E and C Estates.

[Silver Arrow]

Hi guys,

We have kept an old Volvo 240 which we bought new, simply because it is too useful as a wardrobe on wheels and you can’t get as much stuff in new Volvos. However we have been looking at a couple of 98 (S) MB Estates. One is an E200 Avantgarde petrol, (round headlight model): the other a C250TD. (square headlights). Both are manual as SWMBO prefers her wardrobes that way.

Is the E bigger than the C?
(I know it sounds a daft question, but my W124 E220 coupe looks about the same size as a C class of the same age.)

Any comments or suggestions ? (not involving anatomical contortions preferably).

And a Merry Christmas to you all!

George.

 

[dieselman]

The E is bigger than the C and being a later generation of car is light years ahead in terms of design and driving ability.
The 250TD is a nicer engine than a 200 petrol.

Look out for rust on either model.

 

[Silver Arrow]

Thanks dieselman.

So perhaps a 300td E class might be the way to go?

Anybody got any dimensions handy?

The problem with the properly built ones of this age is that they seem to have starship mileages when they come up for sale.

George.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

With the front seats fairly well forward on an 210 E class you will be able to accommodate 2 metres in length and 1.5 metres width at a pinch. If the object is heavy and has to sit between the wheelarches probably about 1.3 metres width. The C class doesn't compare for load lugging capability, different league altogether. Had a C class estate as a loan car once and the difference in load capacity was much less.

The E300TD is very much respected and a fine car, just watch out for rust. If your budget runs to an E320CDi you will be moving up in technology to common rail injection and the engine is a gem.

Hope this helps!

 

[Myros]

and don't forget the suspension

I get a bout 20 sacks of coal in the 300 TE when I go to the caol merchants. The car squats down at the back and doesn't look like it will move. I start the engine and she floats up again like it was a feather pillow in the back. Marvellous.

 

[Schtum]

Get the E, the antique dealers friend. YKIMS

 

[Silver Arrow]

Thanks all

The old Volvo still looks shiny and has done 137K miles. I have just collected 25 metres of land drain in it as son was off in his Transit collecting a digger and trailer.

Looks like I'll be looking at E320 CDi s then.

What years (like wine vintages) should be avoided?

George.

 

[dieselman]

Or go for a 300TD. Not as economical but more reliable..

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

No skeletons in the E320 CDi cupboard, introduced 1999 on a V plate. Just do your homework re rust and there are plenty of secondhand examples about. Don't be surprised if you think the trade sellers are asking a premium, the car is very well respected and not too difficult to move in estate form, especially if well specced. Circa 7K for a good example V or W plate.

 

[Bolide]

Just be aware that the 150k-ish injector change on an E320 CDi requires 12 injectors and allegedly costs about £1500

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk