Author Topic: W204 C-Class  (Read 9005 times)

Offline fasteddy

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W204 C-Class
« on: January 15, 2007, 10:29:54 AM »
Testing of the new C-Class: Over 24 million test kilometres and extremely tough test-rig programmes to optimise long-term quality

Sindelfingen, Jan 09, 2007
When the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is launched in spring 2007, the Saloon will have completed the most comprehensive test programme in the Stuttgart manufacturer's history. Over a period of three and a half years, the prototypes and pre-production models have clocked up a total of more than 24 million test kilometres all over the world. The tests performed on the test rigs at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen were equally extensive and intensive. Here the body and chassis were subjected to one exceptionally tough test after another to simulate the loads and stresses of an entire car lifetime within a matter of weeks. Each kilometre of these endurance tests, which Mercedes-Benz also carries out on highly demanding test tracks, is around 150 times tougher than everyday driving. These extreme tests form the basis for the high long-term quality of the Mercedes passenger cars.
Testing of the new C-Class began in summer 2003. A total of 280 prototypes completed systematic non-stop tests under various climatic and topographic conditions. These included the "Heide" endurance test, one of the world's toughest test programmes for newly developed cars. This torture-track test, carried out over a period of four to six weeks, goes back more than 50 years to a time when Mercedes performed much of its test driving on L?neburg Heath ("Heide" is the German word for "Heath?). It is equivalent to 300,000 kilometres of everyday driving by a Mercedes customer.

Mercedes-Benz recreated these pothole and cobblestone-covered routes at its facilities in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen and now uses the data gathered during these in-house tests to control test rigs. This means the highly sophisticated rigs can relentlessly shake and bend car bodies around the clock to reproduce the driving conditions experienced during the "Heide" torture-track endurance test. The forces acting on the connecting points between the chassis and body are immense ? up to 20,000 Newtons ? and they occur in quick succession. This is equivalent to a weight of up to two tonnes.

Durability testing: one of the world's toughest test programmes

The computer data compiled during the "Heide" torture-track endurance test are also used for chassis durability testing. Complete front and rear axles go through this unique series of tests around the clock on six servo-hydraulic test rigs. Mercedes engineers use four further installations to test the wheels, wheel bearings and wheel hubs for 60 hours non-stop on a simulated Hockenheimring Grand Prix circuit, during which time the chassis components are subjected to colossal lateral forces that stretch them to breaking point.

Similarly, the axle joints and bearings have to withstand extreme loads before they get the go-ahead for series production and installation in the new C-Class or other Mercedes models. In addition to permanent pressure and movement tests with forces of up to 35,000 Newtons, axle components must also resist extremely high temperatures of 90 degrees Celsius ? verified in axle-joint field tests in city traffic in Tokyo.

Mercedes passenger cars also have to endure other simulated everyday conditions during testing, such as a high-pressure water jet (80 bar) and the systematic spraying of the joints with ice-cold dirty water and fine, hot sand dust over a period of three weeks. The most extensive test cycle in this environmental simulation lasts three weeks and includes over one million axle-joint load cycles ? far more than any Mercedes-Benz usually experiences during its long lifetime.

The Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre has a total of around 160 innovative test rigs for chassis component durability testing alone.

"World Test" on three continents

Following a series of systematic long-distance tests in everyday traffic and at proving grounds, during which the cars were subjected to such high loads and stresses that they aged at a vastly accelerated rate, the 18-week "World Test" was one of the highlights of the systematic test marathon for the new C-Class. Four fully equipped pre-production vehicles successfully came through the tests in Germany, Finland, Dubai and Namibia. Here, under widely fluctuating climatic and topographic conditions, all of the vehicle components and systems ? from the diesel particulate filter to the seats, from the door hinges to the shock absorbers ? were tested once again.

Furthermore, 15 new C-Class pre-production models took part in a stiff final examination before production launch, involving tests in six countries within a period of seven months. Never before has a newly developed Mercedes model undergone such an extensive additional test programme ? and passed with such flying colours.

For the final field test before production launch, Mercedes-Benz will be sending out around 450 new, factory-produced C-Class Saloons for "near-launch road trials" in which DaimlerChrysler employees will test the new model in normal everyday situations, covering a total of around 16 million kilometres in the process. This exhaustive series of tests is designed to ensure top quality right from the start.

