Should I go for a W212?

[Cardinal Biggles]

Thanks Cardinal Biggles for bringing those two cars to my attention. They are a little far away from me and I don't really feel comfortable driving long distances any more. The 80 mile drive to Manchester brought that home tp me. A few years ago, I would have driven twice that distance without a minute's thought.

The car I was thinking of buying was also from MB retail and to be fair to them the deal offered to me was, in my opinion, a good one. The car was also very low mileage around 1,700 so it is virtually new being only 11 months old.

But I do agree with you about the 250 engine and I am going to have another look at more local MB retail centres. There are 3 or 4 quite close to me in the Midlands.

I really appreciate the trouble you have taken to help. Thank you.

Minkymerc

Thanks Minky, I just popped those up to show you a couple of examples. MB dealers will usually arrange to come to you btw if you are flexing the cash.

March is a fantastic time to buy. The 12 registration is with us, so dealers have forecourts overfull with trade-ins; its the end of the tax year, so one of the two peaks in the sales year for MB retail, when they will have maxed out stocks. they will only keep the good stuff (cant see plakky seats as doing it for me though!). And now for the really good news. End of March sales month is end of week, end of month and end of quarter. Dealers will do anything to move stock in week 3 or 4 of March to secure their bonuses. Mercedes Retail will talk turkey if you are serious about buying a car and go in in week 3 or 4 riffling the cash.

You will find the 250 a superb engine. And yes, I agree with you. Spend the lot and enjoy it.

Good luck, and remember, you are only as young as the woman you feel. Or something like that,..... I forget now.

CB

 

[MINKYMERC]

Thanks Cardinal Biggles for your advice and encouragement.

I have ended up buying the E220 CDi Sport in Palladium Silver with Alpaca Grey Interior. Unfortunately, they are the plakky seats but I don't really mind that. Although put that way it seems awful lol. The car has done only 1,700 miles and was first registered in April 2011 so it isn't really run in yet. £10,000 less than the price when new and a good p/ex on my lovely black VW Passat CC GT 170PS which I can't speak of highly enough.

I would have liked the 250CDi but a good deal was a bit out of my reach.

So the deal is done, the car is paid for and I collect it tomorrow. Inheritance tax and Nursing Home fees are spent - looks like a paupers funeral for me if they still do such a thing

By the way, I'm not giving away the age of the woman you refer to.

Thank you all. Your contributions have all helped me to come to a decision. From tomorrow I shall be back in the MB fold.

Minkymerc

 

[toby1]

Look forward to the pics!

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Glad you've got it sorted and enjoy the car.

I look forward to hearing your impressions of the car once the honeymoon has worn off, hopefully it won't, lol.

 

[MINKYMERC]

Thank you malcolm210 for your help and good wishes.
As you say I'll give you my impressions when I have become familiar with the car and its foibles etc.

toby1 - I'll do my best concerning pics but I'm not up to masterpieces like some of the experts on here.

Minkymerc

 

[Uncle]

Well done MINKYMERC I am sure you will love it and its foibles.
After 3 months the worst things I can say about my 220 is that the fuel consumption is worse than MB claim and when pushed the four pot can sound a little harsh (this might have some effect on fuel consumption :lolapart from that It gets dirty far to quickly and I have to keep cleaning it (I like a shiny car)

 

[st4]

How have I missed this? Result. The sport is the one to have and the alcantara seats are much better than leather ones as you do not slide around in them and they are more comfortable.

Sport spec looks fabulous and all the goodies like heated seats, patronic and xenons are standards.

The car is pretty much new and the 220 is very responsive and powerful and more refined than a 250 as urs in a lower tune and probably less spiky in power delivery.

I really hope you enjoy having this car and I look forward to reading about it throughout its time with you.


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[MINKYMERC]

Thanks st4,

I am looking forward to collecting the car tomorrow morning. Thanks for your good wishes. Like you, I am looking forward to the Heated seats,Parktronic and Bi-xenons with Intelligent Light System and Cornering Light function.

I'm wondering what the Agility Control Suspension actually does. It also has Adaptive Main Beam Assist, and AMG alloys, AMG Body Kit and AMG floor mats.

The seats are actually Sports seats and are Artico rather than alcantara but I think that's what you intended to say.

