C class advice appreciated.

[philayl]

Hi, I am new on here, I am looking to buy a new C class, the one I am considering is the C200 CDI Elegance Auto, I want as a priority, bluetooth, parking sensors and split rear seats. Can I ask if anyone knows of any known faults with this model, what is the difference between the C200 and the C220, and lastly what sort of discount can I expect from a dealer, no part-ex and cash sale? Any advice greatly appreciated.:???:

 

[jberks]

hi and welcome
The new C class, being a new model merc (they don't come along that often) is still in great demand at the moment so you'll struggle to get a decent discount. Check the back of whatcar and drivethedeal.com to see what they'll offer.

Cash and no trade in make no difference to the dealer sadly. In fact they can be worse as there will be no commission on the finance or profit on your trade in to play with. In real terms these are minor but having bought under these terms I can tell you, it doesn't give you any bargaining power.

Fundamentally the 220 is quicker than the 200. I haven't driven a 200 in the 204. I did drive a 200 in the previous 203 model and it was too sluggish for me. I'd class it as underpowered so make sure you drive one before signing up. The 220 has the extra grunt that I'd class as essential. Check the MBUK web site for the exact figures.

Spec wise, I believe a basic bluetooth is standard anyway. More complex systems with SAP etc are more.

Faults - I haven't heard any complaints at all about the 204. All owners I've spoken to are very happy.

 

[jon cash]

the differences between the W204 200 cdi and 220 cdi are down to power output, 200=136bhp,220=170. other differences include the standard specification little things like standard alloy wheels etc etc, Pay the extra few quid and by the 220 its a far superior machine compared to the 200. I have driven both and the difference is remarkable.

 

[jon cash]

Sorry Forgot about you faults question; I am happy to say honestly that the W204 has been very very well put together and runs cirlces around W203, we have sold a few here in ireland and not one has been back bar the bluetooth phone system is a little complicated to set up so many customers come back for assistance. I dohope you enjoy your new Car but please go for the 220.

 

[philayl]

Many thanks for your replies, just one further question, is bluetooth standard in both the 200 and 220 model?

 

[jberks]

You can get the full spec and options from here
http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con..._saloon/c-class_saloon_pricelist.download.pdf
and looking at page 9, yes it does.

 

[philayl]

Thanks for the link, I am pretty sure I am heading the C220 way, watch this space!!

 

[st13phil]

Welcome to the forum! Lots of good advice here already and I'll add another vote to the C220 not C200 camp for the same reasons as noted by Jon Cash.

As you're looking at the Elegance (the thinking man's choice ), then another couple of options I'd advise are heated front seats which are very nice as the Artico can be a bit cold in the winter, and Parameter Steering which makes the car feel totally different (and much better, IMO) on the road. As far as discounts go, you should be able to get around 7% from a dealer with a bit of pushing, but watch out with some of the online outfits because they discount the car at an attractive rate but then add the options at full price.

Regarding reliability and any issues, I've had mine since mid January and covered just over 3,500 miles. In that time nothing has fallen off, there are no squeaks or rattles and no electrical gremlins either. I do have a problem with what I believe is a noisy lifter (tappet) at the moment which the dealer is trying to resolve (more details here) but I wouldn't let that put you off as it's a well-proven engine and I seem to have the only example that's had the issue

 

[philayl]

Welcome to the forum! Lots of good advice here already and I'll add another vote to the C220 not C200 camp for the same reasons as noted by Jon Cash.

As you're looking at the Elegance (the thinking man's choice ), then another couple of options I'd advise are heated front seats which are very nice as the Artico can be a bit cold in the winter, and Parameter Steering which makes the car feel totally different (and much better, IMO) on the road. As far as discounts go, you should be able to get around 7% from a dealer with a bit of pushing, but watch out with some of the online outfits because they discount the car at an attractive rate but then add the options at full price.

Regarding reliability and any issues, I've had mine since mid January and covered just over 3,500 miles. In that time nothing has fallen off, there are no squeaks or rattles and no electrical gremlins either. I do have a problem with what I believe is a noisy lifter (tappet) at the moment which the dealer is trying to resolve (more details here) but I wouldn't let that put you off as it's a well-proven engine and I seem to have the only example that's had the issue

Thanks for the welcome and the info, I would love the heated seats in particular, and the parameter steering sounds very useful, unfortunately I think it might be a couple of options too far for my budget!

 

[st13phil]

I would love the heated seats in particular, and the parameter steering sounds very useful, unfortunately I think it might be a couple of options too far for my budget!

I know exactly what you mean about being too far for your budget - I went through the same process having started off budgeting for a C220CDI SE to keep the cost down and ending up with an Elegance with a few options

I know things are different for everyone, but the heated seats are about £300 and you're already looking at spending £26-27k. Try leaning on the dealer for more discount I know that I'd have spent the next three years wishing I'd found the extra £300 if I hadn't had the heated seats, so raided the piggy-bank and went for it. And if you've never experienced the Parameter Steering then you won't miss it.

