Recommendations/ engines to avoid

[Mark A]

I have decided that now is time to retire my ageing W164 ML420CDI from daily commuting and keep it just for winters / when I need a spare.

I am looking to get rid of the SLK and get a replacement vehicle. I would like to stay within the fold if possible but am looking for a car that is 2017 or younger with good (>50mpg) fuel economy. Reliability is key, I would like to keep it for >5 yrs /100K. Acceleration and speed is no longer the driver that it was.

initially I was looking at A or GLA class diesels but see that there is not much in it price wise for 2017 C & E classes. I have read many threads about faults with timing chains /sprockets & injectors and would like some thoughts on what to avoid and perhaps some recommendations. I was considering a hybrid but posts I have read here indicate stay away.

my daily commute is about 42 miles each way mainly rural with the last 3/4 in town. There is a LEZ heading our way in the next year or so, but I guess everything after 2016 is compliant anyway.

budget is +/-£20k.

Mark

 

[Blobcat]

E220d from late 2016 early 2017 - £20 VED and easily over 50 mpg

 

[A.J.]

Engine wise the 220D is a pretty safe bet so choose your style/model of car around that engine

 

[Mark A]

What about the newer 2.0 in the E class 2017 introduction I believe.

any years or models to avoid with the 220? I thought they had issues with a simplex timing chain.

 

[Blobcat]

What about the newer 2.0 in the E class 2017 introduction I believe.

any years or models to avoid with the 220? I thought they had issues with a simplex timing chain.

That is the engine I’m referring to - launched in 2016 (I had one). Badged as E220d or also E200d (in lower state of tune).

E220d is the one to go for

They do have a simplex chain, service it regularly and no issues (none reported on this forum). I covered 48k in 28 months with no issues at all.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

^+1, W213 220d <Mar 17 for £20 RFL, my son has one absolutely brilliant with the new 9spd g/b giving a genuine 50mpg, the OM654 is a brilliant engine with no issues to date

 

[grayb]

What about the newer 2.0 in the E class 2017 introduction I believe.

any years or models to avoid with the 220? I thought they had issues with a simplex timing chain.

Easy to spot the newer OM654 - it is 2ltr, whereas the previous engine was 2.1ltr.

 

[BillyBoy]

As above, C or E class with the OM654 engine is a good bet. Very economical, good power, and (so far) very reliable. A W213 [registered] pre April 2017 in E220d estate form will be £30 per annum road tax. Some trim levels or saloon may be even less.

 

[LostKiwi]

There is a LEZ heading our way in the next year or so, but I guess everything after 2016 is compliant anyway.

Or earlier if petrol. Some of the newer petrol cars get very good economy with none of the DPF concerns of diesels.

 

[Mark A]

Many thanks guys - food for thought.

what about the 1.5/1.6 diesel in the A and C? Avoid at all costs?

 

[LostKiwi]

Many thanks guys - food for thought.

what about the 1.5/1.6 diesel in the A and C? Avoid at all costs?

Isn't that the Renault engine?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Isn't that the Renault engine?

I think so reviews are a bit mixed

 

[Mark A]

Isn't that the Renault engine?

That’s the one.

 

[Blobcat]

Many thanks guys - food for thought.

what about the 1.5/1.6 diesel in the A and C? Avoid at all costs?

Try one, they’re small, dark and depressing to be in. They also leak quite badly in the back.

Try an E and then see if you want an A, B or C.

 

[A.J.]

Many thanks guys - food for thought.

what about the 1.5/1.6 diesel in the A and C? Avoid at all costs?

Try one, they’re small, dark and depressing to be in. They also leak quite badly in the back.

Try an E and then see if you want an A, B or C.

Tut Tut, there's nowt wrong with a 'C' Russ

 

[Blobcat]

Tut Tut, there's nowt wrong with a 'C' Russ

There isn’t but I’ve never driven one thinking I’d rather have it than an E

 

[Dean Fletcher]

How about the notorious OM651. The horror stories are few and far between.

 

[ajlsl600]

i run a om651 mixed reviews , b to work on ,no room , i am working on disabled " old fashioned method " push button.! stop start and over regular oil changes .some have done 200,000 without drama and others 30 with numerous dramas. wot t do ?

 

[Dean Fletcher]

i run a om651 mixed reviews , b to work on ,no room , i am working on disabled " old fashioned method " push button.! stop start and over regular oil changes .some have done 200,000 without drama and others 30 with numerous dramas. wot t do ?

Mine has 130000 on it and going strong. I'm doing 6 monthly oil changes now tho. It zips up and down the M6 like a little Billy goat.

 

[LostKiwi]

Mine has 130000 on it and going strong. I'm doing 6 monthly oil changes now tho. It zips up and down the M6 like a little Billy goat.

Billy goat Gruff? (Given its a diesel)