My wife and I are thinking of buying a 320 cdi auto estate and was wondering if there are any general bodywork or mechanical 'features' I should be aware of. i.e. were the bodyshells galvanised? I assumed they were when we bought our 1999 250 tdi c class estate, however was astounded when we've had to have rust removed from the tailgate already. Any general advice would be appreciated.
2000 E Class buying advice please.
- Thread starter dobbiej
- Start date
There is no galvanisation on this model, and I am afraid it is a well documented rust bucket. Do a search on this forum for E class and rust. You will be appalled by what you read.
I can only recommend that you steer well clear of the car. MB started to galvanise all their cars in late 04 in a drive to improve quality and salvage their reputation, I'd only buy cars that have been manufactured after this date.
I can only recommend that you steer well clear of the car. MB started to galvanise all their cars in late 04 in a drive to improve quality and salvage their reputation, I'd only buy cars that have been manufactured after this date.
James Edwards
Senior Member
Rust
Robbo
Does the same apply to C class after late 2004????
J
Robbo
Does the same apply to C class after late 2004????
J
Yes, I believe all models were galvanised after this time. Unfortunately my C class is an early one which isnt galvanised which I purchased before I knew about any rust issues. There are some areas of rust developing on the underbody due to poor corrosion protection.
Our new A class should be fine though as it is fully galvanised and well protected from corrosion. I am much more confident about the quality of this car, it feels very solidly put together.
Our new A class should be fine though as it is fully galvanised and well protected from corrosion. I am much more confident about the quality of this car, it feels very solidly put together.
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Rust on Mercedes?
If you (or anyone you know) is suffering from rust on any model of Mercedes built 2000 to 2004 - I would be really grateful if you could complete the survey at www.mendz.info
Please help to spread the word and gather those results
I am battling hard to get the evidence together - so far it seems that only models purchased from 2004 and low mileage (non-motorway work) seem to avoid losing their corrossion protection to stone-chips.
Still - it should be fun at the opening of Mercedes-Benz World (circa June 2006) if they haven't resolved things by then - If we can gather enough evidence and form a large enough lobby group - they might actually be shamed into action...!
If you (or anyone you know) is suffering from rust on any model of Mercedes built 2000 to 2004 - I would be really grateful if you could complete the survey at www.mendz.info
Please help to spread the word and gather those results
I am battling hard to get the evidence together - so far it seems that only models purchased from 2004 and low mileage (non-motorway work) seem to avoid losing their corrossion protection to stone-chips.
Still - it should be fun at the opening of Mercedes-Benz World (circa June 2006) if they haven't resolved things by then - If we can gather enough evidence and form a large enough lobby group - they might actually be shamed into action...!
malcolm E53 AMG
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I bought a 2000 X plate 320CDi Avantdarde in Nov 04.
Opinions so far, for and against, are:-
For buying:
1) To date the reliability has been exemplary (I havn't even replaced as much as a light bulb). One brake switch at 43K, which still worked OK, but slight wear was triggering a warning by the ECU.
2) The engine is fantastic, at low and high revs, It is just a gem. Of course it isn't as smooth as the 320 petrol but it isn't far away (2100rpm at 70mph makes for very relaxed cruising).
3) In mixed driving I am getting 33 ave mpg (for this size and type of vehicle, with performance to match, I think this is excellent).
4) I estimate that I am saving about £40-50 in fuel costs per thousand miles, against the 320 petrol, which adds up to £400-500 pounds every 10K (thats a free service).
5) The quality of the interior is excellent (leather a must for me).
6) The Avantgarde spec is quite a firm ride but you definitely get a reward in better handling.
7) Lower insurance costs as its a diesel (I think its group 15/16)
Against buying:
1) There are corrosion problems, so do your homework before buying, the quality of paintwork does vary from car to car. (you will learn all you need to know on this issue by doing a forum search. (mine had suffered from slight corrosion under the seals at the top of the rear doors and just under the tailgate release, this is now sorted, the rest of the car is fine).
2) In Avantgarde spec I wouldn't go for the 17/18" wheels, the ride will be firmer still (the standard 16" wheels are quite adequate).
3) Issues like brake switch replacement and MAF sensors failing (which appear commom to most MB cars, and you can read about on this forum. (I believe that MAF replacement is now a service item). I've replaced the brake switch at 43K due to ECU warning "ABS and ESP fault", which cured the problem.
Thats about it!
Would I buy another, yes, but you need to factor in the above and make your own decision. If you decide to take the plunge, take your time and find the better speced cars as I did. looking at current second hand prices for the 210, for low miles and high spec, you should be paying about £14-15K for a good one.
Hope this helps!
Opinions so far, for and against, are:-
For buying:
1) To date the reliability has been exemplary (I havn't even replaced as much as a light bulb). One brake switch at 43K, which still worked OK, but slight wear was triggering a warning by the ECU.
2) The engine is fantastic, at low and high revs, It is just a gem. Of course it isn't as smooth as the 320 petrol but it isn't far away (2100rpm at 70mph makes for very relaxed cruising).
3) In mixed driving I am getting 33 ave mpg (for this size and type of vehicle, with performance to match, I think this is excellent).
