C Class Or E Class; Which Engine?

[J S MILL]

I am thinking of either a C Class or E Class, new or nearly new.

I will not be doing more than 10k miles a year, but was still thinking of a 220 diesel, partly for long term economy but also because I suspect that at least for the four cylinder engines they will be better to drive than the corresponding petrol engines when linked to an automatic gearbox.

Grateful for any responses on the following questions:

1. Am I right to opt for diesel on grounds of driveability? Has anyone any experience of the 200K petrol as compared with the 220 diesel?

2. Is the E Class a little under powered with the 220d engine?

3. If I stretched to one of the 6 cylinder diesels are they potentially more troublesome than the smaller engines?

Any other advice or observations very welcome!

 

[HERBIEMERCMAN]

hi jsmill, diesels are more torqy than petrol, don't suffer from short journey fuel econ, cold dampm starting better, and mpg. engine management is much the same on four or six cylinders, petrol or diesel. older mercs, high mileage can have complex engine and autobox electronic control problems, just read some of the member's posts. you need to find a good honest "inde" ( independant merc expert ), don't go near the main mb dealerships, they are in the main expensive and lack the problem solving skills for the older cars. good luck. herbiemercman.

 

[carabind]

The 220 CDi has 170bhp (up from 150 for pre 2006 models), it's not underpowered but there are quicker models in the range , depends whay you want. It will never be a quiet or smooth as a 200 petrol, but will probably last longer and possibly be cheaper to run in the longer term, what with better economy, no spark plugs to replace etc
It's certainly very nippy in the C class version, less so in the E given it's a heavier car.
The 320 CDI is a very nice blend of performance and economy and is a fine engine also used by Chrysler in their 330C , but the 6 cylinders will cost more to run/fuel/service and insure. Depends on your priorities and how deep your pockets are

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I am thinking of either a C Class or E Class, new or nearly new.

I will not be doing more than 10k miles a year, but was still thinking of a 220 diesel, partly for long term economy but also because I suspect that at least for the four cylinder engines they will be better to drive than the corresponding petrol engines when linked to an automatic gearbox.

Grateful for any responses on the following questions:

1. Am I right to opt for diesel on grounds of driveability? Has anyone any experience of the 200K petrol as compared with the 220 diesel?

2. Is the E Class a little under powered with the 220d engine?

3. If I stretched to one of the 6 cylinder diesels are they potentially more troublesome than the smaller engines?

Any other advice or observations very welcome!

All good questions. I am a fan of the C220 diesel auto. A number of the last of the previous model (W203) should be coming on the market at age 2, now or soon. Many will be in really good order and may have modest mileage. They have the advantages of the current car (galvanised, better paint) but will be more affordable.

To Q1 - I have tried both and found them good cars - the diesel is as quick, but the 200K can be fairly frugal, so its personal choice (and any price differential) to decide.

There are lots of happy E220 owners - it is not sluggish and can be very frugal - also kinder on tyres than the 6 cylinder cars.

As with anything else, you pay for what you get. 320s are more expensive but are a super drive, economical and very relaxed. The E320 CDIs also all come as automatic. Whilst auto is the better choice for an E or C 220, it was not standard, so be sure to check that you are talking about an auto if the price seems too good to be true.

Good hunting. Keep us posted.

 

[jberks]

E220 or C220 is a great car but for pottering around town the economy difference to a 200k will be minimal.
A 200k is well worth considering if the price is right. You may find a better spec, newer 200k for the same price as a lesser 220 and whilst long term depreciation will be worse, how much that matters depends on how long you're keeping it. Assuming a long term low mileage, a petrol car can make a lot of sense - though do watch the road tax charge.
The diesel is gutsy and nice and smooth once warmed up but cold diesels are always a bit tractor like and it you're doing stop/startcyou'll not get the best from it.
V6 (petrol or diesel) are wonderful but possibly a waste given the mileage.