E class coupe help please

[MissVix]

Just a thought as you mentioned Vehicle Smart.
You know you can check MOT history direct with the Gov website for free?

I'm only using the free version of Vehicle Smart.

4) I believe that 06U refers to the KOM Module (with built-in Vodafone simcard) that is required for the Mercedes me services, I.e. access to the car systems via a mobile phone app.

Not to sound like a caveman but what does this mean?

5) Earlier cars will have COMAND Online NTG4.5. Later cars will have COMAND Online NTG5*1. The former is almost obsolete today (NTG4.5 was first introduced in 2010). The latter is the better system (introduced in 2014).

These are 2014/2015 models and the only mention of NTG was 5/5.5. I don't think the other was 4.5 so not sure what you're getting at (sorry for being a MB noob lol). One has DVD and the other doesn't - can't find info on Google tho.

 

[MrGreedy]

Not to sound like a caveman but what does this mean?

(sorry for being a MB noob lol)

I wouldn't worry about that. I've had used Mercs (except for a brief gap) since 2012, Including an E Class that I OWN of around this vintage.

I haven't got a clue what most of the stuff mentioned means either

 

[davymead]

I set myself a list of wants in the particular model of Mercedes I eventually bought.
Specifically I targeted this vehicle as I have the pleasure to drive hundreds of cars per year for a living, and this model has always been a favourite. A huge plus is the fact a well looked after, well specced ’older’ Mercedes is an absolute bargain. Part of this ‘bargain’ is the fact that it’s a used vehicle which may go wrong in your tenure.
In my opinion, Mercedes make the best cars in the world, are extremely well made, long lived, and normally very reliable. I purchased my older model, not because I couldn’t afford a newer version, but I particularly like this marque.
Best of luck in your search.

 

[markjay]

Option 527 means that behind the CD/DVD slot there's an internal CD/DVD changer unit (you can insert several CD or DVDs and play them one at a time). Without this option, the CD/DVD slot can only hold one CD or DVD at the time. However, given the decline in use of optical media in recent years, it will probably make no difference to you if the car has option 527 or not.

Also, look for options U14, U16, and U17 in conjunction with 'NTG5/NTG5.5', because this means that the car has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, if these features are important to you.

 

[markjay]

Re Mercedes me:

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However, please note that the range of services available on earlier cars was smaller than those available on new models (though all models use the same app), and that the Mercedes me services are only free for the first 3 years, so you'll need to pay an annual subscription fee for each service that you want to use.

 

[rezawhitaker]

I can answer the question number 6 about the diffrence between the C250d and the C220d, in fact they use the same 2.1 L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. but the C250d's engine uses twin-turbochargers, which enabes the car to produce 205 hp and 500 Nm of torque while the C220d produces only 170 hp and 400 Nm torque.

 

[markjay]

Also, 2015 and 2016 cars will have COMAND Online NTG5*1, which is good. I am not sure if 2014 cars will already have this system, or will still have the older NTG4.5.

 

[MissVix]

You guys are the best, thanks.

You know that saying 'if it looks too good to be true it probably is'? Well I've found 2 remarkably cheap E220s (2016 and 2017 in the same £14k range as most 2015s. Both with memory seats which is a rare sight. Approx 70k miles which is high but should be nothing for a MB engine and is in the same mileage range as most 2014/15 models I've been looking at so I'm happy with that.

This is where things get tricky.......

1) JudgeService, an independent review service, rates them at 95% yet on Trustpilot they score 2.9/5 from 64 reviews (44% 'excellent', 48% 'bad').

2) They proudly state their cars are AA inspected and warrantied but they're the only dealer I've encountered not to offer a 7 or 14 day money back guarantee as they insist they 'do not operate an organised distance selling scheme as defined by the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013' even though lockdown means they can only sell via click and collect/home delivery.

3) They've been going 30 years, have fairly large premises filled with prestige marques and are AutoTrader finalists Retailer of the Year 2020 and Highly Rated for Customer Service 2020 so they must be good but at the same time, the cheap price, lack of money back guarantee, and the horror stories on Trustpilot make me dubious.

Advice?

 

[MrGreedy]

The 14 day distance selling relates more to new vehicles, because for used vehicles, you can return within 30 days.for any reason minus reasonable admin costs.
This is the law, so they can't say it doesn't apply.

Also with used car, if it develops a fault within 6 months, notify the trader and they have to offer you the option of a repair, replacement or buy back of the vehicle.
Again, this is Law, so you don't even need a warranty for this and a seller trying to hide behind a warranty claim is probably trying it on with naive buyers.

Buying used from a trader, my advice is buy, get it properly inspected by an Independent Merc specialist, fault codes checked, underside trim and wheel arch liners out, and if it's got problems, take it back.

Any warranty is mostly useful for catastrophic unexpected disasters is months 7-12 of ownership, so don't pay for or worry about warranties 6 months or less. The reason they are pushed for buyers to buy/given for free up to 6 months, is for the benefit of the seller to minimise risk of costs or to try and hide behind.

 

[MissVix]

The 14 day distance selling relates more to new vehicles, because for used vehicles, you can return within 30 days.for any reason minus reasonable admin costs.
This is the law, so they can't say it doesn't apply.

