Upgradig to an E-class estate

[Neo4]

Hi All,
I am thinking of going for an e-class estate (from a C220 CDI classic saloon). We've looked at a E 220 CDI avantgarde. I am used to classic and elegance, never had an avant before. Have a few questions for the guru's here:
1. Is the avantgarde suspension a bit stiffer?
2. Overall impression of the new e-class (upto 06 and 06 onwards) - which is best?
3. Is an 05 plate 220 CDI a good option to go for?

Thank you for your time

Cheers

Pete

 

[jberks]

Hi All,
I am thinking of going for an e-class estate (from a C220 CDI classic saloon). We've looked at a E 220 CDI avantgarde. I am used to classic and elegance, never had an avant before. Have a few questions for the guru's here:
1. Is the avantgarde suspension a bit stiffer?
2. Overall impression of the new e-class (upto 06 and 06 onwards) - which is best?
3. Is an 05 plate 220 CDI a good option to go for?

Thank you for your time

Cheers

Pete

Yes the ag suspension is a little bit stiffer (and lower) than the elegance but the ride is still very compliant. I find it doesn't wallow so much when turning at junctions and is easier to drive as a result.

I've had my E for over 2 years now and still enjoy driving it so no negative points really.

As far as pre/post facelift is concerned, the post facelift cars are even better allegedly. Lots of under the skin improvements plus the later 220 engine is upped from 150 to 170bhp (the same as my 270cdi). It also felt a bit smoother but that may have been my imagination.
Anyway, whichever you get, they're a fine car.

 

[Steve Taxi]

Hi Pete, we have bought 2 W211 estates in the last 4 months, an 04 and a 53reg, both E220cdi one elegance and one avantgarde, the elegance was bought quite cheap with 140k miles and no warranty and it went wrong straight away, new cats, new turbo, rear shocks and front suspension joint, over £5k in repairs so beware, got the avantgarde 2 weeks ago with 74kmiles from main dealer, its going back tomorrow for rear shocks leaking, seems to be a weakness, I still think they are great cars and good for our business so dont let me put you off, make sure you have a warranty of some sort, Steve.