E Class Estate Hybrid

[GeoffWestWales]

Hi all,
Later in the year we will be selling our trusty 2005 E270 S211, needing to tow a twin axle caravan I did consider the unthinkable and looked at the Range Rover L322 V8 diesel, but reading the many horror stories I have come to my senses and will be going for a 2011 or 2012 S212, while looking I have seen a couple of E300 Hybrids, I think the hybrids must have launched 2013?.

So my question is are the hybrids over complex like I would expect or should I just get an E350 cdi S212, especially keen to hear from anyone that tows with an e class

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

No experience of towing a van at all, but

Why would you switch from the dominant caravan towing technology to a piece of new tech?

Especially on a vehicle that’s a decade old?

Pollution? Saving the planet? Economy? Tech?

 

[GeoffWestWales]

No experience of towing a van at all, but

Why would you switch from the dominant caravan towing technology to a piece of new tech?

Especially on a vehicle that’s a decade old?

Pollution? Saving the planet? Economy? Tech?

Thanks for your reply. was thinking of the economy when not towing, even the local supermarket is a 40 mile round trip, also just joined a new fishing club so thats a 100 mile trip, so just thinking of saving some fuel cash, but the more I think about the hybrid I suspect if it did go wrong and on an older car probably will it will give the piggy bank a good hammering?

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Thanks for your reply. was thinking of the economy when not towing, even the local supermarket is a 40 mile round trip, also just joined a new fishing club so thats a 100 mile trip, so just thinking of saving some fuel cash, but the more I think about the hybrid I suspect if it did go wrong and on an older car probably will it will give the piggy bank a good hammering?

Yep, reliability and resale value are risks, but on the journeys you’re doing, I’d be surprised if a diesel wasn’t just as economic as a hybrid.

Worth reading around on the models and towing weights you have in mind.

 

[cp3377]

Thanks for your reply. was thinking of the economy when not towing, even the local supermarket is a 40 mile round trip, also just joined a new fishing club so thats a 100 mile trip, so just thinking of saving some fuel cash, but the more I think about the hybrid I suspect if it did go wrong and on an older car probably will it will give the piggy bank a good hammering?

Hi Geoff. You may want to check that you can tow with the Hybrid. The tow bar wasn’t available as an option on it originally, and no towing weight was quoted either, unlike the rest of the range. That may have changed during the car’s life, and if so I hope the following is helpful.

I had an early E300 Hybrid from new in 2013 and then had the 350 engine in a CLS SB. The Hybrid will be more economic - about 20% more in my experience - but there are stories out there about some pretty big bills (several thousands) for the failure of the hybrid function, and that’s what would worry me. Someone with experience of running one recently might be able to comment better on long-term reliability but I had mine for 110k miles (80% motorway) and 4 years and it averaged 48mpg - and you could do that in town and on the motorway once you got used to maximising the electric running which is admittedly limited. However, during this time, under warranty it had a new gearbox and a new hybrid unit. It may be that my car was an early one but the thought of paying for that myself was enough to deter me taking it on myself.

The 350 engine isn’t that economic on short journeys but it sounds like you are undertaking good length trips so that will be less of an issue. What it does have is a smooth engine with substantial torque - helpful when towing. The hybrid isn’t lacking in the torque department but it isn’t as refined or smooth when the engine kicks in. And although not perfectly reliable based on my experience the 350 feels less of a risk. Or you could consider a 250 which is the same engine as the Hybrid but without the electric capability as a compromise between the two on running costs - and it can definitely tow too. I would recommend the 350 though for its effortlessness.

Hope that helps.

 

[ChrisEdu]

I'd stick to using just the stuff out of pumps as fuel.

 

[Headhurts]

I had a new E300 Hybrid S212 in 2014, this was on lease and I had 2 years of trouble free motoring, mine was fairly quick and reasonably economical.

In 2016 I treated myself to a new E350 S212 and kept this for over 5 years again trouble free.

The E350 engine is way better than the E300, it’s quieter with loads of torque and very little difference in mpg.

I did not use either car for towing but suspect the E350 V6 diesel would be far better all round.

Robin

 

[BfgSLKMan]

Echo comments about approval for towing - not all cars in the range are. A quick check of the weights under the VIN plate on the B pillar will clarify. Please also note that if you a fitting a towbar and need to tow (as opposed to something light like a bycyle carrier) then the cooling fan needs to be upgraded from 450w to 600w motor, If it is a factory fitted towbar this is done in the factory, if not you need to replace the motor. You also need to get any electrics coded to the car so that the car knows a towbar is fitted. The CANBUS will then adjust tracction control settings, and if a later car with air suspension, BLIS, Drive Pilot etc, adjust the settings and will also switch off the rear fog light on the car and rear parking sensors.

Ref economy. With the 213 model autocar ran a 220de and the economy was about 10% better than a standard car, but £10K more new and a big battery box in the boot which meant a compromised boot space (in an Estate.....). Personally I get between 50 and 55 mpg wihtout effort (especailly when in UK) and 30mpg when towing (1800kg Hobby Premium and usually with 3 adults, dog and lots of caravan stuff in the car).

Not sure I would bother with a hybrid when the diesel does everything without the tech worry?

Hope this helps?

 

[BfgSLKMan]

Hi all,
Later in the year we will be selling our trusty 2005 E270 S211, needing to tow a twin axle caravan I did consider the unthinkable and looked at the Range Rover L322 V8 diesel, but reading the many horror stories I have come to my senses and will be going for a 2011 or 2012 S212, while looking I have seen a couple of E300 Hybrids, I think the hybrids must have launched 2013?.

So my question is are the hybrids over complex like I would expect or should I just get an E350 cdi S212, especially keen to hear from anyone that tows with an e class

I would also add that the current 220d (193PS) will meet al of your towing requriements. I have towed over some pretty big hills. If you know the long hill out of Narbonne towards Milau in France - sea level to 800m at about 10% - our car would have gone faster than was safe to go around some of the S bends. Easily kept 100kph up that hill with a full 1800kg load on the back and a full car in 25c+ warmth. I know a 6 cylinger 350 sounds great but in reality you might be better buying a later 220d 213 model. After all an SE saloon with 17" wheels is in the £35 tax braket as its 119g. Mine with 20" wheels and an estate is only 139g....

Food for thought?