Mercedes C-Class Owners' Guide

The Mercedes C-Class, introduced in 1993, is a stylish yet efficient compact executive car competing with rivals like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. 

This owners’ guide compiles key information about your C-Class in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Mercedes C-Class generations

Mercedes C-Class 1993-2000 (W202) 

The first C-Class replaced the legendary 190 series and laid the foundation for Mercedes’ compact executive range. It sported a traditional, boxy design that prioritised durability and comfort. 

Body styles: 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.8-litre 120bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 75bhp diesel 

• 2.3-litre 190bhp supercharged petrol 

• 2.8-litre 193bhp V6 petrol 

• 2.2-litre 125bhp diesel 

Mercedes C-Class 2000-2007 (W203) 

The second generation had a more modern, curvaceous design and a premium interior. It was the first C-Class to feature a three-door coupe option. Early models were criticised for poor reliability. 

Body styles: 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

• Three-door coupe 

Key engine options: 

• 1.8-litre 160bhp supercharged petrol 

• 2.2-litre 150bhp diesel 

• 2.7-litre 170bhp diesel 

• 3.2-litre 218bhp V6 petrol 

Mercedes C-Class 2007-2014 (W204) 

The next generation of the C-Class took a significant step forward regarding quality and handling. The styling became sharper, echoing the bigger S-Class, and the cabin felt distinctly more upmarket.   

Body styles: 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

• Two-door coupe 

Key engine options: 

• 1.8-litre 156bhp turbo petrol 

• 2.1-litre 170bhp diesel 

• 2.5-litre 306bhp V6 petrol 

• 6.2-litre 507bhp V8 petrol (AMG) 

Mercedes C-Class 2014-2021 (W205) 

This version of the C-Class was built on a new lightweight platform using aluminium. It was larger yet more efficient than its predecessor, with widescreen displays and a minimalist layout.  

Mercedes introduced multi-link rear suspension for better handling, plug-in hybrid options, and downsized turbocharged engines. 

Body styles: 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

• Two-door coupe 

• Two-door cabriolet 

Key engine options: 

• 1.5-litre 184bhp petrol mild hybrid  

• 2.0-litre 204bhp petrol mild hybrid  

• 2.0-litre 194bhp diesel 

• 2.0-litre 306bhp diesel plug-in hybrid 

• 2.0-litre 279bhp petrol plug-in hybrid 

• 3.0-litre 390bhp V6 twin-turbo petrol (AMG) 

• 4.0-litre 510bhp V8 twin-turbo petrol (AMG) 

Mercedes C-Class 2021-present (W206) 

The latest C-Class is all about electrification, technology, and luxury. Inspired by the S-Class, the interior contains a large vertical touchscreen and digital displays. Ride quality remains one of the model’s strengths. 

Body styles: 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.5-litre 204bhp petrol mild hybrid 

• 2.0-litre 258bhp petrol mild hybrid 

• 2.0-litre 200bhp diesel mild hybrid 

• 2.0-litre 313bhp petrol plug-in hybrid 

• 2.0-litre 680bhp petrol plug-in hybrid (AMG) 

Service intervals

Maintaining your C-Class is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan.   

Mercedes service intervals are typically divided into two main categories: A and B. 

Service A 

Service A is carried out every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. It focuses on basic maintenance, including: 

• Oil and filter change 

• Fluid level checks 

• Tyre rotations 

• Brake component inspection 

Service B 

Service B is performed approximately every 20,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. It includes everything in an A service plus more comprehensive inspections, including: 

• Brake fluid replacement 

• Air filter change 

ASSYST PLUS service interval display 

Some C-Class models have ASSYST PLUS, which displays the distance or time remaining before your next service on the dashboard. 

This technology means you don’t have to think about when your car was last serviced or count the distance you’ve travelled since then; the car does it for you. 

The ASSYST PLUS system may shorten the service interval in the following situations: 

• The car is mainly used for short distance driving 

• The engine is left idling for long periods 

• There are frequent cold start phases 

• Regeneration of the DPF in diesel models is interrupted 

Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides: 

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service? 

• How much should a full service cost? 

• How much should an interim service cost? 

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Tyre pressure

What are the tyre pressures for a Mercedes C-Class? 

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the C-Class on TyrePressures.com. 

However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres.  

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information. 

Where to find the tyre pressure on a Mercedes C-Class  

You can usually find the correct pressure: 

• In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

How to reset the tyre pressure on a Mercedes C-Class 

The reset method can vary between different model years and configurations. If unsure, consult your owner’s manual. 

• Ensure your tyres have the correct pressure. 

• Switch the ignition on. 

• Press the home button on the steering wheel controls. 

