I agree. MB sells more C class than anything else, it's basically their cash cow. A C-class diesel wagon would probably cost more than $40M...better start saving just in case.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

The A-class, would do well in cities like San Diego. MB doesn't want to tarnish the image with sub $30M vehicles. whatever.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

That's exactly what i was thinking, those were pretty much todays c-class what would be the big deal in bringing a diesel c-class? The 240D's of the past didnt destroy MB's luxury reputation why would a c-class diesel hurt them?

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Current:
05 E320 CDI
07 GL320 CDI
08 Sprinter
05 Dodge Cummins
01 Dodge Cummins

Previous
2004 E55 AMG
2002 C32 AMG (#2)
1995 E300
1978 300D
1987 300D
2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[
1981 300SD
1983 300SD
1987 300SDL
2002 Jetta TDI
1996 S420
1995 S500
1993 190E 2.6
1992 190E 2.3
1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed

Mercedes in order to sell their overpriced luxury models is bragging about 240D and 300D cars in their advertisements, cars that are still running strong after so many years. Notice that they do not talk about their flagship cars of the same era, the mighty 450SEL, but you never see them on the road, they are all rusting in junkyards.

Vahe
240D & E320

No, Gurkha, you would also need the 240D and 300D level of legendary build quality, longevity, simplicity, ease of repair, and durability which so far, the C220 does NOT appear to have.

The C220 appears to have been built to a price point, with the accountants and bean counters in charge, and sold to a price point, with their prices splashed across the front of the windshields at the dealer. And the incessant blaring TV commercials, "YOU TOO can drive a brand new Mercedes C class, only $329 per month."

The engineers built the 240D and the 300D, and cost was NO object. They hewed to the Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz motto: "The Best, or Nothing"
That is one reason they enjoy such a huge cult following ( a big cult!!)

The Mercedes of today are a result of years of spending the Mercedes Benz brand name's equity and reputation to sell "cheap" cars - cheap in both the literal and the perjorative sense.

It is hoped that is being stopped, and there are reports that the 2007 and up models are a lot better.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

Remember that when the 240D and 300D were new they were NOT economy cars. The fact that they were more economical than most other things in the USA was a bonus but not the principal concern of the purchasers. Most of whome were middle aged to elderly professional folks who valued luxury, quality, safety and longevity above economy, gimmics and fashion. Mercedes had a problem in those days because of the EPA requirements with the CAFE standards which their 4.5 Liter SE's, SEL's and SL's would not meet. They were lucky that they had diesel powered vehicles that could offset the gas guzzling V8's. However these days things have changed.

Mercedes have never been seen as "cheap" or "economy" vehicles in the US market and they will never be able to compete with asian vehicles in that regard. Only a few diehards in the US such as certain people who frequent certain forums and drive 30 year old beaters instead of just leasing a brand new POS would consider a stripped down cheap Mercedes and that's not enough to sustain a market for them.

Personally I don't think I'd buy one even if it was available. I think the new Mercdes models are hideous. My girlfriend says she thinks of going down to the dealer and asking them what went wrong

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S