Looking to renew

[Manc Rick]

Hi all, I’m looking to renew my car (current car is 2017 W213 with 47k miles, premium plus with 2L diesel (OM654). The car has been the best I’ve ever owned, so economical, cheap to tax (£20), reliable and I’ve had no trouble in 3 years of ownership other than AdBlue tank 18 months ago.

I’m looking again at getting another E class, around 4 years old, pref with premium plus (can’t bring myself to go from electric boot to having to shut it with hands again - I don’t get why mercs (particularly E classes) don’t have this as standard. I’m partially joking, I could do without it but would feel like a bit of a downgrade.

I’m looking for opinions on engines.

I wanted to go for Petrol, which leaves only the 2L petrol but I’ve heard that it suffers piston cracking, so that has put me off.

I’m aware of the 2L diesel OM654 issues with cam follower issues but mine has always been as sweet as anything. Have there been any upgraded parts or is the issue still prevalent? I have only had good experience with the 654, but feel like I would like a change.

I fancy the 3L diesel (OM656?) which takes me to E350 or E400. Are these engines generally sound?

The majority of E classes for sale are the E220d so my search is narrowed quite a lot if I want a change.

I see an awful lot of E200h MHEVs but I’m thinking that would give me the potential piston cracking issue and the potential problems with the hybrid system on top (two complex systems to go wrong rather than one). I notice that these hybrids are ALWAYS cheaper by at least £1-2k. I wonder why that is?

I don’t think I’d go for a diesel hybrid as I don’t think diesel and hybrid necessarily should go together, but I may be wrong.

Also I’m thinking of selling my current car privately or on motorway, rather than trading it in as I feel I can get better value that way.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Srdl]

Go for the E43 AMG if you want petrol! Though I do wonder why you want to get rid of yours after only 43k miles? It’s a car you know and trust compared to an expensive upgrade that might have unknown issues.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I’d keep what you’ve got my son took his W213 220d OM654 to 75k miles without issue, like you I investigated the premature cam follower wear and a reliable source told me there was no issue they knew of other than taxis with extended service intervals suffering this problem and properly maintained the cars will do high mileage.

If you do do decide to change as above the E43 is an excellent choice and the last of the conventional MB ICE engines

 

[AndySlade]

I’d certainly keep what you have got with that relatively low mileage. New models are full of plastic engine components. My S203 diesel is on 220,000 miles.

 

[BillyBoy]

I have the All Terrain ( very rare it appears!) with the OM656 engine and it is a superb engine, and have had over 60 mpg on a run from Birmingham to Southampton, tough more typically around 53-55 on my commute from B'ham to London. That said, the petrol engines nowadays and be quite frugal if you treat them gently. There's nothing noticeable in performance between the E400d and the E53, but more bottom end torque on the diesel.

As above, it depends on your annual mileage and reasons for changing. I'm guessing on a 2017 middle you may be stuck in the 3G trap and want to change if on-line services are important to you. Whichever way you go, if you do change, get an MB warranty if you can for some peace of mind. They are pretty reasonable - I paid about £850 for a two year extension when the original one ran out.

 

[KennyN]

The car has been the best I’ve ever owned, so economical, cheap to tax (£20)

Have you priced up the road tax on some of the vehicles you are considering ?

K

 

[sonic]

47K miles is nothing its reliable & cheap road tax, what else do you want?
I normally run my MB's to over 100K miles before selling them, never had a problem with any of them.
My 212 E350CDI is 13 years old & I have owned it for 12 years. I have to funds to change it, but I am quite happy with it.