 

[jberks]

if you've never experienced the Parameter Steering then you won't miss it.

Unless you have 245 tyres. On my E anyway, the power steering can run out of steam if I have to twirl the wheel when squeazing into a space. It can get VERY heavy. The extra assistance would be very welcome at times.
On a choice though, top of the list would be heated seats.

 

[st13phil]

Unless you have 245 tyres. On my E anyway, the power steering can run out of steam if I have to twirl the wheel when squeazing into a space. It can get VERY heavy. The extra assistance would be very welcome at times.

Very important point, but the W204 C220CDI Elegance which is the subject of the OP's desire is on 205 section tyres so it's not such an issue.

FWIW I have a W204 C200K SE loaner (same 205 section tyres as my Elegance) at the moment which doesn't have Parameter Steering while my car is at the dealer's. The steering on it is noticeably heavier at parking speeds, but by no means too heavy because the tyres aren't that wide. Where I notice a real difference though - and this is why I spec'd my car with Parameter Steering - is at higher speeds on winding roads where the standard steering feels a bit light and "vague" by comparison.

On the subject of heavy steering, my first car was a 1700 V4 Ford Corsair and that was heavy at parking speeds. I took a holiday in the USA and rented a Chevy Malibu (and what a POS that was!) which had the usual super-light power steering and when I returned home and drove my own car again I thought I was going to pull my arms out of their sockets

 

[philayl]

Hi again all, first of all many thanks for all your advice, it is much appreciated. I have an update on the original post, due to a small windfall I find myself in the position of being able to purchase a higher spec than I first thought. Your views, comments, good or bad would be really welcome, I am thinking of the C220 CDI Elegance Auto, Tenorite Grey, Grey Artico upholstry, split rear seats, parameter steering, parktronic, COMAND system, wood steering wheel, walnut inserts, DAB radio, Harmon Kardon sound system, heated front seats, also looking for keyless entry if it is available. Can I say I go for comfort not speed, I was looking at the 7 spoke 225/50R16 wheels, will these make the ride too firm, is the Artico a good choice or should I look at the leather option, anything else you think I should consider?

 

[st13phil]

I like windfalls

Based upon the fact that my C-Class is a C220 CDI Elegance Auto in Tenorite Grey, with grey Artico upholstry, split rear seats, parameter steering and heated front seats, I'd say that you've got the basics spot on

Parktronic and COMAND are both nice options that you will enjoy. As far as the wood steering wheel & walnut inserts go then if you like the look of them and can afford it then go for them. The Harmon Kardon sound system is a definite improvement over the standard system, but unless you have a specific need for DAB radio then I'd give that a miss due to the fact that DAB broadcasting is not achieving the takeup that it needs to to be a success, and also that DAB standards will almost certainly change in the not too distant future, leaving most of the current receivers as expensive paperweights.

Regarding leather, it's a £1k option and it will require that you take more care of the interior than you would have to with Artico. If you don't have kids or pets and don't mind the additional effort to look after it (not that arduous a task, but not as easy as the occasional rub over with Flash that light coloured Artico occasionally needs) then make your own decision based on how it feels. If any of those conditions are failed then go for Artico.

You're looking to get yourself a nicely spec'd car which you should enjoy immensely. Congratulations!

 

[philayl]

Hi st13phil, do you know if the keyless entry is an option? Also do you think changing the wheels for the 225/50R16 will affect the comfort of the ride? Sorry for all the questions but I want to get it right.

 

[st13phil]

Keyless entry - you'll have to check that with your dealer, I'm afraid. It's certainly an option in other markets, but it wasn't listed as a UK option late last year.

225/50R16 wheels & tyres - I wouldn't have thought that going from 205/55 to 225/50 tyres on 16-inch rims would make that much difference to the ride quality, and certainly not as much as going to 225/45R17's would. It will cost you more for replacement tyres though Maybe you can get your dealer to find an Elegance or SE demonstrator on the wider tyres for you to try out?

Sorry to be so non-specific.

 

[philayl]

Keyless entry - you'll have to check that with your dealer, I'm afraid. It's certainly an option in other markets, but it wasn't listed as a UK option late last year.

225/50R16 wheels & tyres - I wouldn't have thought that going from 205/55 to 225/50 tyres on 16-inch rims would make that much difference to the ride quality, and certainly not as much as going to 225/45R17's would. It will cost you more for replacement tyres though Maybe you can get your dealer to find an Elegance or SE demonstrator on the wider tyres for you to try out?

Sorry to be so non-specific.

No problem, thanks for the info.