C350e owners club

[wivenhoe]

Well I’ve passed the mid-life crises (bought CLS55), had an E300TD, an E270cdi and an E250. For the last 3 years I’ve had a lovely CLS350cdi and now I’ve turned old and left wing - getting a C class milk float. Why? Well it’s not the BIK, but boring practicalities. Tyres are big, short lived and expensive on the CLS along with a set of rims when you crack the OE’s because of the 35 profiles. I don’t pay tax or congestion on the float and it fits into parking spaces easier. I do like the air springs, the tech and the car all round is decent - I’ve the P+. Niggles so far are the the “upgraded” hi-fi is nothing special (crappier than a CLS basic), I think the socket on the boot should be illuminated and finally a clock would be handy rather than random digits located on either screen. It’s an interesting fall from grace, but not as painful as I thought. The CLS had just passed 100k and I was in the market for something different.

I want to work out how the timing is optimised to allow for a pre-heat and full charge before I leave, and I’m fiddling with the driving to optimise the mpg - a sure sign of senility and future voting intentions.

The CLS is on eBay if I can shamelessly plug it - just search for the CLS with 50photos (black/porcelain), in West Kingsdown (Brands Hatch).

So please accept me into the tree hugging frat. My name is Tim and I’m a recovering oil burner...

I went from a CLS 350CDI to a C350e - whereas I used to walk up to CLS and smile as I thought it looked smart that was something I never thought about the C. I did 25k in the C350e and never really paid much attention to the mpg as I always thought real mpg would be about 40 and it was I chopped the C350e in against an E350e and rather strangely I now find myself putting it in E rather than leaving it in C and being disappointed if I don't achieve 45mpg on a 100 mile run. I am over 60 now so that probably explains it.

I think if the car is plugged in then the pre-heat doesn't diminish the range - a tip I picked up here is if going on a drive more than say 15 miles then start off in E Save and let the engine do the heating, seats, rear screen etc. and then switch to Hybrid. I am sure you'll enjoy tinkering with your driving to improve the mpg !

 

[Dodgy]

So please accept me into the tree hugging frat. My name is Tim and I’m a recovering oil burner...

Welcome, Tim! Quite an entrance.

For the delayed charging, you want this link Welcome to Mercedes me >> Mercedes me Portal

Go to “Programming of charging settings and pre-entry climate control”, charging settings, pre-entry climate control, departure time, once, enter a time and submit it. Then you can turn on Pre-entry climate control at departure time.

Sorry about this. I find it helps to have darts and a picture of a Mercedes Benz software engineer handy.

If you have economy 7 electricity, you can also set the optimised charging. You can enter peak and off peak periods in the . Mine is showing as inactive because they didn’t transfer it across from the previous system properly, but it works so I’m not touching it. I recommend a peak period late in the evening to stop it charging and an off-peak period overnight.

There’s also an iOS and Android app that has mostly different features.

Enjoy your socialist tendencies.

 

[JAT350e]

Well, mine is now in the dealer's waiting for a new starter motor after a malfunction warning.
Symptoms were that a malfunction would come up when the engine started (although not every time) and then it would refuse to drop into electric mode again
Anybody else had this?
Nick.

I had that 6 Months ago. Same issues and a strong burning smell. Was fine after Starter motor was replaced.

All was fine after.

 

[CaptainChaos]

For the last 3 years I’ve had a lovely CLS350cdi and now I’ve turned old and left wing - getting a C class milk float.

I would suggest getting a C350e means you are getting younger and more with it.

It would be worth checking the stereo settings are correct and someone hasn't turned everything down for some reason. I reckon it sounds pretty good.

If you had plastic wood instead of shiny plastic you would have had a clock.

Enjoy it!

 

[bollidear]

I would suggest getting a C350e means you are getting younger and more with it.

It would be worth checking the stereo settings are correct and someone hasn't turned everything down for some reason. I reckon it sounds pretty good.

If you had plastic wood instead of shiny plastic you would have had a clock.

Enjoy it!

I went through the settings on the audio and it improved things - but not a level where I'd say it was great. What I don't know of-course, is what the standard system is like. I've had the HK in the '55 so that's spoiled me - but I'm guessing that standard CLS spec is similar (or better) than the C class Burmester, but I'll live with it. Not keen on the shiny plastic either to be honest - I cant see that looking as good as wood has on all my previous Mercs. Oh to have a clock...….

