Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1997–2000 car dimensions: 4516 mm long, 1723 mm wide and 1427 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,365 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The facelift cabin has updated door panels and seats for better comfort plus clearer instruments and a new three-spoke wheel. Side airbags and brake assist are standard. Climate control and cruise control are available on higher grades or as options, with PARKTRONIC parking sensors optional. Audio systems include CD options. The layout is straightforward and durable for daily use with solid build quality.
Boot space measures 430 litres with seats in place. It handles weekend bags and shopping easily. Roof load is rated at 100 kg for extra carrying options.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1500 kg and unbraked 670 kg across models. This supports light trailers or small caravans for leisure use. Payload varies by engine and equipment but covers typical passenger and luggage loads without issue.
The cabin uses higher-grade plastics with softer-touch surfaces and improved switchgear. Seats are anatomically contoured for comfort, with multi-contour options that adjust side bolsters and lumbar support via air cushions. Power multi-way seats and heated front seats are available depending on grade. A tilting/sliding sunroof is optional. Separate climate zones for driver and passenger come standard or optional.
ASSYST system sets average service intervals at 22,500 km based on use
Euro NCAP adult occupant rating of 2 stars
Standard ABS, dual front airbags and front side airbags
Brake Assist standard. ASR on most models from 1997 and ESP across range from 1999
62-litre fuel tank. petrol and diesel engines including common-rail CDI
Fuel options cover a broad range of four- and six-cylinder petrol engines plus diesels, with the later CDI common-rail units improving torque delivery and reducing consumption relative to earlier pre-chamber diesels. Tank capacity is 62 litres across the range.
Servicing uses the ASSYST active system introduced with the facelift. It calculates intervals from actual operating conditions rather than fixed distances, raising the average from 15,000 km to 22,500 km.
Safety equipment was upgraded in 1997 to include front side airbags, high-performance belt pretensioners with force limiters and Brake Assist as standard. ASR traction control became standard on most variants and ESP was made standard across the full range by 1999. ABS and dual front airbags were already fitted. Euro NCAP awarded the car 2 stars for adult occupant protection.
The car is built with solid materials and a multi-link rear suspension that supports long-term durability when the flexible service schedule is followed.
Length 4516 mm, Width 1723 mm, Height 1427 mm, Wheelbase 2690 mm (C-Class 1997–2000)
Sources: manufacturer data, auto-data.net, generation dims), mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com.