What got you into a Mercedes Benz?

[harrye500]

Stay with me now, it all leads to buying an MB! Since childhood, I always loved the Triumph Stag and Convertibles in general and vowed I'd have one, one day. Fast forward to 2002 and the grand age of 29, I got my 1972 MK1 Green Stag. At the time, I also had a 1999 Rover 800 Coupe as the daily (both cars sold eventually but the Rover, really I wished I'd kept). Both were great, the Stag gave no major issues despite out-dated opinions to the contrary! Fwd a few more years with a few non-convertible cars in between, 2012 I fancied a Volvo C70. Don't recall why that car, but quite pretty and built like a tank plus I just wanted another convie. Nice inside so by the time it came it came to selling, couldn't decide on marque as nothing was as nice except for an SL! So (stay with me), fwd to early 2016 I found after lots of searching a 58 reg black SL350. That was written off some 5 months later by a crazed driver to the rear end while stationery waiting to enter a roundabout in Colne! A couple of months later and after a (rather generous) insurance payout by his insurer, I didn't fancy another SL for obvious reasons plus during ownership, I got a maybe unfair impression it was a very fragile car, though lovely to drive and look at. So with only another MB in mind, I looked at only one E class A207 with M273. I was hooked! At first the 207 didn't really grab me before I saw up close and drove it. I've had that car now for 5 years with no desire to get rid (despite a selling 'wobble' a couple of months back while thinking about a 'sensible' replacement)! It is now complemented by a 2017 W213 estate, which really I needed for my older doggo but also approaching 50, I thought it was time! W213 - superb. A207 - still love it!

 

[SmartAmg]

Stay with me now, it all leads to buying an MB! Since childhood, I always loved the Triumph Stag and Convertibles in general and vowed I'd have one, one day. Fast forward to 2002 and the grand age of 29, I got my 1972 MK1 Green Stag. At the time, I also had a 1999 Rover 800 Coupe as the daily (both cars sold eventually but the Rover, really I wished I'd kept). Both were great, the Stag gave no major issues despite out-dated opinions to the contrary! Fwd a few more years with a few non-convertible cars in between, 2012 I fancied a Volvo C70. Don't recall why that car, but quite pretty and built like a tank plus I just wanted another convie. Nice inside so by the time it came it came to selling, couldn't decide on marque as nothing was as nice except for an SL! So (stay with me), fwd to early 2016 I found after lots of searching a 58 reg black SL350. That was written off some 5 months later by a crazed driver to the rear end while stationery waiting to enter a roundabout in Colne! A couple of months later and after a (rather generous) insurance payout by his insurer, I didn't fancy another SL for obvious reasons plus during ownership, I got a maybe unfair impression it was a very fragile car, though lovely to drive and look at. So with only another MB in mind, I looked at only one E class A207 with M273. I was hooked! At first the 207 didn't really grab me before I saw up close and drove it. I've had that car now for 5 years with no desire to get rid (despite a selling 'wobble' a couple of months back while thinking about a 'sensible' replacement)! It is now complemented by a 2017 W213 estate, which really I needed for my older doggo but also approaching 50, I thought it was time! W213 - superb. A207 - still love it!

Great right up, have to say those Rover 800 coupe's where, good looking motors. C207/A207 great cars, and look stunning, (tad biased)

 

[Ron240]

At the time, I also had a 1999 Rover 800 Coupe as the daily

I had to research this because although I am familiar with the 800 Saloon and Fastback and originally attended a special launch event evening for it at my local dealer (Taggarts), I do not recall a Coupe version.
I found that it was originally developed for the American market but due to circumstances was never sold there. 1999 was the last year of production for the 800 when it was replaced by the 75.
Sounds like you had a special car there.

 

[harrye500]

Yes indeed, the 800 Coupe was a special car and I still regret selling it. Mine was a Beautiful cream leather inside, the car was mostly hand finished and not on the production line I believe. Built in tiny numbers, I doubt there are many left now. Oddly I also had an 03 Rover 75 in between the volvo - actually a very very good and underrated car!

 

[Rockron]

After years of forbearance of RRs, & large 4x4s to literally look down my hooter at them and turn away with disdain, John Cleese over Ronnie Barker style....Lol.