• Scroll through the menu until you find ‘service’. Press the ‘OK’ button to enter. 

• Scroll down and select ‘tyre pressure’. 

• You should see a message saying the tyre pressures will be displayed after a few minutes of driving. Scroll down again until you see a message asking if you want to confirm the current pressures as the new reference values. 

• Press ‘OK’ to confirm. 

Engine oil

It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide.  

The recommended oil can vary between different engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle. 

Recommended oil specifications 

Mercedes has several engine oil specifications, known as MB approvals, which indicate oil quality and compatibility with their engines. 

The following specifications are often used for C-Class models: 

• MB 229.31: An earlier low SAPS spec found in older diesel models with DPFs. 

• MB 229.5: High-performance synthetic oils suitable for petrol engines. 

• MB 229.51: Low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorous, and sulphur) oils suitable for petrol engines and diesels with a DPF. 

• MB 229.52: An updated low SAPS spec for newer diesels with advanced emissions systems (e.g. AdBlue). 

• MB 229.71: A newer specification for lower-viscosity oils that promote engine efficiency. Typically used in some modern engine variants. 

What is the oil capacity of a Mercedes C-Class? 

Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The C-Class generally requires between five and nine litres. 

• Petrol models: five to seven litres 

• Diesels: 5.5 to 7.5 litres 

• AMG models: seven to nine litres 

Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system. 

Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide. 

Battery

What battery do I need for my Mercedes C-Class? 

The table below provides a general guide, but battery requirements vary by engine variant so should be checked against the information in your owner’s manual. 

Things to consider when buying a battery for your Mercedes C-Class 

• AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are commonly used in models with start/stop systems and higher electrical demands. 

• EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) is sometimes used as a more affordable alternative to AGM in mid-spec models. 

• Plug-in hybrids (e.g. C300e) have a standard 12V AGM battery plus a high-voltage lithium-ion drive battery. 

• Always check the exact battery code (e.g. H7, H8, LN4, etc.) for your model and trim level. 

Learn more about car batteries in this guide. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Mercedes C-Class? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Mercedes C-Class warning lights you might not know 

Mercedes hybrid fault light 

The hybrid system can shut down the engine and run on battery power to reduce emissions and boost performance. If the car’s onboard computer detects a problem, it will trigger a warning light. 

Depending on the severity, you might see one of two warning lights: a simple car symbol, or a car with a tow line. The tow symbol means the issue is serious, and you shouldn’t keep driving until it’s been fixed. 

If a warning light comes on, pull over safely and switch the car off for a few minutes. This gives the system a chance to recalibrate. 

If the light doesn’t clear after restarting, it’s time to call a mechanic to check things out. 

Got questions about hybrid cars? This guide has the answers you need. 

Mercedes PARKTRONIC system fault 

The PARKTRONIC warning light is a ‘P’ with radar waves or a cone icon next to it. This means there is an issue with the parking assist sensors – they could be blocked, dirty, or malfunctioning. 

Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test! 

Common problems

Unfortunately, the C-Class doesn’t have a reputation for being reliable. Here are two common issues to look out for. 

1. Emission control problems 

Modern diesel cars must adhere to strict emissions regulations, and in a quest to make them as clean as possible, they have become increasingly complex. While this is true for all diesel models regardless of brand, the C-Class is known for being problematic in this area.  

It can suffer from many emissions-related problems related to the diesel particulate filter (DPF), AdBlue system, and NOx sensors. 

Learn more about how to avoid DPF problems in this guide. 

2. Broken suspension 

Many C-Class models have air suspension for superior ride comfort. A wide range of things can go wrong with this system, often requiring a specialist repair.   

Before you buy a used C-Class, give it a test drive and use the tips in this guide to check for suspension problems. 

Find out what to look for when buying a used car. 

Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Mercedes C-Class questions and topics

How to open the bonnet on a Mercedes C-Class  

The location of the bonnet release lever can vary depending on the year your C-Class was made. If unsure, check your owner’s manual.  

• Pull the bonnet release lever. It is usually bright red and located in the driver’s footwell above the pedals.  

• Slide your fingers under the bonnet (just above the car badge) to find the release tab. Push the tab to the left.  

• Open and secure the bonnet. 

How much is road tax for a Mercedes C-Class? 

The annual road tax for a Mercedes C-Class typically ranges from £195 (the standard rate for cars made after 1st April 2017) to £620 for some AMG models.  

 The first-year tax rate differs from the annual standard tax rate and is determined by emissions. Learn more about car tax in our guide. 

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

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• How much does an MOT cost for a Mercedes?

• Car ownership 101: everything you need to know

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance

• How does a car work?

• Mercedes A-Class owners' guide

• Mercedes E-Class owners' guide