Looking to buy my first Merc

Pinball_Wizard

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Hey All

I have just sold my 2006 BMW 650 (most breathtakingly unreliable car I've ever owned, will try not to get into that too much but it caused me so much pain I'm struggling to move past it! :D)

Anyhow; I want to buy a Mercedes. I know next to nothing about them and could really do with some suggestions.

The most important thing for me at this point is reliability; I know that parts/labour/servicing will be expensive with these luxury vehicles but I did not anticipate the frequency of problems I experienced with that ****ing 6 series.

My budget is around 10k, I don't want an estate or another coupe.

I read that the E-Class built between 2009-2016 are decent cars? Also read some good things about the C-Class 2007-2014?

I have no real preference for diesel or petrol and the car will mostly be used on weekends.

I would still like some power as going from driving a 4.8L V8 to a tiny engine might be a bit of a shock!

I hope you guys can help!

Thank you

Daniel
 

wivenhoe

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2018 E Class E350e plug in hybrid
Hey All

I have just sold my 2006 BMW 650 (most breathtakingly unreliable car I've ever owned, will try not to get into that too much but it caused me so much pain I'm struggling to move past it! :D)

Anyhow; I want to buy a Mercedes. I know next to nothing about them and could really do with some suggestions.

The most important thing for me at this point is reliability; I know that parts/labour/servicing will be expensive with these luxury vehicles but I did not anticipate the frequency of problems I experienced with that ****ing 6 series.

My budget is around 10k, I don't want an estate or another coupe.

I read that the E-Class built between 2009-2016 are decent cars? Also read some good things about the C-Class 2007-2014?

I have no real preference for diesel or petrol and the car will mostly be used on weekends.

I would still like some power as going from driving a 4.8L V8 to a tiny engine might be a bit of a shock!

I hope you guys can help!

Thank you

Daniel
I am on my 7th Mercedes so obviously very happy with them. But, if I was in the market for a rapid, V6 petrol hybrid, very comfortable, ultra reliable £ 10k car I would look at a Lexus GS450h hybrid. I had one from new and it was the car I kept the longest. However, you have to be sure you can live with a boot half the size of a E Class or 5 Series - the batteries rob all the space. A review can be seen https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/lexus/gs/saloon-2005-2011/review
Typical £ 10k car - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201903296410809?sort=sponsored&price-from=9500&radius=1500&model=GS 450H&postcode=cb62jl&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=LEXUS&price-to=11000&page=1
If you can get a 2012 upgrade onward then the boot size is no longer a problem and everything much improved https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/lexus/gs/saloon/review
 

Dean Fletcher

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I have an E250 coupe you can get a decent one under 10k now. Great car love it to bits but has had a few issues which seemed fairly uncommon as mine was all stemmed from one issue.
 

A.J.

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I am on my 7th Mercedes so obviously very happy with them. But, if I was in the market for a rapid, V6 petrol hybrid, very comfortable, ultra reliable £ 10k car I would look at a Lexus GS450h hybrid. I had one from new and it was the car I kept the longest. However, you have to be sure you can live with a boot half the size of a E Class or 5 Series - the batteries rob all the space. A review can be seen https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/lexus/gs/saloon-2005-2011/review
Typical £ 10k car - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201903296410809?sort=sponsored&price-from=9500&radius=1500&model=GS 450H&postcode=cb62jl&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=LEXUS&price-to=11000&page=1
If you can get a 2012 upgrade onward then the boot size is no longer a problem and everything much improved https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/lexus/gs/saloon/review

What !! The gentleman is asking about MB and you are suggesting a Lexus, tut tut !! :rolleyes::D:eek:
 

JBell

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C350 CDi Estate (GAD Edition)
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Pinball_Wizard

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Amazing guys! Lots of very helpful (and quick!) replies. Thank you very much.

I think I might have settled for an E350CDI Saloon but where to begin? What do I need to look out for?
After my last experience I like the idea of a decent length warranty, and full MB service history would be nice!
What do you make of any of this lot on autotrader?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price-desc&radius=50&postcode=bn150dw&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=E CLASS&aggregatedTrim=E350 CDI&price-from=9000&price-to=11000&body-type=Saloon&seller-type=trade
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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Good choice of car:

- Make sure you buy it with leather upholstery not Artico (man made stuff which splits)

- Buy the 265bhp engine

- Make sure it has COMAND

- Check that the oil cooler (buried deep in the vee of the engine) isn’t leaking ££££s to fix

- 19in wheels look good but provide a stiff ride

Other than that and the other obligatory checks good luck with your search
 

Srdl

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Hi Daniel and welcome to the forum. Having lived with the 350CDI engine for eight years, I can wholeheartedly support the recommendation.
 

