Help please - thinking of buying a C Class.

[VinceH73]

Hi there,

After 8 years of driving a Focus, its time for an upgrade. High on my list is a 2017/2018 C Class AMG Line, along with a 3 Series and Audi A4/5.

My heart is with the C Class as the looks inside and out are far better than the other two, but reading ‘official’ reviews has put me off a bit with talk of reliability issues, particular with the electrics.

So here I am, looking to get some advice from the best people to ask. So for those that own, or owned, shall I still take the plunge or look elsewhere?

Any advice greatly received.

TIA

 

[Martinjs]

I have owned 4 C Class and a GLA since 2012, other than normal wear and tear items I have had two exterior door handle led’s and an aircon pump fail, all have been fixed under warranty.

Servicing is more expensive than other brands if you use the dealer network but there are plenty of good independent MB specialists around.

Parts are generally obscenely priced.

C Class is a superb piece of engineering.

 

[Scooby_Doo]

My 2018 Premium plus, loads of electrics, hasn't had any problems to date.

 

[markjay]

I am not aware if any particular issues with the 'electrics'.

If you're contemplating a Diesel, then reliability might be an issue, but then it's the same for all marques, with EU6 Diesel engines becoming too complicated to be reliable.

Having driven all three, my own view is the 3-Series and A4 are better dynamically, but the C-Class has a unique feel to it and to my mind it is the better car to drive.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Have you possibly read into electrical faults brought about by a low voltage battery at all . I'm on my 5th mercedes now , only once I've had electrical faults and that was caused by someone not tightening an earth lead from the abs pump after a repair . The c250 I owned last year was a class drive on motorways and country twistys, the 7g gearbox was flawless . Plenty of power on tap to go with it . Sporty looks with the amg package . Id have another tomorrow.

 

[Martinjs]

Hi there,

After 8 years of driving a Focus, its time for an upgrade. High on my list is a 2017/2018 C Class AMG Line, along with a 3 Series and Audi A4/5.

My heart is with the C Class as the looks inside and out are far better than the other two, but reading ‘official’ reviews has put me off a bit with talk of reliability issues, particular with the electrics.

So here I am, looking to get some advice from the best people to ask. So for those that own, or owned, shall I still take the plunge or look elsewhere?

Any advice greatly received.

TIA

In reality, all three are excellent products and probably have equal reliability.

Surveys and reviews only tell you if cars are terrible or superb, most cars don’t fall into those categories, owners are motivated to shout up if they buy a nightmare, less so if the car is faultless, seldom if the experience is in line with the majority. For most the experience is generally good, what matters is what it costs to get things fixed, assuming no warranty. There won’t be anything much to choose between these three.

So buy with your heart, which car will make you feel just that little bit better about life? - buy any of them, but for me MB just had a slight edge.

 

[Rpp999]

Check out mine in the classifieds.

 

[BobbyG]

If you're willing to go to a 2018 could you not squeeze a little more for a MY2019? The interior upgrades on the slightly newer model make the car look/feel much more modern IMHO (wide screen navigation, updated steering wheel). My C200 AMG is a "68" plate, but MY2019 model

 

[markjay]

If you're willing to go to a 2018 could you not squeeze a little more for a MY2019? The interior upgrades on the slightly newer model make the car look/feel much more modern IMHO (wide screen navigation, updated steering wheel). My C200 AMG is a "68" plate, but MY2019 model

Agreed, also the infotainment system has been upgraded from NTG5*2 to NTG5.5 which supports the (optional) Apple CarPlay and and Android Auto.

Though, the second hand car market is well aware of facelifts, and usually there's a price gap between a pre-facelift model and the facelift that replaced it.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , many of the other members on this site have issues with me so take my advice with caution.

Depending on your driving style the Mercedes C class AMG Line should provide you with a pleasant and comfortable ride depending on wheel size.

If you prefer a sporting drive without doubt the BMW is king of the class.

My son has an Audi A3 and the car is superb but I have not driven it.Beautifully built..

Not sure if you are looking for a diesel or petrol engine car but be very careful with a diesel car if using for short trips only.The VW based petrol engines are not built proof.

Check the specification of all cars and make sure of the cars service history.

Don't know how old your Focus is but as mentioned before MB parts are generally going to be more expensive than Ford spares.

For what's it's worth choice the car you want and do your homework on that model writing down what extras you need. I have Mercedes and I rejected five cars before finding a suitable car.Do all the credit check on ownership etc and I purchased my car as a Mercedes approved.

 

[VinceH73]

Hi,

Thank you very much for all your responses so far.

From the responses, I’d prefer a 2019 plate as like the bigger infotainment screen, but there doesn’t seem to be many about and certainly not in my price range.

I’m expecting any servicing or repairs to cost more, certainly when compared to my 2012 Diesel Focus. Also having had to endure taking my wife’s mark 1 Qashqai for a run on the M25 just to get the DPF light off, I’m aware that Diesels are no good unless you add a decent motorway run to the mix. Fortunately we have family up in Suffolk so it would get a good run, though am thinking of returning to petrol as diesels are fast becoming the enemy.

Again, I’m one to spend countless hours doing my homework whether its a new car or new TV.

But thanks again for your help and has certainly put the C Class back on the list.

 

[Rubyred]

I swapped from the Focus model, I’ve owned all generations the last being a 16 plate ST3.
I now own a 17 plate C Class AMG Line petrol and love it. No problems so far, but I do few miles in it.
If you decide on one, try and find one in a nice colour, red or blue maybe.

 

[markjay]

Note that there different screen sizes on the facelift, different instrument clusters (LED/Digital or traditional), and different infotainment systems - so do your research before buying.

Ideally you'll want a car equipped with COMAND NTG5.5 and the Digital instrument panel.

 

[markjay]

 

[markjay]

 

[colinallcars]

For a moment there I thought it was a UK Merc permanently displaying the outside temperature then I saw km/h. It’s my biggest irritation with Mercedes.

 

[markjay]

For a moment there I thought it was a UK Merc permanently displaying the outside temperature then I saw km/h. It’s my biggest irritation with Mercedes.

These photos were taken from a car I drove in the Netherlands... so not UK spec.

 

[BTB 500]

For a moment there I thought it was a UK Merc permanently displaying the outside temperature then I saw km/h. It’s my biggest irritation with Mercedes.

Pretty sure ours displays outside temp there.

 

[BTB 500]

Pretty sure ours displays outside temp there.

It does - this is our UK spec. car just now:

 

[colinallcars]

It does - this is our UK spec. car just now:

View attachment 116129

Thanks, looks like they’ve finally got round to fixing this. My last few Mercs have shown the speed in km/h instead. I know it was down to Mercedes interpretation of the need to display this but hugely irritating none the less. I can’t think of any other manufacturer who took this approach.