B-Class information/opinions

[Ratz]

My wife currently owns a C-Max but is soon in the market for a new car. She travels 11m to work & back daily but also travels around the country 2-3 times monthly to Nuclear power stations. We have one child and may be getting a dog in the not too distant future.

She quite fancies a B-Class and so we've settled on either a 180 or 200 CDI (auto if we can stretch to it).

Question is does anyone own one of these or driven one for a decent journey, and if so what did you think? Also, apart from the more power is always better arguement, is there a significant enough performance difference to justify extra outlay for B200?

 

[Ratz]

Really, no one?

Maybe that answers my question .

 

[Gollom]

I had a B200 CDi with Sports pack - did not like the ride at all and neither did Carol. But others on here swear by them

 

[Gucci]

The diesel option only makes sense over a long term/frequent usage basis. The design is typical of Mercedes-Benz - the front is far more successful than the rear. It won't get any hearts beating, but they are very practical for space I hear.

 

[jeremytaylor]

Sis-in-law has one (200 CDI auto). She would only allow me the briefest of drives. I wasn't impressed, but then I have never been a fan of CVT autos since driving a Punto CVT some years ago. A guy on Honest John's forum had one on a PCP but disliked it so much they chopped it early (at penalty) for a Golf Estate.

They are very roomy, however, and what doesn't suit some people may suit you. Best to try and get an extended test drive to see if you like it or not.

 

[Rory]

Really, no one?

Maybe that answers my question .

Try a search for B200 (or B180).

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Had a go in B170 petrol. Really liked it. Nice driving position, and nice place to sit. I concluded that it needed a bit more poke and that the B200 CDi would be about perfect.

 

[marcos]

My mum has a B170 and it is actually a nice car, roomy, comfy, practical but a tad under powered.
Overall she loves it.

 

[DC_insider]

I am on my third B180 CDI and have briefly driven a B200 CDI.

The 180 has adequate performance. The 200 felt a lot more "muscular". I would go for the 200 if your budget can stretch to it.

My first 180 was an auto which as others have posted is a CVT gearbox rather than a traditional torque converter gearbox. It is odd at first but you do get used to it. However, my second and third 180s have been manuals and although the gearbox can be a bit notchy I think it is the better option.

A B180 CDI SE with auto lists at £21,822.
A B200 CDI SE manual lists at £22,122. For only £300 more I think this would be a better choice.

My first 180 had sports suspension (this can be specified on its own or as part of the sports package). I found it too hard on all but the smoothest surfaces. The standard suspension has more body roll in the corners but is more comfortable overall.

I have done journeys of up to 300 miles in a 180 (standard suspension) and they are very comfortable. I think that the seats are particularly good. I would opt for the seat comfort package which gives greater adjustment (£80).

Obviously working for MB my choice of cars is limited to the current range but I think that the B-Class is an excellent family car. I have a fourth on order.

 

[dipsy_d]

Sister In Law has a B170, I think its quite a nice ride, very spacious. Ive also driven a B200 Turbo. Enough said, that thing is a machine.

 

[Ratz]

Thanks to all for your replies - much appreciated.

 

[Matt45]

Ratz, I borrowed one from a dealer and covered 300 or so miles. It was a B200Kd auto and was OK. Masses of room inside and a boot you could get an SLK into, but I found it underpowered and pretty slow as it's such a big car - and I was driving it empty. Got good MPG from her though. Kings Lynn to Lincoln on the A17 for an hour gave 57MPG. However, despite the clever ergonomics and lots of space, I personnally wouldn't buy one.