Hi, newbie here 👋

[MattClarkson]

Hello there,
I have just joined the forum as I was hoping to get some feedback from owners / advice. I have had a couple of mercedes in the past (a Y reg E320cdi estate and an 04 C270cdi estate). I am looking to come back to owning an E class estate. My budget looks as though it will allow a 10 - 12 plate. I am just unsure as to whether an E250 or E350 will be my best option. I fancy the E350 power wise but is one much more reliable than the other on the whole?
Thanks in advance .

 

[jdrrco]

Welcome. Not in a position to advise, but enjoy your time on the forum.

 

[DanSL55]

Hello Matt, welcome to the forum!

Danny

 

[Sweetooth]

Hello and welcome

 

[Smiley]

Overall I think that the 350 is probably the more reliable. The oil cooler seals can go on the 350 and whilst the seals are cheap there is a lot of dismantling to do to get to them - making is a £££ job. The 220/250 suffer from weak cooling systems and timing chain problems. I don't think that the real world running costs are much different between the 4 and 6 cylinder models so I would recommend the 350 v6.

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome, Matt.

 

[como]

Welcome Matt. I'm sure you will get the help you need on the Forum.

 

[Londonscottish]

Welcome Matt.

Personally, I'd go with the 350 all day long.

There's a big difference in refinement which suits the relaxed nature of the car.

Plus the extra grunt.

 

[W1ghty]

Welcome Matt , don’t drive the 350 if you want to buy the 250

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome Matt , don’t drive the 350 if you want to buy the 250

I'll second that, Wighty.

 

[Smart320]

Welcome, the 350 for me everytime

 

[W1ghty]

What about this , plenty of spare money for future repairs from your 12k budget
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202007010719996

 

[MattClarkson]

What about this , plenty of spare money for future repairs from your 12k budget
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202007010719996View attachment 103861

That is really lovely. Thanks for sharing that. Unfortunately I need an estate though due to having a 2 year old and a Labrador

 

[Mr. B]

That is really lovely. Thanks for sharing that. Unfortunately I need an estate though due to having a 2 year old and a Labrador

Can’t you leave them at home with the Mrs.

 

[nickgar]

I've owned both in the cabriolet version. The 350 cdi is obviously the smoother engine as it's a V6, but the 250cdi with its twin turbos is fast enough for most, and a bit bit better on MPG and road tax.
The other difference, which is not often mentioned, is the smaller 4 cyl. engine is much lighter over the front axle and you can really feel the difference in handling and weight if you step out of one, and into the other, as I have done.
So, they both have their pros and cons. but both are very nice.
Good luck with your search!

 

[samoht]

My parents had an E250 CDI saloon of that period (W212 pre facelift), nice car but I wasn't entirely convinced by the engine - adequate but no more, eg when overtaking. So based on that I'd go for the E350. Other benefit is, I guess, on average the V6 cars are likely to have had a higher spec from new.

 

[W1ghty]

I just found a great car on Auto Trader: £7990


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202008272991095