 

[EmilysDad]

Wasn't the 800 Coupe the same as a Honda Leg End?

 

[SmartAmg]

Wasn't the 800 Coupe the same as a Honda Leg End?

Yep, very similar to the Honda Legend Coupe.

 

[harrye500]

I'm sure the chassis was the same. The earlier ones had a Honda 2.7 V6, mine had the Rover 2.5 KV6. Bad engine generally but I was lucky with mine! Looking at pics of both on the web the 800 has aged better than the Leg end though both nice in their own ways. I'll see if I can find any old pics of it if anyone is interested though of course we are all MB nuts on the MB forum!

 

[EmilysDad]

My memories of the 800 series Rovers are when I was lent a 827 saloon as a courtesy car .... understeer was horrendous & it needed a foot ball field & a half to do a U turn . I tried to put my foot down to get onto a roundabout .... the car just jumped & skipped in a straight line rather that go in the direction of the wheels .... I couldn't wait to give it back.

 

[mancman]

I just opened the door and got in.

 

[A.J.]

My memories of the 800 series Rovers are when I was lent a 827 saloon as a courtesy car .... understeer was horrendous & it needed a foot ball field & a half to do a U turn . I tried to put my foot down to get onto a roundabout .... the car just jumped & skipped in a straight line rather that go in the direction of the wheels .... I couldn't wait to give it back.

My experience with the 800 series is much the same, awful things.

 

[Paul Garrett]

My experience with the 800 series is much the same, awful things.

Worst car i ever owned was a 1987 Rover 216SE......a right pile of poo! Whatever possessed me to buy that pile of junk il never know? And i got rid of my beautiful Mk11 Ford Granada 2.8 Ghia for this as i was in a sales job and needed a cheaper fuel using car....oh i wished i kept the Granada ....sob sob.....

 

[Ron240]

Worst car i ever owned was a 1987 Rover 216SE

I had a top of the range 1986 216 VP EFi. Not bad for a 20 year old at that time.

 

[Paul Garrett]

I had a top of the range 1986 216 VP EFi. Not bad for a 20 year old at that time.
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You must have been lucky with a goodun Ron, i had a Morris Marina 1.8TC bored out to 2ltr and specced up by previous owner , and that car was better than the rover by a country mile

 

[Ron240]

i had a Morris Marina 1.8TC bored out to 2ltr and specced up by previous owner , and that car was better than the rover by a country mile

Definitely not on the interior though.
Rover was always a nice place to sit regardless of model.

 

[Paul Garrett]

Definitely not on the interior though.
Rover was always a nice place to sit regardless of model.

No the interior was rubbish but it was more reliable though

 

[harrye500]

Emilysdad yes, I recall much understeer! It was a bit barge like and quite British but a really charming car. Blimey a 216, I remember as though it was yesterday every other car was a Rover!

 

[Paul Garrett]

Emilysdad yes, I recall much understeer! It was a bit barge like and quite British but a really charming car. Blimey a 216, I remember as though it was yesterday every other car was a Rover!

Yeah i remember when Rovers were everywhere, the old Marina did handle not very well, the twin SU's on it kept going out of balance , but it did go quite well when it wanted to

 

[john campbell]

When I was a young lad I always told my wife that when I get to 50 I wanted a eclass Merc as my last car and that's what got me into a Merc. I have had well over 200 cars in my years of driving and if I'm honest the Merc isn't the best car I have owned or driven. I have had the eclass 4 yrs now and it's been a good car but I'm starting to think I need a change but what to buy next I'm not sure about.

 

[Paul Garrett]

When I was a young lad I always told my wife that when I get to 50 I wanted a eclass Merc as my last car and that's what got me into a Merc. I have had well over 200 cars in my years of driving and if I'm honest the Merc isn't the best car I have owned or driven. I have had the eclass 4 yrs now and it's been a good car but I'm starting to think I need a change but what to buy next I'm not sure about.

Wow 200 cars!! Up til now my SClass is the 12th car ive owned and with luck be the last car i ever own too? And thats 40 years of driving behind me, yes Mercs can be tempermental and can challenge your bank balance at times but that goes for most luxury branded cars?