 

[bollidear]

Welcome, Tim! Quite an entrance.

For the delayed charging, you want this link Welcome to Mercedes me >> Mercedes me Portal

Go to “Programming of charging settings and pre-entry climate control”, charging settings, pre-entry climate control, departure time, once, enter a time and submit it. Then you can turn on Pre-entry climate control at departure time.

Sorry about this. I find it helps to have darts and a picture of a Mercedes Benz software engineer handy.

If you have economy 7 electricity, you can also set the optimised charging. You can enter peak and off peak periods in the . Mine is showing as inactive because they didn’t transfer it across from the previous system properly, but it works so I’m not touching it. I recommend a peak period late in the evening to stop it charging and an off-peak period overnight.

There’s also an iOS and Android app that has mostly different features.

Enjoy your socialist tendencies.

Thanks Dodgy. I'm only using the supplied 3-pin home charger at the moment, but the preheat knocks around 20% of the charge off - so I might have a toasty car, but I've got 20% less charge. I'm playing with an earlier turn off now to have a chance of getting the charge back in - seemed to work this morning with 2" of snow on the car based on a depart -1 hour setting. Not as toasty - but no ice and still a lot warmer than outside. I'm waiting for my POD to be fitted - so that may speed up the missing 20% a little?

Not on E7 - but again, its something I'm looking at. At the moment I'm a PHEV magpie - stealing kW's from Lidls, Asda's and anywhere where I can get it free. I'm sure the novelty will wear off!

The App is ok - but obviously you cant schedule the Pre-entry time as you can on the web portal, so that's a faff.

 

[Dodgy]

Thanks Dodgy. I'm only using the supplied 3-pin home charger at the moment, but the preheat knocks around 20% of the charge off - so I might have a toasty car, but I've got 20% less charge. I'm playing with an earlier turn off now to have a chance of getting the charge back in - seemed to work this morning with 2" of snow on the car based on a depart -1 hour setting. Not as toasty - but no ice and still a lot warmer than outside. I'm waiting for my POD to be fitted - so that may speed up the missing 20% a little?

Not on E7 - but again, its something I'm looking at. At the moment I'm a PHEV magpie - stealing kW's from Lidls, Asda's and anywhere where I can get it free. I'm sure the novelty will wear off!

The App is ok - but obviously you cant schedule the Pre-entry time as you can on the web portal, so that's a faff.

It’s been a while since I thought about the 3-pin lead - I guess that runs at 13A? I seem to remember there was quite a difference when we had the charging point fitted, even though it only boosts the MB up to 16A.

 

[CaptainChaos]

I run off the 3-pin charger at the reduced (8A?) setting. I think a timed pre-heat needed a good 45 minutes to get it back up to 100% charge. I don't bother now. I press the pre-entry button on the app 10 minutes before I'm leaving. This tends to lose about 15% of my charge. I then set off using E-SAVE and it's not made much difference to my economy. There's no point when it is so cold charging up to 100% and then setting off on electric as within a few minutes you will have used more than 15% charge trying to keep the car warm. Far better to do that using the engine I think, especially if it's so cold the engine has started anyway.

 

[C350ezoom]

SERVICING COSTS
This morning I had a quote of £566 for a B service (£572 for an A service) on my 2017 C350e - how do these compare with the "going rate"?

 

[Deleted member 126969]

Sounds expensive? Makes the service contract look like a bargain tbh. I’m paying £36 a month for 3 services. I paid cash for the first A service (about £350 IIRC) then started the contract to cover the next 3, so I get B A B services rather than A B A. I’ll probably renew the contact once it runs out as well. It isn’t exactly cheap, but seems like the best bet if using dealers. It does also include things you don’t get just paying cash, like courtesy car, some fluids too I think.

 

[C350ezoom]

Yes, the service contract quote I've had is £864 for B+A, either paid as a lump or as 12 x £72.

 

[raspy]

SERVICING COSTS
This morning I had a quote of £566 for a B service (£572 for an A service) on my 2017 C350e - how do these compare with the "going rate"?

@C350ezoom I have a 65 plate car and Merc's online service quote is coming in at £474 for my upcoming B service. That's in suburbs of London. If I choose MB Stevenage, it drops down to £397. I got it down to £352 by selecting MB Southend! The cheapest I could find was £342 but that was MB North Wales.

I looked on Autotrader, found a 2017 model with 7,500 miles and put in the number plate to see what was coming back using the online quote. £636 for a B service in London! MB Southend are showing it as £532.

