First time MB owner

[Obertelli]

After 7 years of solidly-reliable ultra-low cost Lexus hybrid ownership, I found that I was missing ragtop motoring too much. I’ve also never been totally happy with the driving seat comfort and the passenger seat is even worse so my wife usually travels in the superb back seat.

Previously I had 14 years of roof-optional driving (the roof is always down whilst driving except when precipitation exceeds evaporation), with a Citroën 2CV, probably the most practical and fun car I’ve ever owned, and then a Porsche Boxster 986 2.7 Tiptronic. Lots of cars before those but none with even a basic sunroof.

I decided I wanted either a proper 2 seater designed from the outset as a ragtop or a proper 4 seater with good boot space. After research I chose the E-200 range, and ideally a petrol engine. In the end I’ve gone for a 220d AMG-Line Premier, a 2016 W213. High mileage but well maintained and in outstanding condition. I was avoiding an oil-burner because my local council shoves a fat surcharge on diesels even though this is EURO 6 compliant, and my low mileage left me worried about DPF clogging, but modern DPF regeneration has allayed my worries. One bonus is the extra torque means the car will not be as badly affected when I’m carrying 3 passengers.

I’m also fortunate to have a main dealer very nearby, a highly rated independent specialist even closer, and another equally respected independent just a few miles away.

Only fault with the car is that it doesn’t recognise the factory fit reversing camera. The car dealer has thoroughly investigated and cannot find the cause so we agreed a price reduction. If the worst happens I’ll fit a decent aftermarket reversing camera.

Hoping my present car will sell in the next few days so I can then collect the replacement. I have no off-street parking and we’re only allowed two residential permits, so as my wife also has a car I won’t get any August Bank Holiday ragtop fun this weekend.

It’s going to be odd going from zero road tax to £190, and from a near totally silent car to a diesel, but the improved ride quality and reduced backaches will be worth it.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

 

[dry run]

Welcome

So you're to blame for the sudden run of **** weather

 

[Obertelli]

Welcome

So you're to blame for the sudden run of **** weather

That’s precisely what I was telling all of my customers yesterday!

 

[SmartAmg]

 

[grayb]

Welcome. Just out of curiosity, which Lexus had the poor front seats? We had a 1994 LS400 years ago which was like sitting in squishy armchairs...

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome

 

[Obertelli]

Welcome. Just out of curiosity, which Lexus had the poor front seats? We had a 1994 LS400 years ago which was like sitting in squishy armchairs...

It’s an early Phase 1 CT-200h from 2011.

Production shut down temporarily following the 2011 tidal wave/Fukishima accident, and when it resumed in 2012 the seats were improved. Later models like my dad’s 2015 model are even better.

The same seats were shared with some other contemporary Lexus and Toyota models.

 

[DSK]

Hmm I am surprised somewhat but, then again I find the smallest offerings to always be the most comprised. My experiences with the LS400, various IS250’s and an IS300h have all be very positive for quality, comfort and refinement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Obertelli]

Comfort is very individually subjective.

Most owners appear to have no problems at all with the front seats in the earliest CTs.

But I also have lots of problems with most VAG seats; I have very wide shoulders and if I drive most VAG vehicles sharing minor variations of the same seat design they’ve used for years then I quickly get terrible shoulder pains. I have to drive a coachbuilt vehicle based on a VW T6 every day and have added supplementary cushions to the back and seat base from iamComfi to prevent back problems. Many of my colleagues use the same products which is how I found out about those cushions.

The worst seat I tried was on my dad’s US-built Honda Civic fastback coupé. They gave me back AND shoulder pain, and the front of the driving seat bolster really hurt the back of my knees.

My favourite seats by far were in my 2002 Boxster 986 and my 1980 Ford Granada Mk2. I also test drove a used top-spec Merc 190 about 20 years ago and those were also superb. The Citroën BX Gti seats I fitted in my 2CV were also very comfortable but in a totally squishy soft but supportive way.

 

[Obertelli]

I’ve now sold my Lexus and am on my way to collect the E220. Precipitation far exceeds evaporation today in SE England, so the roof will sadly be up.

 

[grayb]

Comfort is very individually subjective.

Most owners appear to have no problems at all with the front seats in the earliest CTs.

But I also have lots of problems with most VAG seats; I have very wide shoulders and if I drive most VAG vehicles sharing minor variations of the same seat design they’ve used for years then I quickly get terrible shoulder pains. I have to drive a coachbuilt vehicle based on a VW T6 every day and have added supplementary cushions to the back and seat base from iamComfi to prevent back problems. Many of my colleagues use the same products which is how I found out about those cushions.

The worst seat I tried was on my dad’s US-built Honda Civic fastback coupé. They gave me back AND shoulder pain, and the front of the driving seat bolster really hurt the back of my knees.

My favourite seats by far were in my 2002 Boxster 986 and my 1980 Ford Granada Mk2. I also test drove a used top-spec Merc 190 about 20 years ago and those were also superb. The Citroën BX Gti seats I fitted in my 2CV were also very comfortable but in a totally squishy soft but supportive way.

I remember BX GTi seats (a friend had one), and they were nice. I liked the woven fabric on them as well. Our new Civic Type R has brilliant seats - better than the GT3.