E Class info

[bushm]

Hello,
I've just found this forum and would like to ask a few questions. After taking a Mercedes C class taxi in Stuttgart a few years ago I was amazed at how silent and refined it was and when I got my case out of the boot I saw to my surprise that it was a diesel.
I'm now thinking of buying an E class estate and I've read a lot of the reviews/stats about the E class 220CDi and 270/280CDi and 320CDi, but would like to get real feedback from owners rather than the motoring journalists.
Some say the 220CDi is a bit underpowered and suggest the 270 or 320 are better. Is this true? I have a Galaxy TDI at present which is about the same weight as an E class but only has 110bhp compared to the E class's 150, so the Mercedes has an advantageous power to weight ratio. I'm not looking for huge performance, but would prefer the frugality of the 220CDi compared to the bigger engines. So can the 220CDi pull it's weight and is it significantly more economical with the fuel? Also is it a quiet/smooth engine compared to the other diesels?
What are the running costs like? I've found the insurance increase would be insignificant for me, but what about things like replacing tyres and exhausts?
I know it depends on how you drive and pressures/tracking etc, but does the E class have a reputation for wearing out tyres (or anything else) quickly?
Which trim level is best Classic, Elegance or Avantgarde? I'm not really into gadgets for the sake of having them, I can do without SatNav and heated steering wheels etc.
Finally every car has it's weaknesses: what are the E Class's? For example the Galaxy has a dreadfully underpowered air con system.
I really hope some of you have the time to respond to these mundane questions of mine and I'm sorry if similar ones have been asked elsewhere in the forum (perhaps someone could direct me to them).
Thanks for your time.

 

[jberks]

Lots of questions!
Ok, firstly the engines. The 320cdi is a beast - very fast. I had a loan 320 and fell in love with it. I then tested a 220CDI and found it surprisingly quick considering and quite refined. I settled on a 270 as a compromise. To be honest, the 220 engine is more refined and in normal use the performance difference is nominal. Its only the odd occasion, away from the line that the ability of the 270/320 to ignite the tarmac is of any real use.

The 320 is the best, but also the most expensive to run.My insurance co quoted me over £100 more for a 320 as against a 270. The 270 is also 3-4mpg better than the 320 with the 220 another 3-4mpg better than the 270.
In terms of tyres, all mercs eat tyres round town - expect 9-12k for twon driving. On the motorway they are better and 40k is not unusual. I find the 270 eats rears irrespective due to the torque but clearly that has a lot to do with the weight of my right foot.

The trim is all about what you want - the classic is considered a bit basic but if you're happy there is no point paying the extra for the elegance or avantgarde. I prefer the extra toys in the eleg/avg. Things like the rain sensor and auto dipping mirrors are excellent safety devices. I agree the rest is take it or leave it.

Mechanically there are no real weaknesses. You don't say which model and age you are thinking of. MB had a cost cutting regime from 97 through to 03 which resulted in a lot of problems and has taken until now to get back from. The 'old' E class had corrosion problems which you need to very aware of. Not necessarily a cause to walk away as MB will often fix it FOC but you need to be careful. The current one had some reliability issues with the electronics early on. late 04 on are pretty good.

 

[jp williams]

I`ve had an E class 220cdi estate auto (W210)since new for 3 years.It has now covered 55,000 miles
Good Points;fuel economy between 35-55mpg.I drove from Cheshire to Malaga in Spain on 2.25 tanks of diesel and averaged 47mpg.No aches or pains.
Quality ride and drive,no rattles or squeaks
Reassuringly safe feel
Plenty of power when needed--Tiptronic box is excellent
I always look forward to driving it.

Bad Points;
Had starting problems resulting in 2 new electronic ignition switches under warranty.Digital images in instrument panel broke up resulting in new parts being fitted under warranty ,Rear wiper ans washer has now ceased to function.
If Lexus had manufactured it I would feel more confident about the future!

 

[bushm]

Thank you jberks and jpwilliams for your replies. I found them very useful and confirmed what I thought might be the case with the 220CDi engine. Interesting to read that "the 220 engine is more refined and in normal use the performance difference is nominal." What I end up buying depends on how much I can sell my mothers bungalow for and how much is left after our loft conversion to house the 3 kids and then there's the new kitchen my wife has selected from John Lewis. I am considering the 220CDi as a strong preference now and the trim level will depend on what's available at the time. Have you any advice about where to buy? Is it safe buying private (with a full history and perhaps an independent AA check) or is it better to buy from a MB dealer with a warranty?