Are you using the online service for your quote? Mercedes-Benz Online Service Booking Application

 

[Deleted member 126969]

I’d love to hear what kind of argument they come up with to justify charging such wildly different amounts for servicing identical cars of slightly different ages. Of course, if they would tell us what each service actually includes perhaps one could make an informed opinion about whether it was fair or not.

 

[C350ezoom]

Thanks for the link to the service quote system, I didn't know about it. A quote for a random location (Winchester) was £538.67 for a B service. I was tempted to haggle with my local dealer, but it's clear that the contract is the way to go.

It's very interesting to look at what's included (see below, is this really all they do for nearly £600?). Unless an owner is an absolute numpty the only things worth paying for are the oil and filter changes.
I need to read the warranty terms, but my guess is that it requires the car to be serviced by a main dealer ... ?

__________________________________
Key Features of Service B
Change engine oil and oil filter (not applicable for electric vehicles)
Check charging cable and vehicle socket for mechanical damage (Hybrid & Electric)
Check brake fluid level
Correct and note down tyre pressure
Check/correct spare tyre pressure (equipment specific)
Check TIREFIT tyre sealant (equipment specific)
Check first aid kit
Check luggage compartment illumination for proper operation
Check/correct windcreen washer fluid
Check lamps in the instrument cluster and interior illumination for proper operation
Check ex-factory driving aids (equipment specific)
Fill up or replace vial of perfume atomizer (equipment specific)
Fill up Ad®Blue tank (equipment specific, after consultation with customer)
Perform brake test
Check exterior lights for proper operation
Check operation of headlamp range adjustment
Check/correct headlamp adjustment
Check function of windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system
Replace activated charcoal combination filter
Replace battery in the keyfob
Check condition and operation of trailer hitch (equipment specific)
Additional Service Items
Replace dust filter £32.28
Brake system: Replace brake fluid £108.96
____________________________________

 

[Deleted member 126969]

After a lifetime of buying old sheds and doing everything DIY, the only thing that makes paying for the servicing even vaguely bearable for me is the fact I pay zero VED. I try to convince myself that the servicing is effectively free, given that the other car I was looking at buying would be over £500 p.a. VED.

The amount they charge for the little they do is bloody criminal, but I’m stuck in this daft loop of “must service it to keep the warranty, but if it came to it, what actual good would the warranty be given the generally appalling reputation MB have?”

 

[CaptainChaos]

I'm on the service plan. £35 per month I think it is. They come and collect the car, wash it and vac it. I've had recalls done, a gearbox oil leak repaired, MOT, sat nav update (eventually), couple of recalls sorted out. They've looked after me reasonably well. Still far more money than my BMW was - that was £350 for five years!

 

[NickPlymouth]

I'm on the service plan. £35 per month I think it is. They come and collect the car, wash it and vac it. I've had recalls done, a gearbox oil leak repaired, MOT, sat nav update (eventually), couple of recalls sorted out. They've looked after me reasonably well. Still far more money than my BMW was - that was £350 for five years!

That's interesting. When did you join the service plan?
I was just looking at this today. MB south west are asking £40/m based on one service/year. The 'A' service was £490 including use of a loan car, so on the basis that a 'B' should be more extensive (expensive) it should definitely work out cheaper. I'm thinking of getting 4 years worth in the one go so the price is locked in.

 

[Deleted member 126969]

I’m paying £36 per month, a 3 year/3 service plan, started December 2017 right after I paid for the first service. December 2016 car.

Despite my misgivings, I’ll probably extend it when it comes due and ensure the warranty on the EV bits lasts the full 6 years. I’ll review what I do after that date, have yet to think about extending the warranty or not but I suspect it’ll be both expensive and largely worthless, although the experiences we saw recently with the E300h that had a duff battery replaced for free, maybe I’m being too harsh!

 

[CaptainChaos]

Nick, I took the plan out when I got the car in 2016.

Chris, I've extended the warranty on mine. £564.48 for Tier 1 included roadside assistance. It's a lot of money but I can't imagine any repairs being much less that that. It covers "all factory fitted mechanical and electrical parts (including labout to fit them).... up to 100,000 miles... including wear and tear". It does not include cleaning carburettors!

I've attached the handbook.

 

[Deleted member 126969]

@CaptainChaos ah, excellent, thank you for that. I’ll have a read.