2005 E-Class E320CDI - any good?

[rewind_monkey]

Hello,

I'm toying with buying a 2nd hand Mercedes and I haven't yet made my mind up on whether to go for a C class or an E Class. My main reason for not going for an E-Class is that, for the money I want to spend, I'm only really able to get a pre-2006 E-Class 320CDI (e.g 55 reg) and I'm frightened of the SBC brakes failing. Has anyone got any feelings on whether I need to worry about this?
Were the early problems eliminated? Did MB revert to a more conventional system mainly because buyers are paranoid?

Any thoughts?

 

[Seamaster15]

Buy one with warentee or purchase one afterwards?

 

[jeremytaylor]

I recently swapped from a C320CDI estate to an E320CDI estate.

The C class was just too small for my growing family, and I actively sought out a pre-EU4 car with SBC. The hold function is great in traffic.

The E feels much more solid than the C did - more like a proper Merc should? And it is more comfortable - both suspension and driving position. The C can be a little cramped for some.

It depends how big a car you need, really. But if size was no requirement, I still prefer the E.

 

[television]

Do bare in mind that every SL and Eclass form 01 to 06and 08 has SBC, I am happy with mine,and superb braking

 

[st4]

SBC has never failed on any car. There is a back up system if SBC fails giving conventional braking. Its one of the best engineering features on the 211 and 230 and its a shame its no longer added in the newer cars.