W245 B Class: considering buying one. Any tips?

[Lord_Lucan]

Hi guys,

I’m tempted to return to the MB stable for my daily driver in the form of a 2011 W245 B200 cdi and I wanted to gauge peoples opinions of them in terms of comfort and reliability.

I’m looking at a CVT one (70k miles) which I know is a bit of a marmite choice on most Internet forums but I like the idea of them and how they work.

Anyone on here got a W245 with CVT and can give real world advice?

Any particular bits to check if/when I go to view the car? Thanks


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[bembo449]

I wouldn't buy a CVT anything , hell I wouldn't have one for free , nothing but trouble and that goes for all CVT not just MB equipped cars ! don't they do a proper auto one ?

 

[grayb]

Some friends of ours ran one for several years with no problems. I have driven a couple of A-class courtesy cars of the same vintage and they drove nicely, from a gearbox point of view. I know one of them had had to have a gearbox rebuild, it's true...

 

[Wighty]

Hi guys,

I’m tempted to return to the MB stable for my daily driver in the form of a 2011 W245 B200 cdi and I wanted to gauge peoples opinions of them in terms of comfort and reliability.

I’m looking at a CVT one (70k miles) which I know is a bit of a marmite choice on most Internet forums but I like the idea of them and how they work.

Anyone on here got a W245 with CVT and can give real world advice?

Any particular bits to check if/when I go to view the car? Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I thought we had got rid of you buddy ?

 

[Lord_Lucan]

I thought we had got rid of you buddy ?

You have/had

I’m contemplating a return but I’ve googled some CVT horror stories and I think I’m sufficiently put off now. I might try looking for regular automatics instead


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[Wighty]

You have/had

I’m contemplating a return but I’ve googled some CVT horror stories and I think I’m sufficiently put off now. I might try looking for regular automatics instead


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C class with a “normal” auto box ?

 

[Lord_Lucan]

C class with a “normal” auto box ?

My requirements are:
- Raised seating position for the sake of my back (currently in a mini SUV so I know my back likes this),
- Folding rear seats so I can lug stuff to the tip etc (my last C class didn't have this),
- Automatic or at least not a manual,
- Diesel due to my annual mileage.
- Budget: £7k max

Nice to haves:
- Xenon headlights as I live in the sticks and the added visibility is a good thing,
- Stop/start to save fuel as I sit in traffic for a decent chunk of my commute,
- Aux-in or USB interface

 

[EmilysDad]

CVT autos feel very strange to drive, probably why VAG introduced stepped changes electrically in their CVT autos.

... my only experience was a CVT auto Fiesta years ago.

 

[Wighty]

My requirements are:
- Raised seating position for the sake of my back (currently in a mini SUV so I know my back likes this),
- Folding rear seats so I can lug stuff to the tip etc (my last C class didn't have this),
- Automatic or at least not a manual,
- Diesel due to my annual mileage.

Nice to haves:
- Xenon headlights as I live in the sticks and the added visibility is a good thing,
- Stop/start to save fuel as I sit in traffic for a decent chunk of my commute,
- Aux-in or USB interface

Stop start = early cam chain failure ?

 

[Lord_Lucan]

Stop start = early cam chain failure ?

I have it on my current daily (Mitsubishi ASX) which I seem to recall is chain-driven....but it's covered 90k miles and all is well so far. To be fair..if I could find an auto version of the ASX I'd probably go for it...it's a good car.

 

[Blobcat]

I'd say a GLC would fit the brief then

 

[Lord_Lucan]

I'd say a GLC would fit the brief then

Just added another item to my requirements.....budget £7k max

 

[grayb]

CVT autos feel very strange to drive, probably why VAG introduced stepped changes electrically in their CVT autos.

... my only experience was a CVT auto Fiesta years ago.

I drove Alex Foti's A-Class last month - the CVT gearbox changed gears nicely (stepped to a degree) and it was perfectly fine, given that the car was only an A150 petrol so not fast.

