E200k Classic or Elegance

[ohn202]

I am planning to buy an E200k. Have been viewing both the Classic and Elegance models. Initial plan was an E240 but heard about its higher consumption....so decided to focus on the E200.

There are couple of differences between a Classic and Elegance.

Anybody with expereinces with the E200k ? Anything to look out for ?
From a money point, would a Classic be worthwhile ?

Regards
ohn202

 

[jberks]

If you've never had an elegance, you'll be very happy with the classic. Once you've got used to the extra touches in the elegance, you won't.
Rain sensor, interior light pack and auto dimming mirror are all things that I wouldn't want to be without so I insist on an elegance, though after 2 I was a bit bored so went for an avantgarde this time, but the principle is the same.
Classics are a lot better than they used to be (were real povery spec until recently) so it all depends on how much you want the toys and what the price difference is. In terms of used desirability, its avantgarde, elegance and classic with Sport probably taking 1st place when they come on to the used market. The important things are auto transmission and many say leather too.

The 240 is a lovely engine, almost electric, true it does use a bit extra fuel but unless you do a lot of miles it doesn't add up to much in your pocket. Its also a bit quicker and if you drive the 200 more heavily as a result, it may end up the same. Drive both before you decide.

 

[ohn202]

Thanks for your feedback!
I drive an 200E and you can imagine how I feel when I sit in a Classic!!
Just to clarify, I am in Malaysia, and Daimler are selling a limited no. of Classic E200k. The norm is the Elegance (no Avantgarde unless one is willing to fork out a lot of $$ for am imported model). The Classic does come with leather, rain sensor etc; the following, though, are missing:
1) Parktorinc (for a big car, Mercedes could have put in a Reverse sensor, at least!)
2) All the Chrome linings (front, sides, rear)
3) Chrome on the handles
3) Chrome inside on the dash
4) Memory seat
5) Full Electric seat capability
5) Rear blind

The front grille looks like from the pre 2003 models. Wheels are a little boring compared to Avantgarde/Elegance.

The price difference between an E200k and E240 is significant in this part of the world. Same goes for the Classic vs Elegance.
So I may have to settle for the Classic!

 

[jberks]

The classic in your country is far better specced than the one here then.
With the exception of the wheels and chrome, all the things you list are extras on our elegance and avantgarde models. What you describe as a classic is a well specced model over here!
E.g. Parktronic is £600, leather £1000+, memory system £600 etc.

 

[Speedmaster]

Just off topic a bit, I go to Malaysia a lot and amazed at the number of E-Class cars there - everywhere. Mainly seems to be E200's though

 

[ohn202]

Thanks for all ther inputs. Need to make up my mind in the next 2 weeks before the special offer for Classic ends!

Yes, Merecedes is a pretty popular car in Malaysia. It has a reputation for quality and robustness. However, in the last few years, it has attracted lots of "un-uquality" reputation because of the electronic glitches.....the early W210 models. In addition, the Malaysia has a significant amount of re-cond. Mercedes from Europe....some coming thru' some "grey" imports...and these do not help the Merc reputation!

Mercedes appears to be taking steps to restore the reputation.

By the way, I read a lot of good things about the Diesel versions in the UK. Here, it's the opposite...the 270CDI has v.poor resale value.....I won't blame the car but need to question the quality of diesel we have in Malaysia that causes the CDI to return to the Service Centres more often than needed!!

 

[jberks]

It would be interesting to find out why the diesels have problems as they are supposed to be built to handle poor quality diesel.
I haven't had my 270 long enough to evaluate it properly but in the 3 weeks / 1500 miles I have had it, i've been delighted with my decision. I presume petrol is cheaper over there. Here, due to the fuel costs, the majority of new mercs are diesels now - even the S classes. My switch from a petrol E class is saving me over £100 per month and its faster too.

 

[Lacy]

My E300TD is a Classic. I prefer the understated styling and lack of chrome.......I don't like bling on my cars. The only 'Toys' I want or need are air con and cruise both of which I have. The rest are nice to have toys but not essential in my opinion.

The only big advantage is that your car will probably be easier to sell as and when you do sell it......(providing all those extra toys still work of course!)

 

[john_boy]

We had a loan elegence E Class, then it went back and they replaced it with A Classic E Class.

The Classic is a poverty spec by contrast.

My advice would be to avoid the Classic spec, as it must have an effect when you come to sell it...

 

[david arthur]

Hi guy's nice to join the forum i have a 2003 E200 classic auto its only covered 16000.To date its had three recalls on brakes. But one fault thats croped up frightens me.0nly in cold weather when coming to a halt in a line of traffic the car wants to take of i have to brake hard to avoid driving into the car in front.If i put the car in neutral the revs do not appear to rise. Has any body else had similar problems? and today to cap it all a warning keeps appearing on the computer consumables turned of consumables turned on what does that mean ?.Any help would be appreciated.