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While I completely agree with your comment regarding Mercedes (135k miles in just over 5 years, and the car drives and looks new), I would also like to add that in the 15 years of ownership I only had to replace the alternator on my Lotus. Although I have just SORN it in order to give it new...

No prizes why I chose mine!

Generally agree with the comment above in terms of buying late model variants, however the 212 does appear to be an exception to the rule. Other than the well reported injector issues (which should now be sorted on any car currently on the road), the only other common issue is early water pump...

Not meaning to dismiss your comments, I agree that it is not as simple as below 7C winter tyres are better. There was some academic research on the subject a few years ago (Scandanavian origin IIRC). It showed a transition phase where summer and winter tyre performance would overlap for...

The general evidence indicates that when ambient temps fall below 7C, that winter tyres start to perform better than the summer tyre. So it isn't so much about snow, as it is to do with grip in general. Obviously winter tyres are designed to deal with snow, so in such extremes the difference is...

Excellent choice. This stuff is incrediblely versatile. Just make sure you dilute appropriate to the job, but then use as engine degreaser, cleaning carpets, removing stains from clothes etc. Closest thing to a wonder cleaner I've found. Regards, Neil

I considered the option of tinted windows but in the end opted for these W211 02-08, Mercedes E-Class Styling Accessories - UVCarShades and KiddiShades Brands Simply click in place, and you can remove them in the winter when their ain't no sun! I have fitted these to my S212, I leave...

I have both! Clay clothes are very easy to use, convenient and can be washed/reused, but in my experience it doesn't do as good a job as the clay bar. Bilt Hamber clay bar has been my preferred option for some years. It comes in 3 grades, hard, medium and soft. Having used them all, I...

Some of us don't have doubts about Distronic, merely experience. Regards, Neil PS. The driver can adjust the spacing to account for road conditions or if vehicles in front are bunching up, you could also apply the brake yourself if you anticipate a hazard and furthermore Distronic allows the...

My understanding of the latest iteration of the system is Yes it will steer as well! But as mentioned it is illegal to allow the car to do thios without your hands on the steering wheel i.e. that you are always in control of the system and not the other way around. Hence you decide if you want...

123000 miles in. In my opinion Distonic Plus is the single most significant safety advancement since crumple zones and seat belts! Rather than reducing attention levels, it allows the driver to spread their concentration over a wider range of areas and maintain concentration levels over longer...

I can see why the insurance went up in your circumstance. The point I was making is that insurers will not be able to accurately assess the risk due to certain unknowns. An incident in a car park when the car is unattended will leave these questions unanswered, and the fact that there is a...

Not necessarily so. Our insurance went down following a no fault accident. I suspect that most insurances policies will default at a level where the behaviour/character of the insured party is unknown. This means that it is only after an accident can insurance companies accurately assess...

Tried various products over the years. To some extent it depends on what you are trying to do. I used to use AG Rubber & Trim, this worked well for 'hydrating' rubber and hard plastics, but on discoloured black trim the effect wore off in time. I've tried the Olive Oil/Peanut butter tricks but...

Anyone else off to the 73rd Members meet this weekend? Any excuse to get the tweed out! Regards, Neil

Clay mitts and clay bars are two different methods to achieve similar results. Clay bars need lubricant to pass over the surface of the paint without marring. Most require use of detailing spray as a lube, however Bilt hamber works using water. The key here is that as contaminants are picked...

If you discount the subjective statements in the responses received eg. styling, materials, future reliability there isn't much left to underpin any claim that the 212 is inferior to the 211. The seats fold with a single pull of the handle. Yes the folded seat sits on the squab, resulting a...

Glad you got this sorted. I always thought the C and E class looked great in the Red, especially the Estates. Alot of cars seem to struggle with red paint, especially Vauxhalls. Enjoy the car, it would be a shame if such a great colour choice turned sour for owners. Best regards, Neil

Yes you are. The behaviour you describe does not reflect my, or I suspect many others, experience of an MB or most other manufacturers auto boxes from the last 15-20 years or so. If the box in the car you drove was so dimwitted then I suspect there was some sort of problem. Up until the...

I had new pads on the rear, and expect the discs to last until the next change. However, the front pads and discs were changed at the same time. The only point would be that the rear pads were changed at 100k, and the fronts at 112k. Regards, Neil