Advice on purchasing E350 Cabriolet

[Ricornc]

Hi all
I’m seriously thinki of buying a C350 Cabrio and wondered if anyone Can offer any advice on wether this is a good move.
what’s good about them, what’s bad. What to look out for etc.

looking at 2010-2014 model years is there a year that should be avoided, later ones seem better on economy & tax but are there downsides to that?

also I notice that some are 231bhp and others 261bhp is there a downside to the higher power one?

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Buy a V6 petrol

 

[Ricornc]

Hi and thanks for the prompt reply, any chance you could expand on why I should go for the petrol version ?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

My view is that if you can find a nice E400 petrol that’s the way to go as EU6 diesels are so complex and long term ownership could turn into a reliability nightmare. I run an EU5 E350cdi estate and won’t be buying another diesel if and when I trade it in it will be for a petrol.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105263114237?model=E%20CLASS&advertising-location=at_cars&body-type=Convertible&keywords=e400&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&sort=price-asc&year-to=2021&radius=1500&include-delivery-option=on&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&postcode=le91uf&page=1

 

[Blobcat]

Hi and thanks for the prompt reply, any chance you could expand on why I should go for the petrol version ?

As per above ^

A convertibubble is unlikely to be a daily (unless you’re me…). So it will have limited usage and miles, which really isn’t good for modern EU6 diesels - older EU5’s are better but still have DPF’s etc and sooner or later you’re not going to be able to drive into places without ££ charges.

The sound of the V6 petrol is also very pleasant indeed when the loud pedal is pressed.

 

[Ricornc]

Thanks Blobcat, maybe some more info would be helpful, I should have said in the first place.
I currently have a BMW Z43.0si Sport, which I was using as a daily driver, pre lockdown I was doing about 20k->25k pa. Since lockdown this had dropped to about 12k pa.
I love the sound of the straight 6, but the ride is harsh and with the proliferation of potholes particularly in the south east its getting a bit wearing to drive, also the fuel consumption is not good hence the desire for change and the thought that going to a diesel E350.
So like you I relish daily use of a convertible.
I've got a C220 diesel and managed to keep the DPF clear on that and yes I'm aware that the ULEZ restrictions, cost of fuel & road tax will all try to push us into electric or at least hybrids but thats down the road a bit and will apply equally to both fuel types.

Added to which the only petrol ones I've seen are the later E400's which seem to have quite high fuel consumption.

Another question, should one avoid the ones with the gear selector & parking brake on the steering column, does that cause problems ?

 

[Ricornc]

My view is that if you can find a nice E400 petrol that’s the way to go as EU6 diesels are so complex and long term ownership could turn into a reliability nightmare. I run an EU5 E350cdi estate and won’t be buying another diesel if and when I trade it in it will be for a petrol.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105263114237?model=E%20CLASS&advertising-location=at_cars&body-type=Convertible&keywords=e400&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&sort=price-asc&year-to=2021&radius=1500&include-delivery-option=on&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&postcode=le91uf&page=1

Sorry Malcom I missed this initially, I didn't realise that the EU5->EU6 was such a complex switch, I just assumed it was an evolutionary step, how an I tell the difference.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

According to Honest John‘s Real MPG the E400 returns 33mpg, the E350cdi is 37 and the E350d delivers 35mpg so not as much difference as you would think.

Agree with you on the BMW 6 cylinder engine being sublime especially in N55 and B58 form, my N55 will give 35mpg on a run and 27 urban so the 4 series is always an option, if the sport suspension is an issue you can opt for the luxury version. Fitting conventional Michelins to my 435i transformed the car the runflats are hideous things with no compliance to our dreadful roads

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Sorry Malcom I missed this initially, I didn't realise that the EU5->EU6 was such a complex switch, I just assumed it was an evolutionary step, how an I tell the difference.

The EU5>EU6 switch incorporated the addition of ADBLUE (urea injection - £1700 repair) and new Nox sensors (£700 replacement cost) which a lot of owners are starting to have problems with, I can’t think of anything worse than the ADBLUE system malfunctioning and starting the 500 mile countdown to a non start situation - not for me I’m afraid.
I’ve moved over to petrol with the BM 435i and will be buying a E43/E53 estate when the price levels out to <£25k. MB lost out on choice of petrol engines post 2013 and IMO have lost a lot of sales to BMW (and others) because of it. Incidentally MB have returned to 6 cylinder petrol and diesel engines but all a bit pricey for me at the moment

 

[Ricornc]

Doing a bit more research seems either a pre 2013 diesel or if I can raise the money a later E400 petrol cos I’ve not seen any petrol ones for less than 18k I was thinking of around £10k to £13k

 

[Ricornc]

Anything in particular I should whatch out for, mechanic at MB garage said to make sure the aero flap at top of windscreen is working as that can be pricey to fix.

 

[Blobcat]

Anything in particular I should whatch out for, mechanic at MB garage said to make sure the aero flap at top of windscreen is working as that can be pricey to fix.

That is a good call, we've had a few on here and ££££ is the bill if it's not working

 

[harrye500]

Afternoon Ricornc. I have the E500 Cabriolet. Mines an older 2010 model which I've had for just short of 5 years. Nowadays I am using as a summer special car so taxed only in summer, but 5 years of ownership have given very few issues. A seat sensor went which was £48 I recall and I fitted it myself. Mine needs front shock absorbers as an MOT advisory from June but not immediately so I'll leave that as an off the road winter job. Are you looking at a C or E Cab? I don't think the E will have changed much mechanically aside of engines and new 9 speed gearbox and the newer ones are nice with much more gadgetry than mine has. The front 'aircap' wind deflector has been reliable as has the roof. Generally a good and well put together car which I still love. Its a very pretty car with the roof down. I think a petrol is a good bet as Malcolm says, an E400 would be a lovely car if its not going to be heavy use but its subjective I guess and your choice of course.

 

[harrye500]

Also, to add you should account for changing the autobox gear oil around 35k miles if not already and if it has the 7G box. All on here will agree its often overlooked even at an MB garage but worth doing as a preventative maintenance measure!

 

[Ricornc]

Hi Harry,
Thanks for the advice ref the gear box and reassuring to hear that its a solid motor.