C class or E class?

[Darius]

I have decided to buy my first Merc and havd narrowed down my options - It seems to come down to a choice between a 3-4 year old E220CDi with about 70k on the clock or a same age C220CDi with about 20-30k on the clock.  Will the service costs of the E-class be significantly higher, especially with the high mileage? Am I making a mistake preferring these engines to 250TD for instance?  And finally, how new or high-spec does a car have to be to have a steering-wheel operated hands-free phone kit?  Any answers extremely gratefully appreciated.

Darius

 

[c250td]

One consideration - if you are over 6 foot tall, get the E-Class.

 

[c250td]

One consideration - if you are over 6 foot tall, get the E-Class.

 

[Martin]

I owned a C180 auto for 5 years and then 3 years ago bought the facelifted E220CDi auto. At that time, the 143bhp 220CDi was only available in the facelifted E class, the C class continued with the previous 125bhp 220CDi engine which had also  been fitted to the pre-facelift E class. I am 6 foot tall and found no problems with the C class, but then my C class did not have a sun roof, which steals a few inches of headroom. I would not think service costs to be significantly different, however there are others on this site who can give you far more info on this. I've been very pleased with the E class, quiet (quieter than a C220CDi that I tested 3 years ago), very spacious, pretty quick once past the initial step off as the turbo spools up and economical; I've got 43.2mpg over the last 51,000 miles since I bought it. Hope this helps.

 

[Martin]

I owned a C180 auto for 5 years and then 3 years ago bought the facelifted E220CDi auto. At that time, the 143bhp 220CDi was only available in the facelifted E class, the C class continued with the previous 125bhp 220CDi engine which had also  been fitted to the pre-facelift E class. I am 6 foot tall and found no problems with the C class, but then my C class did not have a sun roof, which steals a few inches of headroom. I would not think service costs to be significantly different, however there are others on this site who can give you far more info on this. I've been very pleased with the E class, quiet (quieter than a C220CDi that I tested 3 years ago), very spacious, pretty quick once past the initial step off as the turbo spools up and economical; I've got 43.2mpg over the last 51,000 miles since I bought it. Hope this helps.

 

[fuzzer]

Go for the lower mileage C class.... Im over 6 foot too and i got a sunroof in mine and don't have a problem. We have had both the C220 CDI 125 BHP and the E220 CDI 143hp. One point to remember is the C class is a lighter car. The main diference between these cars is not noise , but where the torque is. The 143 BHP engines torque kicks in lower down and this can be useful. On the other hand , you learn to ride the turbo to get the power when you need it. There is no diference in mileage. We found the service intervals on the C220 to be higher. 18500 between services with the c220 125 and 16500 miles with the E220 143.

Hope that helps , if u want to know anything , just ask.

 

[fuzzer]

Go for the lower mileage C class.... Im over 6 foot too and i got a sunroof in mine and don't have a problem. We have had both the C220 CDI 125 BHP and the E220 CDI 143hp. One point to remember is the C class is a lighter car. The main diference between these cars is not noise , but where the torque is. The 143 BHP engines torque kicks in lower down and this can be useful. On the other hand , you learn to ride the turbo to get the power when you need it. There is no diference in mileage. We found the service intervals on the C220 to be higher. 18500 between services with the c220 125 and 16500 miles with the E220 143.

Hope that helps , if u want to know anything , just ask.

 

[Darius]

That was quick - many thanks for the replies! I suppose I should have mentioned that power is not such an important factor for me as comfort and quietness - though I went for the 220CDi engine because it seemed to offer power and economy.  On a 3-4 yr old car are the service intervals determined by the computer or fixed at 9k?

 

[Darius]

That was quick - many thanks for the replies! I suppose I should have mentioned that power is not such an important factor for me as comfort and quietness - though I went for the 220CDi engine because it seemed to offer power and economy.  On a 3-4 yr old car are the service intervals determined by the computer or fixed at 9k?

 

[Darius]

Many thanks for the rapid responses.  I should have mentioned that comfort and quietness are a higher priority than performance, so might that tip the balance? IÕm assuming either would be fairly free of the Ôdiesel whineÕ.  You mention that you got service intervals of about 18k Ð does a 3-4yr old Merc have variable service intervals then, or the fixed 9k?
Many thanks again - Darius
Darius

 

[Darius]

Many thanks for the rapid responses.  I should have mentioned that comfort and quietness are a higher priority than performance, so might that tip the balance? IÕm assuming either would be fairly free of the Ôdiesel whineÕ.  You mention that you got service intervals of about 18k Ð does a 3-4yr old Merc have variable service intervals then, or the fixed 9k?
Many thanks again - Darius

 

[fuzzer]

HI , the Assist system was introduced in 1997 on the C class and E class and this is the variable service intervals.

 

[Richard W]

I've got one of the C220 CDi (T) May 2000 reg. It's now got 45k miles and since I had the chip fitted I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

I would suggest that your choice should come down to driving style/planned use/residual value.

If you have a preference for 'press on' driving then the smaller C Class would be the more fun to drive, if on the other hand you prefer a relaxed cruising style then the E would be the better choice.

Would you be regularly carrying passengers - E Class. When I bought mine my wife sat in an E300 TD (T) and didn't even want to test it as she couldn't see out of it properly (petit and judging by the number of E (T)s near us with scrapes - sensible!).

If residuals are important then the E Class would tend to be worth less as it's bigger and has more miles on to start with.

I've found mine with the sports suspension and chip is a cracking car to drive, on a recent drive to Mull when I was late for a ferry it gave an Impreza Turbo a fright....... (sorry Dave even the Police up there do 70 in a 60...)

HTH

R

 

[Darius]

Thanks again -it's decision time in 3 weeks & I'll let you know!
Darius