E-Class 1996 onwards

[julesg007]

Hi all,

My first post so thanks to all that read and reply.

I am not yet a MB owner but am thinking of getting an E-class (the model with the twin headlights - 1996 onwards I believe) but I have a relatively small budget, probably no more that about £3k, yes I wish I had more but Mr Bank Manager would seriously get the hump if I splashed out more, so I need as much help as I can in coming to a descision.

So in no particular order, here goes with a few questions I have;
Are there any models that I should avoid or are they all pretty good?
I have read that E-classes can have electrical problems, are these major issues and did they relate to a certain age of car?
Auto or not auto that is the question!!! Are the auto boxes reliable or do they have problems, especially when they have travelled to the moon and back?
What about high mileage as I have seen some with in excess of 150k, should I be concerned or is it the case that if they have been looked after that they should be fine?
Is there a date point which I should really be looking at as a cut off, i.e. prior to 2000/ early face lift?
Petrol or diesel, I have only ever driven a petrol car, is there really that much difference in ecomony to warrant the paying a premium and at the pumps for diesel?
I presume age is more important than varient, i.e. it is better to get a younger car but lesser specified than and older higher specified?
Are the engines as bullet proof as I am lead to believe, as even high mileage cars still command a good price?

I suppose I could rattle off a load more quesions and points but I think you have all got the drift, so any help and advice to make my decision easier would be fantastic.

I would also like any views on buying via Ebay, is it fairly safe or avoid?

Thanks all for your help
Jules

 

[jberks]

ok Jules (as one to another) - here goes.
all models pretty good. Smaller engines can be a false economy as they can be a bit underpowered and use the same amount of fuel.
Electrical gremlins affect the newer models more - the ones you are think of suffer mainly from corrosion. Check it over carefully - do a search on e class rust and ensure it's clean and not just been tidied.
Auto - no brainer. Just ensure it's properly maintained and working ok - so oil and filter changes every 60k or so. Manual E classes are just plain wrong.
Mileages are not a major issue with many 300k+ but how that was accomplished and the quality of maintenace mean that there is a huge difference between similar cars.
I prefer the look and kit of facelift models but horses for courses.
Diesel or petrol depends on intended mileage and relative premiums - just do the maths and then decide.
cheers
Julian

 

[kth286]

jules

you want want want to study the rust issue. It is a serious problem and not the normal superficial issue as on most other cars.

your comments re "still command a good price" amused me, as you will have a big choice of cars for 3k - that's how much they are not wanted.

You might want to consider the previous generation model 124 chassis, much better made.

 

[Dosco]

Welcome to the forum Jules.

I have a 1998 E240 Petrol Auto and apart from a couple of annoying problems with the Mass Air Flow Sensor it has given sterling service over the last 70k miles. Rust? yes indeed they do. I had the two front wings replaced there is also some rust appearing along the bottom edge of the boot lid seam, not a lot but it will no doubt get worse. IMO Merc Auto's are (possibly) one of the best boxes around unless you are unlucky that is. A bit of a barge and as jberks the 2.4 petrol is no racing snake and not as economical as the oil burner, mine does around 35/36 mpg on a run (driven for economy and not chasing the wind so to speak)

Well that's my two bobs worth, whatever you decide on enjoy the experience, it is really worth it.

 

[julesg007]

Hello all,

Many thanks for the information which was very useful.

My comments concerning prices of the cars relates to the amounts the model commands in the usual places: E&M, Autotrader, Loot and of course eBay.

With certain models of 2000/X reg cars on sale for over £7K, I am really wondering if £3k is a realistic budget. Yes I have seen cars on sale for this or less but they are generally older and high mileage examples.

My current car, a 1997 P reg Alfa 155 has just died, terminal engine failure and I didn't really want to get anything around that age or older. Ideally I didn't want to get one older than a Y/51 reg, but preferably some newer, so is £3K enough or should I really be prepared to spend/set a higher amount or accept that for that amount it will be an older/higher mileage/lesser spec'd model?

Also it seems that the dreaded tin worm is an issue, is there any specific area that should be of concern and if there is does it get better with later models?

Finally am I looking in the right places for the car, or is there a better place?, specialist web sites or magazines for example.

Thanks again for the help and replies.

Regards to all

Jules

 

[Iain the gadget]

I would have thought that having come from the compact exec such as the 155 the W202 C-Class would have been the one to go for given your budget.
There are some late tidy examples about now for under 3k and even the 250TD can be had at this price. Along with the 300 turbo diesel this is probably MB's best engine ever!


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-MERCEDES...oryZ9855QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[dragon]

I was sceptical about a 1.8l E-class but with compressor, it drives well. Only if comfy is what you want then E-class, the safe one are from 2006 onwant, you wont get one for £3K.

Safe bet is W202 as comfy as S-class but better mpg. Stay away from W203, not made in Germany but S. Africa. The estate W203 is made in Germany though. Look at autotrader 124 the best used car. There is a post here.

 

[julesg007]

Again thanks for the help.

I really wanted to trade up to something bigger rather than staying in the compact executive class. However, I have noted your comments about the C class and will have a look, especially as I don't think I am going to find an E class that matches my desires for the budget I have.

I might even have to put things on hold until I have a much bigger budget to find something fairly decent that isn't too old or has travelled to the moon and twice round earth!!!!

I was wondering about the latest generation of E classes, post 2003. Are the cars from 2003 - 2005 that bad? Is that the reason why I am able to find 2005 versions from around £10K?

Apologies for my vagueness about models, but not sure about the model designations just the class of car.

Regards
Jules