Also with used car, if it develops a fault within 6 months, notify the trader and they have to offer you the option of a repair, replacement or buy back of the vehicle.
Again, this is Law, so you don't even need a warranty for this and a seller trying to hide behind a warranty claim is probably trying it on with naive buyers.

Buying used from a trader, my advice is buy, get it properly inspected by an Independent Merc specialist, fault codes checked, underside trim and wheel arch liners out, and if it's got problems, take it back.

Any warranty is mostly useful for catastrophic unexpected disasters is months 7-12 of ownership, so don't pay for or worry about warranties 6 months or less. The reason they are pushed for buyers to buy/given for free up to 6 months, is for the benefit of the seller to minimise risk of costs or to try and hide behind.

Thing is, I'm not even sure I'd have any luck with them. I know Trustpilot can be full of idiots and some bad reviews seem unfair but if they're as bad as Trustpilot makes out then I'm not convinced I'd get anywhere with them by citing the law. Legally I'd be right but the hassle of proving it and taking them through the legal system (potentially whilst being unable to drive to work due to the car being dodgy) is another thing altogether.

I actually asked 'if I buy the car, get it checked out by an independent MB specialist and they find major faults, I assume I'll get my money back?' and they said 'no' and advised me of their no money back policy.

 

[MissVix]

Just found their cardealerreviews page:
4/5 stars from 18 reviews (10 excellent, 5 very good, 1 poor, 2 terrible)
72% would recommend to family and friends.

I don't know what to think, I really don't. Why would such a seemingly well-loved company go out of their way to avoid a money back guarantee.

 

[MrGreedy]

I actually asked 'if I buy the car, get it checked out by an independent MB specialist and they find major faults, I assume I'll get my money back?' and they said 'no' and advised me of their no money back policy.

Scammers?
Go elsewhere I think.

Of course you probably realise you can't over-rule the law by writing a contract, and their no money back policy would be found incorrect in the case of immediately declared major faults. But then you would have to go to court. Then this typically might follow something like a disreputable company would stall. A CCJ would be issued. They would ignore it. They might then change the company name and close down the previous company, but operate from the same premises etc. Then you have to rake through that. Just not worth the risk.

Just to be clear, I have no idea who the trader is.

 

[MissVix]

And in terms of the Comand unites - 527 vs 531 - is one better than the other?

As for pan roofs - is it true that they are susceptible to leaking, of enabling sun damage to the interior and of causing a ruckus with the rain bouncing off?

 

[MrGreedy]

Okay, I see one of the traders is a company called Affordable Car Group.
I've had a look through the trustpilot reviews. On the strength of those reviews, I'd personally like to try another trader. A lot of the stuff mentioned on the reviews on the face of it should have been dealt with by the garage.
I understand that trustpilot is properly independent.

Also consider this. I used a garage in my local area based on their good garage scheme reviews. I had a terrible service and extortionate costs, on three occasions over the course of 2 weeks. Visits 2 and 3 were them 'trying to rectify the problems and prove they can be trusted'. They ended up taking even more money from me and didn't fix the single problem I went in for. A problem that I pointed that I thought it was throughout the process. They wouldn't refund so I left a fair, but negative review on the good garage scheme website. That review cannot be found. Amazing.
Ended up having to fix the problem myself on the drive on axle stands in December.

We've all see the odd terrible review that hints of either a competitor trying to badmouth the competition or a customer being out of order and shooting their mouth off. That doesn't seem to be the reviews on trustpilot.
My point being, if there are some scary reviews that seem genuine, I would believe them.

 

[MissVix]

I agree. Thank you. I also walked away from what I thought was The One but the dealer refused to tell me the VIN despite their ad stating they cannot guarantee the spec as listed is correct.

Just found my ideal specced car - memory seats, HK stereo (not sure why these are so rare) parking sensors, parking assist, reverse camera, ILS - just in the wrong colour

 

[MissVix]

Also, I know it is personal choice but are memory seats and KH that big of a deal? I mean, you have all the manual controls within easy reach and my VW Golf stereo sounds just fine.

 

[MissVix]

Last question - I'm buying today and it's between two 2015 models in the same colour.

One is £2000 cheaper but doesn't have pano roof or the UCI (universal communication interface).
I'm not fussed about the pano roof but from what I udnerstand, the UC allows you to connet various devices is this going to be an issue? Surely bluetooth bypasses that?

 

[Jukie]

UCI allows a physical connection. I have it in my 2012 E class saloon. I've used to to connect an iPod, an MP3 player and a USB memory stick (not at the same time!), none of which have Bluetooth. It also charges the device if applicable.

As you know, Bluetooth is just a different method of connection so the UCI is not a necessity but something personally I would like as a "more than useful".

I can't comment on the Pano roof as I've never had a car with one though I really like the idea of a sunroof of some description. As has been said to me previously, a sunroof is something else to go wrong or break.......

 

[MissVix]

Does standard Bluetooth allow you to play your music via your phone? If so then I'm ok with that as I can always use the cigarette lighter to charge my phone as I'm currently doing in my my VW Golf.

 

[Jukie]

Does standard Bluetooth allow you to play your music via your phone? If so then I'm ok with that as I can always use the cigarette lighter to charge my phone as I'm currently doing in my my VW Golf.

Never tried streaming music via BT so I can't help you - sorry. However, ASFIK it can be done.