Hoping to join the club

[Stoob]

Hello to you all.

I'm in the market to upgrade my car.
I only need it for weekend use and will prob be doing no more than 6-7k per year.
With this in mind i have decided to go for something Classy and comfortable, so obviously its a Merc.
Estate cars have always been my preference and i decided on a W203.
The thing is there isn't that many for sale round my way but a W211 has popped up and piqued my interest.
Bigger than what i really need but it did feel good driving around in such a beast of a motor.

So what i'm after from all you knowledgeable folk is which of the 2 do you recommend?

I'm not mechanically minded, so FSH, no obvious bodywork damage, clean tidy interior and electricals seemingly working as they should is about as far as my inspections get.

Cheers.
Stoob.

 

[Srdl]

Hi Stoob and welcome to the forum. I can’t help with your question of 203 v 211 but I’m sure there will be someone along soon who knows all the pros and cons. If you let us know where you are based then someone will be able to recommend a good Mercedes Independent who can help care for your car going forward.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome- which engine are you considering ?

 

[Stoob]

i'm in manchester.
Had not considered a specific engine other than it being a diesel as whatever i get it will have lots of miles on it.
But the E-Class i have seen was an E320cdi 2006. I think its the pre facelift model.

Cheers.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Good choice - 6 cylinder diesel will work for you !

 

[LostKiwi]

Hi and welcome. W203 is mechanically simpler as it has neither air suspension nor SBC (fly by wire braking).
The 211 however is more refined and quieter with more interior space.
Airmatic the air suspension can give issues with failing bags, rusted pipes and pump failures. Generally not too horrendous money wise (as long as you don't use the dealer network and find a decent independent MB specialist).
SBC pumps can fail and are about £500. There's no set mileage for them to fail as it's more about actuations than distance so cars used on motorways will likely be fine for high mileages whereas cars spending all their time in cities will likely fail much earlier. Rebuilt pumps are available from MB for around £500 + fitting.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Stoob, welcome to the forum

 

[Stoob]

Hi Guys, thanks for the welcome,

The idea of a big comfy car with a 6 cylinder diesel is certainly appealing, and it does seem to have a lot of toys with it, including 2 extra seats in the boot.
Think i'll have to sleep on it and consider what to do with my saab 9-3.

Cheers

 

[John Laidlaw]

The 2 extra seats in the boot is quite desirable, nice one!
If it’s a dealer wouldn’t they take the 9-3 in p/ex?

 

[Srdl]

Good choice - 6 cylinder diesel will work for you !

+1 for the 6 cylinder diesel

 

[Stoob]

He will take part ex, but on the screen price, which takes my cash outlay to a little above what i have to spend right now.
I intended to take my time and wait for what i feel is the right car, which i thought was a C-Class, but now having looked at this my heart has been turned, my head keeps telling me to step back and not rush, but when is another of these going to come up?.
Wish i'd never been to see it now.... lol.

 

[davemercedes]

I have an '07 S203 (C220D Avangarde Estate) which has been remarkably reliable - bought it in 2013 with 62K on it, now nudging 98K. It's comfortable and has enough poke for me but as a 'driver's car' if you tested a 203 then switched to a 6-cylinder it would be no contest. As you say your mileage would be low so I'd go the 6 cylinders.

But beware - if you have kids, those extra seats will have you running no end of taxi services!

 

[Craiglxviii]

If it's an S211 you're looking at, go for the facelifted model. They have the improved SBC so no lifetimed SBC pump problems, to start with.

I have one, it's an ace car.