I'll soon find out on the drive back to Walsall from Whitefield tomorrow (82 miles mostly motorway) if I find them comfortable, but it generally takes a week or two to get used to new seats.

I'm getting quite excited about it now with only a few hours to go.

Uncle - your response is encouraging and interesting. Like you, I feel sure that I will love it. I was rather expecting that the fuel consumption would be less than MB claim but you have confirmed it for me. Your Cavansite Blue can't be any harder to keep clean than a black car (like my Passat CC is/was). Hope you continue to enjoy your car as much as I intend to enjoy mine.


Minkymerc

 

[st4]

I've driven the same spec 212 as you. They have a really good ride, miles better than a 211. I suspect if you've not driven it yet then you are about to but be prepared to be very impressed. The complete lack of wind noise is hilarious. Even at very high speeds it's eerily quiet.


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?hiltku

 

[MINKYMERC]

st4 - I agree with everything you say about the car. I picked it up this morning and drove it back home down the motorway.

Yes - I was very impressed by the ride and suspension - not too hard for me after the Passat - just right in fact. I was certainly impressed by the power on tap as well with a smooth delivery via the 5 speed auto.

The car sits on the road nicely and now you mention it there was a distinct lack of wind noise.

Went for a short drive this evening to try out the bi-xenons and other lights and I can't believe the difference. They're so much better.

I love it already and I'll try to post some pics later but they won't be as good as yours with that beautiful Scottish scenery.

Minkymerc

 

[Jodel]

I love it already and I'll try to post some pics later but they won't be as good as yours with that beautiful Scottish scenery

Minkymerc: There's an easy way to fix that - fill the tank, head north and get some miles done in the Highlands

Sounds like you've bagged yourself a lovely machine, hope you get a great deal of enjoyment from the new toy.

 

[MINKYMERC]

Thank you Jodel for your kind words and good wishes.

I may just come and have another look at the fabulous Highlands again later in the year. I could enjoy the car and the scenery at the same time. That's if I can afford to fill her up by then - Budget looming!!!!!!!!!!

Minkymerc

 

[st4]

Thank you Jodel for your kind words and good wishes.

I may just come and have another look at the fabulous Highlands again later in the year. I could enjoy the car and the scenery at the same time. That's if I can afford to fill her up by then - Budget looming!!!!!!!!!!

Minkymerc

Excellent news and I like the fact it had the most excellent 5g box. You should come up, in fact on the first weekend of September I've organised a driving tour on the other forum and it takes in the very best of the highlands which flatter e class mercs

 

[toby1]

I may just come and have another look at the fabulous Highlands again later in the year. I could enjoy the car and the scenery at the same time.Minkymerc

They are a little far away from me and I don't really feel comfortable driving long distances any more. The 80 mile drive to Manchester brought that home to me. A few years ago, I would have driven twice that distance without a minute's thought.Minkymerc

 

[MINKYMERC]

toby1 - have changed my mind about long distances since driving the car home.

I feel that I could do it in stages if necessary - it would be a pity not to use it to its full potential.
Call it rejuvenation!!!!!!!!!! lol

Minkymerc

 

[Jodel]

...on the first weekend of September I've organised a driving tour on the other forum and it takes in the very best of the highlands...

A good option if you felt up to it Minkymerc - you'll be in the company of like minded individuals and could do as little or as much of the suggested tour as you fancy. The E Class just eats up the miles, so sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

 

[busters the boy!]

Glad you're enjoying your new car Minkymerc, it sounds lovely.

 

[st4]

A good option if you felt up to it Minkymerc - you'll be in the company of like minded individuals and could do as little or as much of the suggested tour as you fancy. The E Class just eats up the miles, so sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

The scenery is so good you stop off and take a lot of pictures so it feels like lots of short journeys when on tour up here. We're a good bunch and it would be good to put a face to the name

A 212 for grand touring would be the biz.

 

[MINKYMERC]

st4, Jodel, busters the boy! and everyone

Thank you all so much for your help, advice and friendly good wishes.

I think you gave me the push needed to make the purchase and I'm so glad that I did.

I wish you all well and full, trouble free enjoyment of your of your own Mercedes cars.

I've taken a few pictures and managed to upload them to photobucket but not having much success in getting them on here.

Minkymerc

 

[Uncle]

Nice looking car Minkymerc - I'm sure you will enjoy it. Good choice sir