Haven't bought one... yet!

[Sidetops]

Hi everyone, my name is Simon and I'm new on here.

I'm seriously considering buying an E-Class diesel auto saloon. I have been looking at E320 CDi's, but have been told not to rule out E220's as theyre just as good and cheaper to buy.

Employed in the motor trade working for Ford, I have a decent mechanical knowledge. Also a proud owner of a very fine 2003 Rover 75 Connoisseur SE CDTi auto, and have covered 20,000 miles on top of the 94k it had covered when purchased 2 years ago.

The temptation is to keep it, as its been very reliable. But fancy a change for either an E class (or a Volvo V70 D5 auto) and wondered if anyone could offer any advice on what to look out for.

We tow a caravan with the Rover, and intend to do the same with the Mercedes. Are they up to the job? And is the auto box strong?

All replies greatly received! This forum looks remarkably similar to the Rover 75 & MG ZT Owners Club that I am a member of. Great bunch of friendly, passionate people there (they like the cars too) who have kindly assisted with any help required with 75 ownership. I look forward to joining you here also, and hopefully returning the same good will.

Kind regards
Simon

 

[Wheelsnuts]

Hi Simon and welcome. My son has a 320 CDI. It's a great car: roomy, reliable, very comfortable and excellent performance. No experience of caravan towing but my guess would be it should be no problem.

 

[DrNick]

My suggestion is go and drive one. I suspect you will be immediately converted as soon as you put your foot down!
I'm now on my 3rd E class and I've had diesel and petrol. I'm not going to say that they are obviously that much better than other cars, but they just seem to have so much "right". Things that seem like a good idea on other cars actually are on this one. I just get in a drive it and it seem to sort everything else out for itself (gears, lights, heating, windscreen wipers etc) whereas on other cars theres always something that is a pain to use. Case in point is cruise control/speed limit. So intuitive to use, and so soon becomes incredibly useful especially in 30 zones. Other cars (in my experience - no idea what its like in a Rover for example) not so intuitive so not really used.
And the seats have all been great - a comfy place to be!

 

[ChrisRed63]

Just bought one, very nice you will not be disappointed

 

[mbenz1]

For great driving experience you would want to go for the 6 pot diesel, whether it be the I6 E320 CDI (W210 model) or the I6 E320 CDI (W211 model untill 2005) or the V6 E320 CDI (W211 model after 2005). If you are looking at the W211 model, then its highly recommended to go for the facelift version 2006-2009 regardless of the engine. Its a much more reliable car compared to the pre-facelift model.

I would say the E220 CDI is more suited for fuel economy compared to the 320 CDI.

 

[Troon]

I would say the E220 CDI is more suited for fuel economy compared to the 320 CDI.

That doesn't mean the 220 is slow though. 170PS/400Nm after the June '06 facelift, sub 9s 0-60 and it's very "driveable" — its performance is accessible without revving the nuts off it.

It's cheaper to run overall too: slightly lower VED, less oil, only one air filter; easier maintenance due to more space; and lighter. If you get one on 16" wheels, the tyres are cheaper than the minimum 17" on the V6s.

Economy is great: I average >41mpg on the OBC (pretty much bang on 40mpg real world) across all sorts of driving in my heavier less aerodynamic estate.

The down side is that it's a bit noisy and rattly compared with the six, particularly round town when cold. At cruising speed, it's pretty much inaudible.

Towing is fine: I've towed a folding caravan thingy with the car 5-up and fully laden with no problems or lack of oomph at all. The 5G auto box is very strong and smooth: can't comment on the 7G on the sixes.