The mid-life refresh for the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range brought more power for the engines, exterior, and interior changes.
The C-Class was a success from its start and the second generation was launched in March 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show. Four years later, the facelift appeared with important changes for especially for the diesel versions, which were upgraded from Euro 3 emission standard to the Euro 4. That change added some power, but it also lost the only AMG diesel version.

From the outside, new headlights, new rear-view mirrors, and taillights were added to the car. The body shape remained the same, with only some subtle changes. There were more trim level to choose from, including “Sport Edition” and “Sport Edition +”.

Inside, the instrument cluster was completely redesigned. Instead of a big, large, speedometer in the middle as in the pre-facelift version, the 2004 C-Class featured two round dials for the speedometer and the tachometer. Between them, there was an LCD display for the on-board computer. Also, the steering wheel was redesigned.

For the engine compartment, the 2.1-liter diesel engine was offered with up to 150 hp. It was the most successful engine for the 2004 C-Class T-Model, with almost 81.000 units sold from a total of 373.873 station-wagon produced. For the gasoline units, there was a new option for the 230 Kompressor, which was not available before 2004 for this body shape. The standard transmission was a 6-speed manual while a 5-speed automatic was offered as an option. Also, 4Matic all-wheel-drive versions were upgraded.