 

[jberks]

The safest will be the dealer as you have the 12 month warranty and the added "Bring it back within 30 days" warranty. However, they also know how to charge for it.
A properly serviced privately owned car with an AA inspection IMO is just as good really. Scout round the dealers first and try a few before you buy so you know what feels right.
Merc dealers don't have a good reputation I'm afraid. They've become very corporate and lost sight of the customer. Most towns have a good non franchised independent specialist and its worth scouting them out. Many sell cars too.

 

[Blobcat]

I second jberks comments.
If you think you would be happy with the E220 pls don't try the 320. If you load up the estate the 220 may not be enough.
The 4 cylinder 220 can be quieter than the 5 cylinder 270, neither are as smooth as the 6 cylinder 320.
Although the trim levels set the basic's there are so many other options that could have been specified it can be hard to compare. However an Elegance or Avantgarde will always be worth more than a Classic on resale. The AG is also lower as standard. The E320 was only available in Classic trim for its first year of production (99/00) after that it was Elegance and Avantgarde only.
One thing with the 320 is that it has 'Parameter' steering as standard. This is speed responsive power steering. Some members have commented on MB's having vague steering at speed. I have always thought the steering direct and accurate on my E320. I have driven a collegues E220 and I thought his steering was nothing like as direct.
Pls have a search on the forum - although you may decide that there are so many issues that it's not worth it. However most posts are because people have problems, not beacuse all is working fine.

 

[bushm]

Thanks again for the feedback.
I realise from the Ford Galaxy forum that I visit that these forums can give a slanted version to a cars nature: people usually only write in if they have a problem.

 

[Dragon Down South]

If it's any help, I recently bought an E270. I spent around a month looking for a 220, but they kept getting snapped-up. I was eventually offered a 270 from a dealer at a 220 price, so I was happy.

Regarding quality, I can't fault it. There is plenty of power when / if you need it and the economy is good. I average 41mpg but can get 55 on a run at 65mph. Interestingly, I drive slower now than I did with a Mondeo, it's just a pleasure to drive.

Mine is the standard Avantgarde with the addition of leather. The toys I miss are: 1-CD Multichanger; 2-telephone prewire.

Hope this helps,

Dragon

 

[television]

I drive slower now than I did with a Mondeo, it's just a pleasure to drive.

Mine is the standard Avantgarde with the addition of leather. The toys I miss are: 1-CD Multichanger; 2-telephone prewire.

Hope this helps,

Dragon

Interesting point driving slower, I do the same, maybe its because you do not have to prove anything, as the car will do that. Re the multi changer and phone, you can always add one.

Malcolm

 

[andy from embsay]

For about the same price as the multichanger you can get an iPod kit and A 30g IPod, which is what I've ordered for my new car (a week Monday!!) - although having COMAND I've now discovered I could get about a zillion MP3 tracks on a DVD disc and play that!

 

[bigtwin]

Had my 320 dci estate 2000 X reg for 2 weeks now. Obviously too early to tell re long term running costs. But I know this.

Engine is like a train - just astonishingly fast and refined. Armchair strapped to a rocket. Getting 42-44 mpg (indicated) on motorways, about 32 round town, and the overall average is 36, which is pretty good for this car, and better than my old 1.8 non turbo 20v Golf GTI - can't complain about that. And now I have 7 seats too!

My feeling was that if I was going to do this, I'd do it "properly" and get the 320, and I don't plan on changing this car till the kids are pretty much out the way - about 10 years or so.

I found the A'gde far too harsh a ride, especially if you have the 18" optional wheels, and pointless in an estate. Went for the Elegance, which rides superbly in what is never going to be a sports car anyway, but it still carries its weight remarkably well.

Still convinced that I made the right decision, but have to say that I didn't try a 270.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I agree with everything said so far, all good advice.

Had my 320 CDi about 18 mths now and am in love with it. As Bigtwin says the engine is magnificent and the reliability has been good.

When I purchased the car I spent some time looking for the right specification vehicle including: lowish miles, leather, climate, seven seats, sunroof, CD multichanger and avantgarde spec. Eventually I found the right car and boy am I glad I waited, I have no regrets and would do the same again.

I compromised on the spec of my previous merc and regreted it.

 

[Blobcat]

I found the A'gde far too harsh a ride, especially if you have the 18" optional wheels, and pointless in an estate. Went for the Elegance, which rides superbly in what is never going to be a sports car anyway, but it still carries its weight remarkably well.

It was the 18" wheels on the Avantgarde that spoiled the ride not the suspension, mine had them and I changed them for the standard 16" wheels. Much better ride.

 

[bushm]

Thanks everyone! This is just the sort of information that I hoped would be forthcoming.