JBell

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C350 CDi Estate (GAD Edition)
Amazing guys! Lots of very helpful (and quick!) replies. Thank you very much.

I think I might have settled for an E350CDI Saloon but where to begin? What do I need to look out for?
After my last experience I like the idea of a decent length warranty, and full MB service history would be nice!
What do you make of any of this lot on autotrader?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price-desc&radius=50&postcode=bn150dw&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=E CLASS&aggregatedTrim=E350 CDI&price-from=9000&price-to=11000&body-type=Saloon&seller-type=trade

Plenty of choice there, get the newest one possible, see if it has the 265bhp engine in and as has been said check for oil leaks at the back of the engine
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
Welcome buddy :D , yep the 350cdi is a beauty if your driving distance supports a diesel choice . Put what area you live in under your username so the important work of finding a decent MB Independent for you can be recommended by forum members
 
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Pinball_Wizard

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Thank you very much again; you've all been incredibly helpful.

I've changed my mind somewhat after looking at pictures on autotrader and decided I much prefer the look of the coupe.

What is the legroom in the back like with these?

In regards to mentions of oil leaks, this fills me with dread! I think I had something like 5 engine leaks in that ****** 6 series (2 coolant and 3 oil). I ended up absolutely hating the thing; I remember I actually spat on it one time out of disgust :D

Is this something I could check myself? (bearing in mind I know very little of the mechanics of a car; I just like driving nice ones!)

I have updated the location in my profile now so hopefully you guys can advise of a decent independent specialist.

I also read in some other threads on the forum that some of these "approved dealers" don't even really check the cars properly before selling and only rectify issues once they become apparent? That is a little concerning.

How do I know if it has COMAND? I don't think I've seen this mentioned on any of the listings I've looked at or may have just missed it.

Is it helpful to get the VIN so I can check the specs? I read someone mention https://www.datamb.com/ on another thread.

Also in regards to Bluetooth, specifically do these cars have enhanced bluetooth (i.e. I can stream music directly from my phone?) (Galaxy S9 FYI)

Cheers

Daniel
 
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JBell

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C350 CDi Estate (GAD Edition)
I've changed my mind somewhat after looking at pictures on autotrader and decided I much prefer the look of the coupe.

What is the legroom in the back like with these?

The E Coupe is actually a C Class chassis, it is designated C207, leg room is OK

In regards to mentions of oil leaks, this fills me with dread! I think I had something like 5 engine leaks in that ****** 6 series (2 coolant and 3 oil). I ended up absolutely hating the thing; I remember I actually spat on it one time out of disgust

Is this something I could check myself? (bearing in mind I know very little of the mechanics of a car; I just like driving nice ones!)

It is an easy fix, 2 oil seals that cost £4 each and 6-8 hours labour, you need to look under the car at the rear of the engine undertray for oil

I have updated the location in my profile now so hopefully you guys can advise of a decent independent specialist.

Some one will recommend one

How do I know if it has COMAND? I don't think I've seen this mentioned on any of the listings I've looked at or may have just missed it.

COMAND is the sat nav

Is it helpful to get the VIN so I can check the specs? I read someone mention https://www.datamb.com/ on another thread.

As you have an S9 look for the "VIN Decoder for Mercedes Benz" APP (Blue square with VD in white), brilliant APP that will email you the spec of any MB

Also in regards to Bluetooth, specifically do these cars have enhanced bluetooth (i.e. I can stream music directly from my phone?) (Galaxy S9 FYI)

I don't think you can stream music, just put it on a Memory stick, should plug into the glovebox
 
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Pinball_Wizard

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Great, thanks very much.

I have enquired about this one https://www.auto-sportiva.com/used-cars/9951676-mercedes-benz-e-class-3.0-e350-cdi-sport-auto-2dr/

Here is the VIN info

Chassis
VIN: WDD2073222F037097
FIN: WDD2073222F037097 6
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model: E 350 CDI
Order number: 0 9 537 60822
Delivery date: 26 01 2010
Equipment: 101A IMITATION LEATHER - BLACK/ANTHRACITE
Paint code: 197U OBSIDIAN BLACK
Engine #: 642836 40 930571
Variant: A 642 010 93 97
Transmission #: 722902 02 582996

