The w202 was made from 94-2000. For the 1998 model year, the w202 recieved a revised front air dam, and added curvy lower body cladding painted to match the body ( to me it makes the car look clumsy, and takes away from the crisp lines of the 94-97 w202). In addition, the interior recieved minor cosmetic changes- slightly more curved door trimmings, map pockets etc, and other minor details changed.

1997 saw the revised transmission.

1995- rear headrests become standard, if not it was definitely in 96.

1996 C280 saw a revised automatic climate control unit, and a glass moon-roof became standard in place of a sliding steel sun-roof standard on 94-95 cars. I also believe 96 C280's came with a bose audio package standard, and if not, it was in 97 that it became standard.

1996 also saw the addition of the U.S. spec Sport package option for the C280, and in 97 for the C230 I believe, which included the carbon-fiber exterior b-pillar trimmings, carbon-fiber interior trim, sport seats, a deletion of chrome exterior trim, stiffened suspension, and 15" AMG monoblocks. In 1998 the sport model changed to 16" six-spoke wheels as standard instead of the 15" AMG's.

There are probably more differences, but these are the ones that come to mind at the moment.

I guess I prefer the 96 or 97 C280 over the 94 or 95 mainly because they seem to have better fit and finish over theiri earlier counterparts, and seem to have been ridden of any little mechanical problems that have plauged the earlier models- mainly electrical issues. The 97 transmission seems to have a higher rate of failure, but that aside, its still an AWESOME car.

cheers!

__________________
Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


"The details are not details. They make the product."
-Charles Eames

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