Offline fasteddy

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Re: W204 C-Class
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2007, 06:35:09 PM »
World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Unique combination of safety, comfort and agility

Three individual models of the sedan coming to European dealers at the end of March 2007

Stuttgart, Jan 18, 2007
Deliveries of more than two million units make the predecessor model the best-selling C-Class ever
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is celebrating its world premiere today at the Mercedes-Benz World in Stuttgart. The new C-Class sedan offers outstanding safety, comfort and agility, and stands out through a product concept that emphasizes variety to meet the most diverse customer requirements. In addition, the three individual models have a visibly different appearance from one another. "Through innovative high-performance technologies we aim to raise the bar even higher when it comes to safety, comfort and agility in the segment of compact premium automobiles," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG and head of the Mercedes Car Group. "The new C-Class will thus set new standards when it comes to providing the most sophisticated driving experience in its segment."

Individual design of the new C-Class underscores its agility and comfort

The distinctive design of the new C-Class, which will arrive at dealerships in Europe at the end of March and in the U.S. just a few weeks later, is based on the modern Mercedes-Benz idiom. For the first time in a Mercedes sedan, the model variants differ from one another through different front views. The AVANTGARDE model with its centrally positioned Mercedes star is an extremely agile C-Class in a sporty design. For customers who rather prefer a comfortable and elegant ride, Mercedes-Benz offers a truly classic model in the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines with the traditional Mercedes radiator grille. "With this design variety, the new C-Class can be tailored even more specifically to what typically are very heterogenous customer demands in this segment. Depending on the line, the new C-Class sets an individual tone in terms of comfort or agility," says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing.

Newest technology ensures maximum driving pleasure and safety

Technical innovations in the new C-Class include the AGILITY CONTROL system, which adjusts shock absorbers in line with the driving situation and provides for even more direct steering. The model is also equipped with the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system ? yet another innovation in chassis technology that offers additional assistance features. The highest levels of safety are ensured by seven airbags, seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters, all of which come as standard equipment. Also standard are the NECK PRO headrests, which support and protect the heads of the driver and the front passenger within fractions of a second if the vehicle is hit from the rear. In addition, Mercedes-Benz is offering blinking brake lights that help prevent rear-end collisions as standard equipment in the new C-Class. The model is also the first in its segment to be equipped with the innovative Intelligent Light System that features five different headlight settings, and the PRE-SAFE? occupant protection system, which automatically activates measures that protect the driver and the front passenger if an accident is imminent.

New gasoline and diesel engines provide for even better performance and sophisticated driving experience

A total of four modified engines, three gasoline engines and one diesel, are available for the new C-Class. With an impressive increase in performance of up to 13 percent, these engines also make a powerful contribution to the dynamic character of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz engineers paid particular attention to refining the four-cylinder engines, whose output and fuel economy have been significantly improved. The C 220 CDI, for example, now consumes up to 0.3 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers. The advanced V6 engines in the C-Class program remain unchanged.


The C-Class: A best-seller in the Mercedes-Benz product lineup


C-Class models have been among the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio ever since the launch of the 190 Series ? the so-called Baby Benz ? 25 years ago. With the latest model changeover, the fourth generation of the C-Class will now continue the success story of its predecessor, the 203 Series. More than two million sedans, station wagons and sport coupes have been sold of this model since its market launch in March 2000. This makes the 203 Series the best-selling C-Class model ever. Germany is the most important market for the C-Class, accounting for approximately 30 percent of worldwide sales. The new C-Class will be built at the Sindelfingen and Bremen plants in Germany and at the East London plant in South Africa.

Offline richard

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Re: W204 C-Class
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2007, 11:34:17 AM »
New C-Class information.

Offline fasteddy

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Re: W204 C-Class
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2007, 09:32:22 PM »
model and tech data

Offline fasteddy

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Offline fasteddy

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Re: W204 C-Class
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2007, 05:14:12 PM »

Offline fasteddy

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Offline smartzuuk

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Re: W204 C-Class
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2007, 08:09:34 AM »
I liked the new C300 I saw in Seattle yesterday. The US price seems so outageously low compared to ours. Not sure what Marcus is offering back on the new C, but I calculated an easy $7000 in savings even after the fees to MB and minimal conversion.