Chassis and body
The W202 is a front-engined, rear-drive saloon on a unitary steel monocoque, fully galvanised from 1994. The front suspension is a double wishbone with anti-dive geometry, coil springs and gas shock absorbers; the rear is the multi-link independent axle with coil springs. Steering is recirculating-ball with power assistance, and braking is by discs all round, vented at the front, with optional ABS and, from 1995, optional ESP.
Transmissions and dimensions
Gearboxes ran from a five-speed manual to the 722.4 four-speed automatic and the 722.5 and later 722.6 five-speed automatics. The wheelbase is 2,690 mm, length 4,487 to 4,505 mm, width 1,720 mm and height 1,414 to 1,428 mm, with kerb weight from 1,275 to 1,570 kg depending on engine and body.