Another new member

[FS 220]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time buying a Mercedes. So I thought I'd join up with this forum and get some buying tips/advice.

I have been looking at purchasing an E-class with a budget of £16-20k. I have been looking at car magazine sites and been reading some mixed reviews on the vehicle.

A friend of mine has recommeded me to go for a E270 CDi on a '02 plate.

Does anyone have any advice they can give me on the above model please ?
Also I have heard about electrical gremlins on E-class's from 2002, is that right ?

Thanks in advance
Firose

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

For that kind of money you will be into 04 vehicles, I would either buy an 04 from a MB dealer (as you will get a 1 yr MB warranty) or a newer vehicle from an independant which would still have some of the 3 yr warranty left.
The 270 is a good engine, whilst not as economical as the 220 it is more refined beind a 5 cylinder rather than a 4. Alternatively go for the full monty E320CDI, decent fuel economy and more power than you need.
Post 03/04 appear to be better than the 02/03 ones.

 

[television]

Bobcat will be happy with this thread it will keep him going for hours

Malcolm

 

[FS 220]

I have had a look on autotrader but can only find cars from '02-04'. Looking for something lowish mileage eg. 30-40k.

Was planning to go and see an '02 E270 Cdi with 33k for £18k.

With regards to E320 I have heard and read that these do not hold thier values due to its bigger engine, is that true ?

Also some cars have a panoramic roof, are they any good ?

Cheers
Firose

 

[television]

Also some cars have a panoramic roof, are they any good ?

Cheers
Firose

Some love tham others hate them, some say it makes the car too hot in summer, others say it makes the car light inside. Some also say(My ex) that the black blob spoils the line of the car, and with my SL I have to agree.


Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

I have had a look on autotrader but can only find cars from '02-04'. Looking for something lowish mileage eg. 30-40k.

Was planning to go and see an '02 E270 Cdi with 33k for £18k.

With regards to E320 I have heard and read that these do not hold thier values due to its bigger engine, is that true ?

Also some cars have a panoramic roof, are they any good ?

Cheers
Firose

Miles are really not that important, if the vehicle has been serviced regularly the engines are good for mega miles. Have a look on the Mercedes site as you can search nationally for their used cars.
The only E320 that does not hold its value is the petrol one, the diesel will always command a premium as they are so good (yes I'm biased but also right ).
As for options you really need to make yourself aware of what is standard and what wsa optional. All the sellers (MB included) list everything as though it was a £ option, the reality is that most are basic models. The only options that make a difference to the price is an Auto box and leather interior. The E320 was Auto as standard the 270 and 220 both 6 speed manual.
Best advice is go and try a few so you can get used to them. The parking brake can take some getting used to and is a real knack with a manual (but you don't want one of them).
If you want a 270 I would not recommend trying the 320.

 

[FS 220]

If you want a 270 I would not recommend trying the 320.

Blobcat,

Intially I did'nt have a model in mind nor engine size that I wanted. A friend of mine said that the E270 cdi would be the the best pick out of all engines. Also I would be purchasing an auto

I was looking at E320 Cdi's before he mentioned the E270. Also what MPG does the E320 cdi's do and how does the E320 and E270 compare in performance wise ?

Also can you point me to some car websites that offer un-biased reviews on the E-class ?

Cheers for the advice
Firose

 

[Blobcat]

My W210 has averaged 36.5mpg for 96,000 miles, this is from actual fuel used and not the trip computer. The trip computer averages to ~40mpg. The Euro 4 spec cars do not give quite as high a fuel economy due to the partical filter, although there has been some modifications by MB to improve the fuel economy again.
MB's are heavy cars and smaller engines do not necessarliy equate to a greater fuel economy.
W211 performance
E220cdi = 150 hp & 340 Nm torque, 0-60 = 10.1 sec 134 mph
E270cdi = 177 hp & 400 Nm torque, 0-60 = 9.0 sec 142 mph
E320cdi = 204 hp & 500 Nm torque, 0-60 = 7.7 sec 151 mph

E220dic fuel economy combined 42.2 mpg
E270cdi fuel economy combined 41.5 mpg
E320cdi fuel economy combined 38.7 mpg

You will probably get the best warts and all from this forum. The Honest John website has some decent reviews as well.

 

[sankey]

I was just going to say that,lol.

 

[jberks]

I've come in late but I'll throw my two penneth in.
Firstly - vested interest - I have a 2004 E270cdi and love it. In terms of experience, my Dad has just bought a 2002 E220cdi and I've had a couple of E320cdi loan cars so I've spent time with the whole range.

When I started looking, I initially rejected the 220cdi on the basis of the >10sec 0-60 and the fact that it was a 4 pot (I had a V6 at the time). The 320cdi whilst I fully agree, is the best of the bunch, I erred against because a) the economy is sub 40 so only did around 4-6mpg better than my E240 and b) My insurance co quoted me another £100+ as against £15 for a 270. Basically the 270 was a compromise.

However, based on the 270s and 220's I've driven (inc my Dads) I'd have to say that the 220 engine is actually smoother. In terms of normal 'round town' performance, there isn't that much between them. With the added smoother feel, the 220s aside from being floored, actually felt quicker to me. The Salesman put quite accuratly I think. He said, the only real difference between the 220 and 270 can be found if you put your foot down at 70+. Then, yes, the 270 will leave the 220 for dead, but round town there's bugger all in it. Sure I outdragged a 220 away from the lights recently, but it took a while to nose ahead!

The 320 is a totally different beast - Where the 220/270 have enough power to not discrace themselves, the 320 has a chunk to spare and can sit comfortably into the high performance bracket. 70+ in gear, where mine won't be left standing by the normal road fodder, the 320 just surges away instantly. It has a real 'kick in the back' feel and gives the feeling that you just think of a speed and it will instantly switch to it. The downside is economy but it depends what you compare to. It's not that great for a 'diesel' but compared to a similar performing petrol, it's phenomenal.

There were gremlins on early cars, but provided it has a decent history, you can check that it's not a lemon (there were a few about) by getting a dealer to pull a list of warranty claims it's had. Most issues were software related so if its been serviced at a dealer, they will have been fixed with standard updates. My 2004 has been fairly trouble free. The N/S/ mirror won't fold for some reason (I must get round to booking it in) and it needed a new air filter mounting bush when i got it, so hardly a litany of complaints. My Dad hasn't had his long enough really, but he's thrilled so far.

I've not had a panoramic roof, and it could make the car lighter inside I suppose, but I just bought one with a light interior and it's fine.

You also need to decide what you want. Avantgarde or Elegance (not a classic). 16 or 17'' wheels (avoid 18''!). They are all very different to drive.