 

[EmilysDad]

CVT type transmissions at work are a PITA and slowly get replaced with a frequency inverter

 

[BillyBoy]

Curve ball, but there are quite a lot of MLs out there for that money. At least 20 on Autotrader between £7 and £7.5k, typically around the 60 / 11 plate. Would give you the raised driving position, diesel, proper 7 speed auto and plenty ofospace! May be more to run though so not sure how that fits with your budget.

 

[W245207]

Hi guys,

I’m tempted to return to the MB stable for my daily driver in the form of a 2011 W245 B200 cdi and I wanted to gauge peoples opinions of them in terms of comfort and reliability.

I’m looking at a CVT one (70k miles) which I know is a bit of a marmite choice on most Internet forums but I like the idea of them and how they work.

Anyone on here got a W245 with CVT and can give real world advice?

Any particular bits to check if/when I go to view the car? Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Overpriced, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a W245. There are much better cars out there.

Nevertheless, I've comfortably got a flatpak desk and bookshelf in the car. Around town, I can achieve 30+mpg and 47/48 mpg on the long run. Poor cheap tyres will predominately affect the ride. The car was for my wife, the 1 series was too small and I couldn't justify the price for the 2 series so ended with B class. Ideally, wanted the B200 CDi but couldn't find one with all the specs I wanted so ended with the B180 CDi. It just lacks power for my liking.

You want to avoid part leather seats, the 'leather' tends to rip and tear which is obvious with the driver seat. I've read that lamella sunroof leak. On earlier models, the bottom inner door seams rust and some surface rust is found on the strut mount in the engine bay.

The biggest issue with this model is lack of access to the engine. Replacing the thermostat and glow plugs is challenging but not too difficult. However, to replace the belt tensioner (common problem) and starter motor you need to drop the engine. The OM640 engine is not complicating but access to a ramp is desireable.

Like any euro 5 with dpf, you need to check the state of the filter especially if used on short urban runs. This can coke up the EGR valve, intake manifold and affect the swirl flaps operation. This is controlled by a motor and with CVT, you can't remove it without dropping the engine. It would be nice to decoke the intake manifold and walnut blast the intake ports and valves.

Front ball joint and shock absorber (struts) affect the caster and camber respectively. Check tyre wear, it could be that these parts weren't marked properly during removal and thus require wheel alignment.

CVT oil and filter service is carried out every 35,000 miles. I've read problems start from 50,000 miles, conductor plate and speed sensors the common issue. Before buying my car, I scanned the codes and had historic codes for speed sensor and there was evidence of filter change in the service book.

The car has undertrays which cover the transmission and any leak will be hidden from view. I've had leaky driveshaft seal, I spotted this when I was under the car during front bumper removal to replace the parking sensors. Low oil and overheating with lack of filter service may be one of the reasons for CVT failure.

Almost a year and with 6,000 miles under the belt, it has been an 'interesting' purchase so far.

I probably missed a few things out, hopefully answered most of your points.

 

[Lord_Lucan]

Overpriced, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a W245. There are much better cars out there.

Nevertheless, I've comfortably got a flatpak desk and bookshelf in the car. Around town, I can achieve 30+mpg and 47/48 mpg on the long run. Poor cheap tyres will predominately affect the ride. The car was for my wife, the 1 series was too small and I couldn't justify the price for the 2 series so ended with B class. Ideally, wanted the B200 CDi but couldn't find one with all the specs I wanted so ended with the B180 CDi. It just lacks power for my liking.

You want to avoid part leather seats, the 'leather' tends to rip and tear which is obvious with the driver seat. I've read that lamella sunroof leak. On earlier models, the bottom inner door seams rust and some surface rust is found on the strut mount in the engine bay.

