Think I want an "E" but been told to get a "C"

[G-a-r-y]

I've been looking at E320 CDi estates, about year 2000 up to 10K and asking lots of questions.

Then a mate has thrown a spanner in the works by saying get a C class, I value his opinion because he's been in the motor trade forever.
BTW, I want to tow so I just assumed the bigger the better but he assures me a C class would be better.
My caravan weighs 1300kgs.
Advice please, like which engine (diesel) and will the auto tow.
Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Hibbo]

I am led to believe that the Cs of that era fared much better corrosion wise than the Es.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I own an E and have driven the C estate and the experience of driving the C confirmed my thought that its not big enough for a family of 5, plus I wanted the 7 seat option.

Which ever way you jump I would go for the CDi option, the low down torque is ideal for towing and should give better mpg.

 

[MercAl]

Hi there. I have a 6 speed manual C220 CDI, and as Malcolm has suggested...it's a fantastic towcar. I tow a Sterling Europa with it, and it's brill. Loads of torque. Can't praise it enough!
I think our van is 1425 kilos, although I'd need to check that, and I can honestly say that it's never struggled. Consumption varies between 25-30, depending on how much stuff we've packed! Not too bad!
If you have a wee look in the Caravan Club Forum, there a re a few guys tow with the C Class, and they are of the same opinion.
Can't speak for the E Class. Don't know if there would be any diffrence.
Good Luck!

 

[Parrot of Doom]

The C-class is pretty small inside when compared to the E-class. I know what I'd rather have, I've been in both including the current C-class (not the new one), and its the E-class every time.

 

[Blobcat]

IMHO;
C = Cramped
E = Enormous

 

[daveenty]

IMHO;
C = Cramped
E = Enormous

S = ??? (Plays safe and goes for Slightly bigger)

Edited to add: I'd go for the E as well, provided it was rust free.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

IMHO;
C = Cramped
E = Enormous

I agree. If you look you'll see I own a c-class. It's not all that small on the outside but is inside (a sort of inverse TARDIS). The back especially is cramped. I'm only 5ft 8 but there is only about 5 inces of leg space behind the drivers seat. The boot is tiny too.

 

[Hibbo]

I agree. If you look you'll see I own a c-class. It's not all that small on the outside but is inside (a sort of inverse TARDIS). The back especially is cramped. I'm only 5ft 8 but there is only about 5 inces of leg space behind the drivers seat. The boot is tiny too.

OT but a mate has an old 5-series Beemer that looks absolutely HUGE, but is really cramped inside - weird.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

actually if you are talking up to 2000 I guess you are talking about the older shape c-class (although you will get a new shape one for your budget). I've not been in the older shape one so can't really comment.

 

[G-a-r-y]

Thanks for the advice.
I've been looking through Auto Trader and one add for a CDi270 (C class) says "seq" What does that mean.

Do they have self-levelling on the rear and can you fit a tow bar to a "sport" due to it having lowered suspension? and what's the difference between CDi220 and CDi270 engine wise.
Is a six speed manual more/less sought after than automatics because I still like changing gears, I don't think I'm old enough for an "auto" just yet.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

Seq is the gearbox. If you are looking at a w203 (i.e. the one with the peanut shaped headlights) do not get a manual for 2 reasons. 1, they are harder to sell because people usually want mercs with an auto box and 2, it has a foot operated parking brake that is right next to the clutch and is very difficult to get the hang of apparantly.

You can get a tow bar with no problem but I am pretty sure you can't get self levelling suspension on teh c-class but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong

 

[MercAl]

Not wanting to resurrect an old debate, but.....IMHO, manual is miles better for towing purposes. But it's all down to personal choice. I just prefer manual.
Also, just as a point of interest...I'm looking round the dealers just now, and apparently...and I say apparently...there is only minimal difference in trade in prices between manual and auto...so I'm being told!
Agree entirely re the size of the C Class. Not the biggest in the world...hence the reason I'm looking at trading in for an E Class...manual!!!

 

[Iain the gadget]

Look for the older shape C250TD auto estate. More than enough grunt for what you need.
Although not as technically advanced as the later cdi's it is virtually bullet proof.
And it runs on veggie!

 

[Parrot of Doom]

And rusts like nothing on earth.

 

[Hibbo]

Look for the older shape C250TD auto estate. More than enough grunt for what you need.
Although not as technically advanced as the later cdi's it is virtually bullet proof.
And it runs on veggie!

And rusts like nothing on earth.

Am I wrong in thinking the the w202 didn't have the same rust problems as the w210?

I have no experience of either, just going by what I've seen/read/heard so could easily have been misled (story of my life! )

Although I do see many fine looking w202s on N/P/R plates and I've seen some horrendous w210s of the same age.

Ahh, you can't beat a bit of sweeping generalisation!

 

[hawk20]

It is the engine size that matters. But the weight you are taking will be no problem with any C or E. Bigger engine will make life a lot more relaxed.

Diesel better than petrol for towing IMO as all that lovely low-down grunt (torque). Also fuel consumption with petrol, while towing, is a bit wallet busting.

Auto gearbox is great for towing especially hill starts, which are easy peasy with auto and awful with a Merc manual (foot operated parking brake leaves you feeling like a one legged tap dancer). In addition, 95% of E's an C's in UK are auto so you get much more choice.

E is roomier and a bit heavier so it its less pushed around by a caravan or boat (I think longer wheelbase helps too?).

Rust: - Buy one with full MBSH and keep it up and you have a 30 year rust guarantee (think this came in around 1999), which does what it says on the tin. Also -check the sales details- should have free Mobilo Life breakdown cover if get full MBSH.

Elegance or Classic have much nicer ride than AvantGarde. Avoid 'sport', big wheels, lowered suspension and all boy racer options.

 

[G-a-r-y]

Thanks again for the feed back.
What's the difference between 220 and 270 CDi engines.
There seem to be less 270's for sale.

How many gears does the auto box have.

 

[hexflyer]

I have a '99 C250TD and NO rust! keep hearing this time and time again! the problem is more common on the E class, before i bought mine i looked at many many C class's and never saw any with this so called bad rust problem, saw many E class's with it tho mainly around wheel arches and the boot area:wink:

As said before the 250TD is old tech but will last forever and has tons of good old torque, which is what you require for towing, fuel economy is not as good as the CDi's but is still pretty good, i regularily get 37-38 and thats with hard driving mixed motorway and town

 

[benzo]

My 202 C class is now 7 years old and there is nothing like rust on it. Come to think of it I haven't noticed any with rust on them.

Very well built and reliable, but was a bit disappointed when I discovered it only had a 2 star NCAP rating, but that's another issue altogether.