So come on - which E Class should I buy?

[Walter]

We're looking to replace our much loved 1997 E320 Elegance estate with a much newer (used) version, but it's got to be a Seven seater. And we have no real preference for fuel type or engine size, although nothing too sluggish or thirsty. So which of the mid-range variants is generally held to be the better one/s to go for - bearing in mind our budget will only allow up to about a 2003, maybe 04, model?

The car will used daily by my wife and two young children, but will mainly do local trips on country lanes and A-roads (i.e. don't need a high powered motorway cruiser). Occasionally have to cart the grandparents or other kids about, hence the need for a 7 seater.

I'm not a hot follower of the motoring media and thus am trying to catch up with what the options might be. I don't want to be buying the 'wrong' version in haste! (although I'm sure none are terrible...) Cheers!

 

[Blobcat]

If your not too bothered about power then an E220cdi should fit the bill nicely. However as you have an E320 you may find it a little flat. A petrol will be cheaper than the equivalent diesel and if you are used to the fuel bills for the 320 petrol then you may be able to pick up quite a bargain on another E320 petrol. Best advice would be to try quite a few and find one you like.

 

[jberks]

To be honest there are no 'wrong' 211's in my view.

The 200k may be a bit underpowered but I'm sure would happily roll along all day at illegal speeds. The 240 is lovely and sweet but not the gutsiest and a tad thirsty. The 320 you know already. Petrol engined models are far less desirable than the diesels so will depreciate faster, but from your position that could be a positive advantage as you can buy it cheaper in the first place and if you don't do big mileages, you may not see the benefit of the higher purchase price in economy.

When I bought mine, I went for a diesel for 2 reasons. Firstly I do 28,000+ miles per year at the moment and 26-30mpg was getting painful. Secondly, from a performance (mid range torque) and longevity standpoint, the diesel is a better fit for high mileages. I wanted a 320cdi for the performance but didn't want to pay the running costs of higher insurance and fuel consumption. I didn't want the drop in performance of the 220cdi (though it is livelier than you'd imagine). I wanted something where I could gently squeaze the throttle and quickly pick up from 45 on the motorway without the need for kick down. So I compromised on the 270cdi and have been very happy with my decision. GTI performance, 40-50mpg on the motorway and 30 ish round town if I don't use the power too much. I do miss the whirr of the V6 (as you would) but don't resent the fill-ups quite as much. Also, it should hold on to more of it's value.

I'd recommend trying the 220cdi. If it gives you what you want in terms of refinement and performance then look no further. In many ways it is the perfect car. If not, then adjust accordingly. I walked into the dealership and said I wanted another E, just didn't know which. After a couple of hours test driving different models I had my answer.

 

[carabind]

I'd agree with the 220 recommendation above . It is not the fastest car on the road, but gives very good MPG with a reasonable turn of speed. I am very happy with mine - and there are plenty around to choose from.

I see you want an estate, if you are lugging a load/7 people around often , the 270 is worth a look also and may be nearer what you are used to in terms of performance. Problem is, not many about and they do seem to command a premium.
So - suggest try both if possible ? Let us know how you get on

 

[Walter]

Thanks all, plenty of food for thought. Have just tried a 270cdi and it really seemed ideal (had a great spec too) but - nyarrrg - it didn't have the 7 seat conversion and that's about £3500 at the Dealer.

Shall keep looking - as you say, petrol should do us fine and might have more luck if diesels are at a premium.

 

[Speedmaster]

I have been using a 220CDI Estate 55 plate last couple of days and v impressed how well it drives, not a rocket ship but certainly not lacking and such a smooth car to drive

 

[hawk20]

200cdi probably fine for a saloon but for an estate with seven seats and junk and luggage too I would strongly think about 270cdi. What Car, Autocar and I think AutoExpress all made the 270cdi the best buy. Cracking engine and worth the extra for your needs I feel.
Editor of Autocar asked what car he would choose if he could only have one car from all the cars he had ever tested and he said "Mercedes 320cdi E class estate".
Sunday Times review by Jeremy Clarkson of the E class estate is a must read. One of the very few cars he has ever given 5 stars to. He said choose the 320cdi "it's all the engine you will ever need". But having driven both, the cost saving led me to the 270cdi and I did not regret it. So: - money no object 320cdi. Money tight 220cdi. Sensible compromise 270cdi.