SA codes

030 ELECTR. REGULATED DIESEL FUEL PUMP
050 AEJ 09/2
100A IMITATION LEATHER
101A IMITATION LEATHER - BLACK/ANTHRACITE
108 CONTROL CODE MARKETING
197U OBSIDIAN BLACK
205B OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE RECORD - ENGLISH
213 SPEED-SENSITIVE POWER STEERING/VARIO STEERING
230 PARKING GUIDANCE
236 ADAPTIVE REAR INTERIOR LIGHT
249 INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRROR AUTOMATIC DIMMING
255B No code designation available
277 SPORTS STEERING WHEEL
283B AIRBAGLABLE - ENGLISH
305B HEAD UNIT LANGUAGE - BRITISH ENGLISH
310 DUAL CUP HOLDER
335B INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/HU LANGUAGE - ENGLISH
409 FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT MULTICONTOUR SEAT
427 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED
428 STEER.WHEEL GEARSHIFT BUTTONS/SHIFT PADDLE PAINTED
43P CONTROL CODE MARKETING
461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
474 DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER
477 TIRE PRESSURE LOSS WARNER
486 SPORTS SUSPENSION
512 COMAND APS WITH DVD CHANGER
518 UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE (UCI)
537L GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
551 ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
580 AIR CONDITIONER
5XXL EUROPE
600 HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT
608 AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SWITCH (IHC)
619 CORNERING ILLUMINATION
621 HEADLAMP WITH ILS. LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
666 PRODUCT PROT.F.TRANSPORT VEH. W/O TIE-DOWN HOOKS
690 EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE (MINI SPARE)
739 TRIM PIECES - ALUMINUM
76V SPEED + LOAD INDEX 91Y+94Y XL
772 AMG STYLING PACKAGE-FRONT SPOILER. SIDE SKIRT
786 AMG DOUBLE-SPOKE WHEELS 18" WITH MIXED TIRES
800 AEJ 09/1
817 SIREN BRACKET FOR INCREASED THEFT PROTECTION
873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
875 HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM
882 INTERIOR SAFEGUARD
885 HIGHTEN THEFT PROTECTION
928 EXHAUST GAS CLEANING WITH EURO 5 TECHNOLOGY
950 AMG SPORTS PACKAGE
966 COC PAPER EURO 5 TECH. W/O REGIST. CERT. PART 2
989 IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
A22 NEW CONVERTER GENERATION
A24 JOINT FLANGE. 4-ARM 120
A31 SOFTWARE (INDIVIDUAL)
A41 SOFTWARE 2
A49 CONVERTER WITH 3 FRICTION DISKS
A52 R- VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY WITH VGS 3
B12 WHEEL REPLACEMENT TOOL
F207 MODEL SERIES 207
FC COUPE
G902 TRANSMISSION CODE VERSION 02
GA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HA REAR AXLE
J52 ADDITIONAL CODE FOR DAMPING MAT
K10 SOFTWARE CONTROL FOR STATIC CURVE ILLUMINATION
K11 ADAPTIVE STOP LIGHT FLASHING
K13 CONTROL CODE FOR SERVICE INTERVAL 25000 KM
M019 SERVICE REPOSITIONED
M30 DISPLACEMENT 3.0 LITER
M642 V6 DIESEL ENGINE OM642
NB6 CONTROL CODE BREMEN PLANT
P35 LIGHT PACKAGE (FFO)
P54 THEFT PROTECTION PACKAGE
R RIGHT-HAND STEERING
R01 SUMMER TIRES
U01 REAR BELT STATUS INDICATION
U18 AUTOMATIC CHILD SEAT RECOGNITATION (AKSE)
U26 FLOOR MATS - AMG
U60 PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION - ACTIVE ENGINE HOOD
U72 DVD PLAYER WITH REGIONAL CODE 2. EUROPE. JAPAN
VL FRONT AXLE HALF. LEFT
VR FRONT AXLE HALF. RIGHT


Any thoughts? It has been serviced every year by MB on the dot according to the chap I spoke with. 3 months parts and labour warranty but I think he said this is capped at £500 for engine parts which doesn't sound great. Apparently you can purchase an extended 15 month warranty for £295 which also includes wear and tear.

Edit: Looks like this one has the smaller engine? :(
 
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vtaylor78

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E350 CDI Coupe C207 2010 \ SLK 250 R172 2011.
I holdout for a bit of a later car, better command and the 265 BHP.
That one is what I have with 233 BHP, but I’ve mapped mine :)
 

JBell

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C350 CDi Estate (GAD Edition)
Any thoughts? It has been serviced every year by MB on the dot according to the chap I spoke with. 3 months parts and labour warranty but I think he said this is capped at £500 for engine parts which doesn't sound great. Apparently you can purchase an extended 15 month warranty for £295 which also includes wear and tear.

Looks nice and well looked after

Edit: Looks like this one has the smaller engine? :(

All the same size engine, don't worry, a simple Re-Map will take it to 300bhp and 700Nm of Torque ;)
 


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