C-Class to B-Class

[Gollom]

I am thinking of changing - should I be put in a padded cell? Need more carrying abililty and my C-class (CD220 CDi Auto AV) is almost out of warranty.

Drove the B180 CDi but not impressed with engine at all. Suspect the B200 CDi may be more refined? Mind you, does not have to be diesel. Anybody have experience of the petrol variants?

Any input/advice appreciated

Thanks

 

[Steve_Perry]

Enter Sym, stage left


He's recently made the change that you are considering (W202 C200 Estate to B180 CDI SE), he did go via a BMW 5 Series though.

S.

 

[sym]

I agree that the B180 CDI engine is not the most refined diesel at idle, but don't have a problem once its picked up a few MPH. Barely noticeable as a diesel at Motorway speeds. Its not the most powerful car either, but has more than enough poke for everyday driving, and for me the fuel consumption makes up for any reservations that I might have had about the refinement or performance ! The Auto gearbox, whilst unconventional being that its of the continuously variable type is very good indeed, not jerky, and extremely smooth.

I doubt you will find the 200 CDI to be more refined - it is after all exactly the same engine, with a different ECU !

The load capacity is great - just as capable if not more so than my previous 202 estate, and E39 5 Series estate.

Some good deals to be had on the 'B' ... would recommend that you get one with as many options as possible, certainly the comfort seat option, and parktronic handy if you can get it - the only one I wish I had, as find it a bit hit and miss to judge where the front and rear of the car are ! I'm sure the petrol versions are good, but haven't driven one, and wasn't in the market for one, so can't comment.

Let me know if there's anything else you want to know.

S.

 

[Robbo]

the 200CDi is basically the same engine, so I dont think it will be much different. We have a new A class petrol (A170) and it is very smooth and refined in the cabin. The B class is basically a long wheelbase A class and the engines are the same. It's pretty good on fuel too.

 

[BonzoDog]

We have a 3 month old B 200CDI with Autotronic. Excellent car except that the diesel is unrefined at very low speeds and when cold, after that it is a peach but never up to the E Class diesels. Ours cruises silently and effortlessly at 140kph - it seems that there is no need to turn up the radio at higher speeds but maybe that is wishful thinking. And there is clearly bags left after that.
The Autotronic is brilliant. How on earth some people got a poor impression beats me.
The whole package is excellent; good roadholding, good ride at higher speeds (not great at low speeds), plenty of space, good feel about everything in the car, excellent economy - best is 5.3L per 100km whatever that is in mpg. Average is 6.2 and improving, excellent saftey features.
The E Class is clearly better at just about everything but although it was not our purpose in buying it, we would feel quite comfortable taking this on long trips. My wife also liked the fact that she could plug in her iPod.

 

[Rory]

- it seems that there is no need to turn up the radio at higher speeds but maybe that is wishful thinking. And there is clearly bags left after that.

Doesn't the radio turn itself up!

 

[jeremytaylor]

Gollom, wouldn't a W203 estate be big enough for you, that way you wouldn't have to 'compromise' on the dynamics.

The W203 is usefully bigger than say a 3-series or an A4, although obviously doesn't have the outright capacity of a B.

 

[Rory]

I went for the W203 estate because it somehow seems bigger inside than the saloon - I *think* the rear seat is set further back than the saloon?

I did wonder if a lot of C Class buyers might migrate to B Class and impact the resale value of the C, rather than the B bringing new customers to Mercedes. In fact neither seems to have happened as the B is apparently hardly selling at all.

 

[tmienterprises]

I was also thinking about this - currently have a w203 c200k and get enough calls from the local MB people asking me to do a test drive in the new B class - am tempted, but am not sure about space available etc..

Still considering it...

 

[sym]

Doesn't the radio turn itself up!

Yes, it does !

S.

 

[BonzoDog]

Radio turns itself up.

Yes, it does !

S.

Clever marketing. I love all that stuff.

 

[Alfie]

I am thinking of changing - should I be put in a padded cell? Need more carrying abililty and my C-class (CD220 CDi Auto AV) is almost out of warranty.

Drove the B180 CDi but not impressed with engine at all. Suspect the B200 CDi may be more refined? Mind you, does not have to be diesel. Anybody have experience of the petrol variants?

Any input/advice appreciated

Thanks

I've just bought a B170SE auto. I would have liked the diesel for its economy. However, the petrol version is very frugal. I am getting 35mpg around town which I'm delighted with. The car is very very smooth, refined and has fantastic load carrying capabilities. Mine has parktronic, easy vario, Ipod, Phone, Panoramic roof, tow bar (will never be used to tow anything), upgraded stereo. As Sym says, get as many options as you can, especially the Parktronic.

A word of caution - avoid anything with the sports pack unless you dont mind a harsher ride. These cars are more difficult to sell later as the target market for a B class isnt the 'sporty' types.

There are some really good deals to be had by shopping around. Search the country's used stock on the mercedes website.

 

[PJH]

.... parktronic handy if you can get it - the only one I wish I had, as find it a bit hit and miss to judge where the front and rear of the car are !
S.

Hopefully all misses and no hits.

I've only seen a handful of Bs on the road, I keep thinking they are As.
Never actually seen the two side-by-side.

 

[sym]

Hopefully all misses and no hits.

I've only seen a handful of Bs on the road, I keep thinking they are As.
Never actually seen the two side-by-side.

Scared myself a couple of times, but no scratches or dents yet ! When you are used to having a car with parking sensors, you begin to automatically wait for the beeps before stopping ... have to keep remembering its not going to !

Its deceptively a usefully bigger car than the A Class, ... particularly the load area, and rear seat legroom. Boot floor drops to make it deeper, and height is well above average. Front / dash is pretty much identical. and bonnet / lights are a different design.

S.

 

[Gollom]

Impressed

Many thanks for your time gents (and ladies?) Most helpful

Still looking for the right car but i am pretty sure that I'll change. If I can ever get through to a MB dealer that is..... Anybody else having trouble with their new phone system aka Keep Customers Away System!! At least in the Blackburn and associated dealerships

"How May I Direct Your Call" Yeeeech!