E Class Good or Not?

[Stabz]

Hi Im new here as I am looking to buy a 7seat E300 CDI Estate 96 - 02 for use as a taxi as I need reliability, power and mpg, but the more I read about them the more nervous I am getting.

Can someone please tell me what I should be looking for when going to look at these cars.

I have a £10,000 budget so should be able to pick up a fairly low miler

Any tips would be great or should I just stick with my Vauxhall Vectra SRI???

I mean I put a new engine and gearbox in that for less than a grand is the mercedes going to cost me more than its worth.

Ive wanted one since I was a kid will I be disapointed?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
The 320CDi is a very impressive car and if you do your homework before purchase and avoid the known pitfalls will give excellent service.

The repair costs re the major items like engine, gearbox and diff overhaul will be more expensive than Ford or Vauxhall but thats what you'd expect.

It's pretty important that you know a non franchised or competent garage to do the basic maintenance to keep servicing costs reasonable.

As regards the car I would consider the E220CDI a better vehicle for your particular use as it will be more economical on fuel (about 10-15% better) and probably cheaper to maintain. If your hooked on the 320 (which I am) I know of one local taxi firm running one and they seem to have stuck with it for 2 years. The only consideration I would advise, which ever model you go for, is to choose the Elegance spec. The slightly softer suspension will make your days work a lot more enjoyable. I really like the sporty Avantgarde set up but then again I'm only covering less than 10K pa.

Good luck and I'm sure you will not be disappointed which ever way you jump, 220 or 320

 

[salthepal]

OH has a 2001 E320CDi Elegance estate, 47k, which has has owned for 3 years and the only problem he has had was related to a faulty battery. Apart from this and servicing, he has not had to visit a garage.

 

[jp williams]

Hello Stabz,
I would agree with everything that Malcolm 210 has said about the E220cdi.Mine is the Elegance auto estate,done 70,000 miles,averaged 45mpg over last 4,000 miles and gives over 50 on a trip to Spain.
Had problems with electronic ignition switch and pixcels breaking up on digital dashboard display but nothibg else.It is a delight to drive.Good luck with your searches
Regards John

 

[Stabz]

Cheers for the advise guys, its good to hear people talking positive about the mercedes for once I would like the 320 advantgarde as this seems like the best bang for buck,0-60 8secs 450NM of torque and over 35 miles to the gallon there is not many cars you could say that about never mind luxury estates.

How stiff is the suspension? because the roads around here are awful but as Im driving alone 50% of the time I do like to drive at a faster pace sometimes to get to my next job. Remember I am not going to have 18inch AMG alloys on the car as this would not be practical bumping up kerbs all the time so htis will help for ride quality but I do like the tinted glass on the avantgarde.

What is the difference in specs for the avantgarde and elegance just suspension and window tints or more?

Thanks again.

 

[Blobcat]

The Avantgarde has black birds eye maple interior as standard as well as darker rear lights and blue tinted windows. The Avantgarde is also ~20mm lower than the Elegance and has different wheels.
With the standard 16" wheels the ride IMO is excellent. I've done a few miles in my car and absolutely love it. BTW your a little low on the torque and a little slow on the 0-60
470NM & 7.8secs - The New E320CDI is even better at 540NM & 6.8 secs

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I was a liitle unsure about the dark birds eye maple before I bought the car but it compliments the black leather perfectly. By the way not all Avantgarde models are equipped with birds eye maple there was an option of a similar wood finish to the Elegance.

If you really like the 320 I wouldn't let the stiffer suspension stop you but the rear will bounce around a bit on poor roads. As you say just stick to the 16in wheels and you won't go far wrong. I find that 32psi is about right all round with a 93 load index.

Re bumping up kerbs forget it you will take chunks out of the front spoiler and the alloy wheels will not thank you either. The 20mm lower ride height of the Avantgarde doesn't sound much but it should come with a note about how easy it is to damage the front air dam and side skirts.

Good hunting and find the best spec car you can, compromise on extras and I think you will regret it with a MB.

Hope this helps!

 

[Blobcat]

The other option for the wood for the Avantgarde was Chestnut.
I have the Orion Grey Leather interior with the Black Birds Eye Maple and IMO it really looks good.

 

[hawk20]

If you can run to it buy 2003 build onwards as they are galvanised and that way you avoid possible rust issues on earlier build dates. If not be safe and get full MBSH and keep it up and you get a 30 year rust guarantee (from about 1999 but check).

Best bet of all is to buy one just before its 3 year guarantee expires and join Service Plus (this covers all servicing, MOT's, repairs and is virtually a guarantee until 6 years or 120,000 miles whichever comes first). MB website or search other threads for details. Not expensive.

IMO the ride on the Elegance is much better suited to awful UK roads and I prefer the more classical walnut trim too.

Given the rust problems some owners have had on earlier cars, I would rather have a newer E 270cdi than a pre 2003 320cdi and the 270 comes in at a fair saving. Most motor mags put the 270 as the best buy and it gives 0-62 in about 8 seconds with great economy. But the 320 is a cracker too, if funds permit.

There is a wonderful review of the 320cdi estate from the Sunday Times on line by Clarkson who unusually gives it a great write up and five stars. Although not known as a diesel lover, he says of the 320cdi that it is "all the engine you'll ever need."

 

[eyelight]

the Elegance is much better suited to awful UK roads

UK roads are generally great with good smooth surfaces. And due to construction trucks going through a wheel was in the UK, they're a lot cleaner, and free from mud etc...
I really notice the difference when I drive back home to Ireland.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

UK roads are generally great with good smooth surfaces. And due to construction trucks going through a wheel was in the UK, they're a lot cleaner, and free from mud etc...
I really notice the difference when I drive back home to Ireland.

other mans grass I guess. I know what you mean about Ireland though. I do a lot of work around the Galway/Spiddal area and some of the "roads" are interesting to say the least.

 

[hawk20]

UK roads are generally great with good smooth surfaces. And due to construction trucks going through a wheel was in the UK, they're a lot cleaner, and free from mud etc...
I really notice the difference when I drive back home to Ireland.

It is all relative. Try France and Germany and you realise how bad our roads are.