno Sacco. By 1988, the first full-scale models were made, narrowed to two design directions by December 1988. The design by Olivier Boulay was chosen in 1989 and the production design was frozen in January 1990, subsequently patented on 19 December 1990. Rough prototypes went into testing in 1989, with first production design prototypes commencing testing in 1990.
Engines
The C-Class debuted with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS [90 kW; 120 hp]), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS [100 kW; 134 hp] and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS [110 kW; 148 hp], the only four-cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1997 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft).
This brief starts where responsible research should: with the source description of “Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)” as c-Class I. Everything that follows is an evidence route, not borrowed authority.
Why this record matters
The subject matters to the general reference register because the source frames it as c-Class I. Its deeper value depends on whether names, dates, institutions and citations support that framing.
Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 25, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q691904. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 1992, 2001, 1993 and 1997.
A concise general-reference account can conceal disagreements about scope, terminology or the weight assigned to individual sources. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) primary sources, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) archive and Mercedes-Benz research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)”?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.