High spec W204 vs middle of range W211

[theclass]

Hi Guys

Looking to spend 8-11k (depending on spec) on a 100k mileage car, initially I was looking at 2007+ W211 Avantgarde with a pretty standard spec, plan was to use it for 2-3 years then upgrade to the newer W212 with a high spec.

However I've seen a few W204's with harmon kardon, nav etc for not much more, what would you do? I listen to music a lot and HK sound seems impossible to find on the W211.

From what i've read W211 is a better car but not sure by how much, i've only driven the E class so cannot compare to the C, must admit the interior does not look very good in the photos on the C..

Thanks

 

[pembssurf]

This may or may not help. I was in a similar position last month. Had 12k to spend and wanted to get something under 60k miles. Bought a 2011 c-class estate with 40k miles and full MBSH (pre face lift by 1 month) SO far very impressed with interior quality as all i ever head about the 2007-2011 models was the interior wasn't good. Well after coming from a fairly decent toyota the interior in my C Class is far far superior, i do understand though the new face lift one has some nicer materials..

Either way I'm very happy with mine, would have bought an e-class if i could have found one for the right money however i went for the c-class in the end as it had the efficient 180 CGI petrol engine and i didn't fancy a diesel as the difference in MPG versus enjoyment and sound of the engine was negligible. In fact if i had my time over again id defo get the 2.0litre petrol.

Think i may upgrade in 3 years time to either the face lift W204 with all the trimmings or current ten e-class estate with a v6 in it.

Like i said not much help but don't be put off by just the interior, mines perfectly good and rattle free and full of options like command

 

[theclass]

I just wasnt sure if there was much difference for example in the noise in the cabin on the motorway etc, I thought the E class may be quieter.

Thanks for the reply though it does help, its good to know even the C class has a solid interior

 

[219]

Hi Guys

Looking to spend 8-11k (depending on spec) on a 100k mileage car, initially I was looking at 2007+ W211 Avantgarde with a pretty standard spec, plan was to use it for 2-3 years then upgrade to the newer W212 with a high spec.

However I've seen a few W204's with harmon kardon, nav etc for not much more, what would you do? I listen to music a lot and HK sound seems impossible to find on the W211.

From what i've read W211 is a better car but not sure by how much, i've only driven the E class so cannot compare to the C, must admit the interior does not look very good in the photos on the C..

Thanks

The E class is much more spacious , esp for rear passengers ( although small children have plenty of legroom in a C ) - for long journeys you will notice the difference in comfort .

A C is fine if only driver & front passenger , although not just as comfortable .

Best you drive both , or at least sit in , and decide for yourself .

 

[felixmc]

I bought a 57 W211 Avantgarde 102K miles for £7.5K. I love it although it doesn't have HK but I find the sound OK (not Wow) and unbelievably (to me) it doesn't have Aux port. Bluetooth is a no for streaming so I'm looking at upgrading the command unit to NTG 2.5. Cost about £100 on ebay 2nd hand but you then need to get it fitted - guy on here fits them in England.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

A £10k W211 (which will be a facelift) will be superior in every way to a £10k (which will be pre facelift) W204.

Not forgetting the W211 has the best dashboard layout in the world.

 

[markjay]

A £10k W211 (which will be a facelift) will be superior in every way to a £10k (which will be pre facelift) W204.

Not forgetting the W211 has the best dashboard layout in the world.

I agree with the above... and I am a great fan of the C-Class in general.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Make sure when your looking at W211 it has Command, as this was a option...MB got it pretty spot on with the facelift version and many consider early W212 as a step back....not driven a W204 but imho surely a level down in terms of prestige driving.

 

[theclass]

Thanks all the replies have been spot on, feel like I'm making the right decision in going for the W211, Hopefully I'll have one within the next 2 months

Unrelated to above, friend of mine drove the new C class and said he prefers it to the current W212, it'll be interesting to see how the new E class will be, I'm guessing it'll be a big step up from the current one, certainly looks very good (the C) from the videos I've seen.

 

[Gollom]

I bought a 57 W211 Avantgarde 102K miles for £7.5K. I love it although it doesn't have HK but I find the sound OK (not Wow) and unbelievably (to me) it doesn't have Aux port. Bluetooth is a no for streaming so I'm looking at upgrading the command unit to NTG 2.5. Cost about £100 on ebay 2nd hand but you then need to get it fitted - guy on here fits them in England.

Not sure I have ever seen NTG 2.5 going for anywhere near £100 - would love to be proved wrong please! :bannana:

 

[mct_cars]

Make sure when your looking at W211 it has Command, as this was a option...MB got it pretty spot on with the facelift version and many consider early W212 as a step back....not driven a W204 but imho surely a level down in terms of prestige driving.

My advice would be to buy one that DOESN'T have COMAND fitted as standard and get an NTG2.5 unit retrofitted. Much harder job on a car with COMAND from the factory. (Unless of course it's one of the very last with NTG2.5 fitted as standard).

The original COMAND units are looking very dated now.

Oh, and W211 every time. Step up in quality and drive over the W204.

 

[mannikon]

Looked a at C class cars and E class cars to replace my old E class W124 and was not impressed with C class cars I drove, E class had better handling and comfort and soundproofing. Looked at maybe dozen in total so fairly subjective. Found a well-specced W211 Avantgarde and very happy with it. Personally I prefer pre-facelift W211 for Airmatic and SBC (some folk are scared but the ride is gorgeous). Look for pano roof and through loading (rear seats fold). 3 litre or bigger petrol/diesel (diesels are refined as long as you get used to the smell though smell does not penetrate car). Well-specced W211 has tons of subtle options which are not obvious and make the driving experience superior.