E Class Or C-Class

[taffyboyo]

Hi Guy's
Buying my first MB and always go into things deep when buying.
I am looking at a C220 or C270 cdi auto
But have seen a few E-class cars that are very nice and clean
I know the E-Class is a little bigger But is there any diffrence in
the quality? Rust Prob Etc .
Thanks Terry

 

[Rory]

What sort of age cars are you looking at?

 

[dragon]

Depend whether you a young man or a little older.

If you are a young man, forget the E-class.

 

[taffyboyo]

LOL 50 but i look young!!!
looking at around 2002-03

 

[Alex M Grieve]

LOL 50 but i look young!!!
looking at around 2002-03

It is also worth remembering that size matters! There has been at least one thread recently on seat comfort in which it emerged that very tall people (33" inside leg, so I presume he was tall?), very portly people (confessed to an ample tummy fouling the wheel), or those with both of these characteristics have found practical difficulties with seat comfort in the C Class and CLK and, I infer, cabin size.

If you have a chronolgical age of 50 (but remain young at heart), well worth looking at the E Class, or even the S Class given the current prices. They will certainly give more elbow room.

 

[dragon]

Depend whether you want comfort or the racy type.

2003 E-class stay away, electrical problems until at least mid 2006. The C-class not any better assembled in South Africa except the estate and from W204 onward.

 

[padrig]

e or c class 220 or 270

hi: if you decide on a c/class the c220cdi is the best combination of power and mpg, from 54 plate its face lifted and more power up from 143 bhp to 150 bhp, not a lot but any increase helps and the interior is more up to date.
I've had a c220cdi and had no problems, avantguard is the best in my opinion.

 

[Blobcat]

Depend whether you want comfort or the racy type.

2003 E-class stay away, electrical problems until at least mid 2006. The C-class not any better assembled in South Africa except the estate and from W204 onward.

That really is generalisation, the early 211's did have electrical issues however they should now pretty much be fixed as Mercedes spent a lot of money on warranty fixed them. A lot of the issues were down to poor earths because of increased paint thickness.
I personally much prefer the ergonomics in the E class and there is space for rear seat passengers and 540ltrs of boot space which is at least 40 more than in the S class. I think if you take a C and an E out for an extended test drive then you will probably be best placed to make an informed decision. There are some great deals on Mercedes from main dealers at the moment so if you have the folding it is a great time to buy.

 

[st4]

Depend whether you a young man or a little older.

If you are a young man, forget the E-class.

wrong or at the very least a bit harsh on the E class, 23 and happy with the 211 E class. Admittably a new 204 C class would be ideal, but the 211 was cheaper (I bought used) and extremely comfortable. The interior plastics in the E class are much nicer than in a 203 C class. Its a really well engineered car (think SBC), comfortable and fast enough to keep a 23 yr old interested.

What car gave the E class 4/5 for reliability, which is a good rating. 2004 cars onwards are supposed to be better.

 

[television]

I will join in here the E class have no real problems at all and as said sorted long ago.

Early C class can get some electrical glitches.

If you can go to a 2003 car 04 on it will at least be galvanized

 

[taffyboyo]

Thanks guy's i think ill test drive both models
Terry

 

[st4]

I will join in here the E class have no real problems at all and as said sorted long ago.

Early C class can get some electrical glitches.

If you can go to a 2003 car 04 on it will at least be galvanized

You don't want a rusty one. A galvanised one is a must. A used 211 is such good value for money, a petrol E320 2004 model was being sold for under £10k at MB Ayr.

 

[television]

You don't want a rusty one. A galvanised one is a must. A used 211 is such good value for money, a petrol E320 2004 model was being sold for under £10k at MB Ayr.

With an 04 -04 car then you have both galvanizing and the Nano paint and even better

 

[st4]

With an 04 -04 car then you have both galvanizing and the Nano paint and even better

Hmm, I am in negative equity with mine so I won't buy this car, but I was contemplating it....

 

[television]

Hmm, I am in negative equity with mine so I won't buy this car, but I was contemplating it....

I think this will be the case with many people,, the way out of it is to stick and keep it for a few years