4) I estimate that I am saving about £40-50 in fuel costs per thousand miles, against the 320 petrol, which adds up to £400-500 pounds every 10K (thats a free service).
5) The quality of the interior is excellent (leather a must for me).
6) The Avantgarde spec is quite a firm ride but you definitely get a reward in better handling.
7) Lower insurance costs as its a diesel (I think its group 15/16)
Against buying:
1) There are corrosion problems, so do your homework before buying, the quality of paintwork does vary from car to car. (you will learn all you need to know on this issue by doing a forum search. (mine had suffered from slight corrosion under the seals at the top of the rear doors and just under the tailgate release, this is now sorted, the rest of the car is fine).
2) In Avantgarde spec I wouldn't go for the 17/18" wheels, the ride will be firmer still (the standard 16" wheels are quite adequate).
3) Issues like brake switch replacement and MAF sensors failing (which appear commom to most MB cars, and you can read about on this forum. (I believe that MAF replacement is now a service item). I've replaced the brake switch at 43K due to ECU warning "ABS and ESP fault", which cured the problem.
Thats about it!
Would I buy another, yes, but you need to factor in the above and make your own decision. If you decide to take the plunge, take your time and find the better speced cars as I did. looking at current second hand prices for the 210, for low miles and high spec, you should be paying about £14-15K for a good one.
Hope this helps!
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jberks
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- Your Mercedes
- Jaguar XF 3.0 S, LR Freelander 2, Fiat 500 & Fiat Panda
Until recently I ran a 2000 E240. Whilst it was neither entirely trouble free or corrosion free, there was nothing that would make me say 'walk away'.
Over the 5 years / 60k I had her, I had the following faults
1) New steering rack - It made a very slight squeak occasionally but was 18 months old and MB were paying so why not!
2) 2 sets of plug leads (not a problem on a diesel)
3) Brake light switch (who hasn't)
4) MAF (again who hasn't)
5) o2 sensor
6) clock and temp displays pixealted (this is a minor but common fault and expensive to fix so check the dash)
Corrosion wise
tops of all doors, one wheelarch, drivers sill, front edge of R N/S door (probably a stone chip but they didn't argue), and the boot lock - all done FOC to a very high standard by the dealer. No re-occurance.
As posted above, some are real rust boxes, whilst others show no sign whatsoever. The vital thing is to ensure that it is still covered by the warranty before you buy and then keep it serviced at the dealer.
I can't think of another car that is in the same league in terms of presence or drive and the 320CDI engine is superb. If you want perfection, then possibly look elsewhere, but if you want the best load lugging diesel, I can't think of anything to touch it.
Over the 5 years / 60k I had her, I had the following faults
1) New steering rack - It made a very slight squeak occasionally but was 18 months old and MB were paying so why not!
2) 2 sets of plug leads (not a problem on a diesel)
3) Brake light switch (who hasn't)
4) MAF (again who hasn't)
5) o2 sensor
6) clock and temp displays pixealted (this is a minor but common fault and expensive to fix so check the dash)
Corrosion wise
tops of all doors, one wheelarch, drivers sill, front edge of R N/S door (probably a stone chip but they didn't argue), and the boot lock - all done FOC to a very high standard by the dealer. No re-occurance.
As posted above, some are real rust boxes, whilst others show no sign whatsoever. The vital thing is to ensure that it is still covered by the warranty before you buy and then keep it serviced at the dealer.
I can't think of another car that is in the same league in terms of presence or drive and the 320CDI engine is superb. If you want perfection, then possibly look elsewhere, but if you want the best load lugging diesel, I can't think of anything to touch it.
Great cars to drive, but rust happens, reliability is average. If you're budget won't stretch to an 04 model use the info on this forum to very carfully check the body and chassis for rust, test the electrics thoroughly and pick the best one you can find. Merc may have repair history on the bodywork for you.
The hassle factor is not enough to make me change, yet, but you may not want to put up with it.
John
The hassle factor is not enough to make me change, yet, but you may not want to put up with it.
John
- Thread Starter
- Thread starter
- #9
Hi again. Many thanks for the very informative responses. I must say I am appalled but I think I must be one of the lucky ones with my wife's C250 only having the tailgate as a problem. Mind you the Mercedes main dealer (no names) bodyshop chap said it looked like it had been done before already?! At the time I asked him what he could recommend for us if we wanted to part-exchange the car - he said 'get an Audi' and he wasn't joking. he did admit he'd be no good in sales... well not Mercedes sales at least.
It seems suh a shame that a Marque once associated with quality and reliability until recently had the same (or worse) rust protection reputation as a Ford or Vauxhall.
It seems suh a shame that a Marque once associated with quality and reliability until recently had the same (or worse) rust protection reputation as a Ford or Vauxhall.
Dr Claire said:
Hi Claire,
Can I modify your suggestion to 'Dont buy MB for a while until build quality and reliability improvements start to show up in customer satisfaction surveys'.
I took a flyer on buying our new A Class because I have a hunch that the penny has finally dropped at MB and the newest models are built with much higher quality than previously. The car certainly feels a lot better quality - time will tell I guess.
Oh and the other reason was because I got a 20.5% discount on the price of a brand new car.
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