The biggest issue with this model is lack of access to the engine. Replacing the thermostat and glow plugs is challenging but not too difficult. However, to replace the belt tensioner (common problem) and starter motor you need to drop the engine. The OM640 engine is not complicating but access to a ramp is desireable.

Like any euro 5 with dpf, you need to check the state of the filter especially if used on short urban runs. This can coke up the EGR valve, intake manifold and affect the swirl flaps operation. This is controlled by a motor and with CVT, you can't remove it without dropping the engine. It would be nice to decoke the intake manifold and walnut blast the intake ports and valves.

Front ball joint and shock absorber (struts) affect the caster and camber respectively. Check tyre wear, it could be that these parts weren't marked properly during removal and thus require wheel alignment.

CVT oil and filter service is carried out every 35,000 miles. I've read problems start from 50,000 miles, conductor plate and speed sensors the common issue. Before buying my car, I scanned the codes and had historic codes for speed sensor and there was evidence of filter change in the service book.

The car has undertrays which cover the transmission and any leak will be hidden from view. I've had leaky driveshaft seal, I spotted this when I was under the car during front bumper removal to replace the parking sensors. Low oil and overheating with lack of filter service may be one of the reasons for CVT failure.

Almost a year and with 6,000 miles under the belt, it has been an 'interesting' purchase so far.

I probably missed a few things out, hopefully answered most of your points.

Thanks so much for your detailed post and highlighting the areas you’ve had “fun” with.

I’m thinking I may need to compromise due to my budget limiting what I can afford in terms of the MB vintage.

I’ve seen a nice VW Passat nearby which I might go to see this weekend. Sure it won’t have the seat height but maybe a softer ride/suspension will make up for that? It’s a decent spec and I’ve driven a few VW DSG vehicles (the Wife’s got one) and they’re are a nice smooth drive. It’s well within budget too so I can set money aside for any services or work due in the next few years.


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[W245207]

Thanks so much for your detailed post and highlighting the areas you’ve had “fun” with.

I’m thinking I may need to compromise due to my budget limiting what I can afford in terms of the MB vintage.

I’ve seen a nice VW Passat nearby which I might go to see this weekend. Sure it won’t have the seat height but maybe a softer ride/suspension will make up for that? It’s a decent spec and I’ve driven a few VW DSG vehicles (the Wife’s got one) and they’re are a nice smooth drive. It’s well within budget too so I can set money aside for any services or work due in the next few years.


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I didn't have technical info and there wasn't much info on the web so I paid for replacing the thermostat. The brakes were crap, I replaced the front discs and pads myself. I couldn't get the bleed screws off and didn't want to snap them off. I got the garage to do it - 9mm with 3/8" ratchet and me with flare nut spanner . And the tensioner and belt which I supplied and cv boots. The rest I've done myself. I have WIS and MB code reader so no issues there.

I wouldn't pay more than £3,800. They're nothing special (w245) and the price has crashed for diesel vehicles. Most cities will start introducing some sort of congestion charge like London. You will need to be Euro 6 compliance vehicle (2016 reg).

Any car is good as long as it is maintained properly. Owner neglect is the main issue.

 

[grayb]

Thanks so much for your detailed post and highlighting the areas you’ve had “fun” with.

I’m thinking I may need to compromise due to my budget limiting what I can afford in terms of the MB vintage.

I’ve seen a nice VW Passat nearby which I might go to see this weekend. Sure it won’t have the seat height but maybe a softer ride/suspension will make up for that? It’s a decent spec and I’ve driven a few VW DSG vehicles (the Wife’s got one) and they’re are a nice smooth drive. It’s well within budget too so I can set money aside for any services or work due in the next few years.


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www.honestjohn.co.uk is full of scare stories about VAG DSG gearboxes...

 

[EmilysDad]

www.honestjohn.co.uk is full of scare stories about VAG DSG gearboxes...

I believe the problems are more related to the earlier dry clutch versions and not the newer wet clutch ..... but that's only what I've gleaned from the web