By the way, virtually all motoring correspondents agreed that the Elegance suspension is a lot more comfortable and forgiving. Avant Guarde is lowered and harsher. Matter of taste but for your needs Elegance seems best. I much prefer the silkier ride and love the walnut and leather look. But we are all different. Drive and try. GREAT bargains now as offering over £4k off new ones waiting for facelift on July 2nd. So recent models dropped a bundle. Wish Merc would stop harming customers residuals!!!! But it helps you.

 

[hawk20]

Just a quick thought. With fuel prices likely to go on rising as China grows more and more and competes away a higher share of world output, I think you will find the diesel a better long-term investment. Engine lasts longer, servicing costs less, and better resale which is likely to improve. I averaged 40 mpg in mixed motoring and 45 easily on a run. And the huge torque allied to a lovely Merc auto box gives wonderfully relaxed cruising.
Worth noting that a 3 litre Merc diesel has about the same torque as a 5 litre V8 petrol engine. Amazing! :grin: Grunt you can really feel.

 

[Blobcat]

Just a quick thought. With fuel prices likely to go on rising as China grows more and more and competes away a higher share of world output, I think you will find the diesel a better long-term investment. Engine lasts longer, servicing costs less, and better resale which is likely to improve. I averaged 40 mpg in mixed motoring and 45 easily on a run. And the huge torque allied to a lovely Merc auto box gives wonderfully relaxed cruising.
Worth noting that a 3 litre Merc diesel has about the same torque as a 5 litre V8 petrol engine. Amazing! :grin: Grunt you can really feel.

Just a small point, pls don't believe the trip computer figures, optomistic to say the least.

 

[hawk20]

Just a small point, pls don't believe the trip computer figures, optomistic to say the least.

Is that so? Pity. Thought I was doing well! I suppose only way of checking is the old tankful to tankful method?
Hey! Where's Walter gone and has he found what he wanted or at least learned to want what he found??
And what is a NIP please?

 

[Blobcat]

NIP = Notice of Intended Prosecution :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:
Am now awaiting a photo of my car.

 

[hawk20]

Nasty business. Bad luck.

 

[Walter]

Walter's still here, grateful fo all the feedback. Now seriously attracted to the 270cdi I've been offered, but baulking at paying £3000 for a 7 seat conversion...!

 

[jberks]

Don't baulk - walk -
Its simply not worth paying the dealer to fit anything more complex than cd changer to a used car. You are throwing away £3k.

Went to the MB web site, clicked on the first 270 estate and hey presto - rear facing seats. And it didn't command any premium. Just ring round all the dealers in say a 50 mile radius. You'll find several in the spec you want I'm sure.

The only other possibility is if they have another E with the appropriate kit. Then they may be able to swap the seat over. Otherwise forget it.

 

[hawk20]

Walter's still here, grateful fo all the feedback. Now seriously attracted to the 270cdi I've been offered, but baulking at paying £3000 for a 7 seat conversion...!

I agree with Jberks: Don't! I'd go to the Mercedes Benz UK website, go to used cars and use their search engine. It covers all Merc dealers and Mercedes Direct. Tonight I found 24 E class 270 cdi estates, automatic. Some must have the extra seats. They are great buys at the moment because dealers have been giving up to £4500 in extras and upgrades on new ones, waiting for launch of facelift yesterday, I think. Obviously hit residuals on late models, which suits you just fine.
Personally, I'd buy from a Merc dealer with a full MBSH and would choose the Elegance model both for the softer ride, which suits the estate, and because I'm a sucker for the walnut and leather look. Good luck and keep us posted.

If the MB website doesn't find what you want, my personal route would be to phone Drayton Mercedes of Stoke (several dealerships covering a huge area -ask for Ray Shaughnessy), Robinsons Mercedes of Cambridge (several dealerships and wide area -ask for Mike Haslop) and Pentagon Mercedes Southampton (several dealerships, wide area - ask for Alec Drury or Ez). That's how I got the exact spec I wanted on my latest.