Just drove a C320cdi W204

[st4]

Wow!!!!

This is one fast car. The engine was uncannily smooth for a diesel (better than the I6 730d which I also drove today), relentlessly torquey and that 7sp box. Really smooth. 80mph on speedo a mere 2k RPM, reckon on mway this will be at least as economical as my 211 220cdi.

It cornered beautifuly and had a lovely feel through the thin rimmed steering wheel and the paddle shift worked well, even got it sideways to the salesmans horror

But I would;bt buy one, because it simply is too dear, would pay £18k for one tops, it just wasnt plush enough inside for a £30k car. Shame, the only fault I would pick in it was the plasticy dash but it was a laugh a minute, great car.

As for the 730d, pah, a car I once wanted to own but was sorely dissappointed, poor engine in comparison, jerky gearbox and uncomfy seats.

 

[A210AMG]

A huge difference in size between a C and a 7 though?

I agree as nice as the C class are they don't look 'worth' the money inside...lot of plastic.

Probably ok in the lower range group but as you say spending 30K plus you want it to look special on the inside also.

 

[st4]

wasnt a direct comparison between c and 7, but 7s engine was too gruff and for a car with more emphasis on luxury that isnt so good.

 

[wemorgan]

Just killing time Steve or are you looking to replace your car?

 

[st4]

Killing time, although all cars need replace I am in alas no real position to change it, done the maths, just too much and would get a 211 v6 for less money anyway.

 

[wemorgan]

Having just been through the search for a second-hand car myself it seems as if values are very high right now. But with p/x values still at book value it would be an expensive time to change if you don't have to. In 12-18 months time I would hope that cars will return to pre-recession values. Also W212 might begin to creep on to the s/h market reducing W211 values.

 

[st4]

Nae changing but a 3 digit speed (could be in Kmph) in someone elses car is much fun and cheaper than a track day.

 

[davidjpowell]

I changed my W203 320cdi for a 730d se. The BMW was better put together, and as a long distance cruiser I did not notice the engine. It certainly had to work harder for the performance though.

The W203 was fairly high spec, but still never had quite the quality I would have hoped for MB. It was sublimely quick and quite fun to drive. I still miss it.

As for the seats. They were both unforgivable in that neither had lumber adjustment. How BMW and MB justify that I'm not sure, given that all the more mundane cars that I have had include it I'm not sure.

Ultimately the most comfortable car is still a Volvo V70 in my book.

 

[st4]

My old man is looking for a comfy estate as ma has back ache (its very severe and limiting for her) and thought a 211 would be a good bet as the only car she can go any distance is is mine. I thought the 204 had a brilliant comfy ride and better seats than my car. I will look at the volvo option as the seats are excellent, David, would you think I am best to try the volvo out for my old man to see whether its a good option.

 

[wemorgan]

Saab seats are also very good in my opinion, with the 95 being good value on the s/h market.

 

[davidjpowell]

Volvo is definitely worth a look. I presume S60 has the same seats. I'd come out from 12 hour days, mostly behind the wheel feeling fine.

I can't really compare on 211 as I last drove an early one in about 2004, and that was only for a week after some clown drove into the W210 I had then.

As Will says Saab's are also worth a look. I'd be reluctant to buy a newer one unless I was happy to keep it because of depreciation, although it's horses for courses as cheaper to buy of course.

My car has had the seats swapped to heated and ventilated, which is quite nice, but I always feel that I do not fit properly. The loan 9-5 with standard seats I had was a better fit.

 

[crockers]

Did you drive the Sport version or the Elegance - I have driven both. I prefer the look of the Sport but the ride of the Elegance. After a long drive the Sport hurt both mine and the wife's backs. I've averaged 39 mpg since over 70k+ miles. 42-45 on a long motorway run.

Still find my 203 a great grin for the bucks car...

Have had a Saab 9-5 and a Volvo S60..both cars have the best seats in the business. If I was looking for an estate and seat comfort was my no1 priority would be hard to look past the V70.

 

[st4]

Did you drive the Sport version or the Elegance - I have driven both. I prefer the look of the Sport but the ride of the Elegance. After a long drive the Sport hurt both mine and the wife's backs. I've averaged 39 mpg since over 70k+ miles. 42-45 on a long motorway run.

Sport, I loved the handling, really sporty and involving. Love the looks etc. Wont go for an elegance due to resale etc

Have had a Saab 9-5 and a Volvo S60..both cars have the best seats in the business. If I was looking for an estate and seat comfort was my no1 priority would be hard to look past the V70.

Will try one out, thanks

 

[Seamster15]

Volvo is definitely worth a look. I presume S60 has the same seats. I'd come out from 12 hour days, mostly behind the wheel feeling fine.

.

Same front but smaller rear seats. Note though that there are two types of seat, one being less supportive but more arm chair like.

 

[crockers]

Drove from Swindon to Bristol - then to Tongue - got out tired but no aches etc so no problems with the seats (S60)....

I agree about the looks and residuals of the Sport - I would prefer one with the Elegance set up for ride etc....

 

[Lugy]

wasnt a direct comparison between c and 7, but 7s engine was too gruff and for a car with more emphasis on luxury that isnt so good.

Is the 730d still using the same engine that powered Noah's outboards? Or have they changed it to something more modern? I remember looking at a 330d, I was shocked at the amount of vibration behind the wheel at idle. Much more than in my old Corsa CDTi

 

[st4]

Is the 730d still using the same engine that powered Noah's outboards? Or have they changed it to something more modern? I remember looking at a 330d, I was shocked at the amount of vibration behind the wheel at idle. Much more than in my old Corsa CDTi

Was almost as clattery as my 4pot derv. really shocked, not refined like the v6 merc.

 

[Adam230K]

I cant comment on the 730d as an engine, but i can safely conclude from my (limited) experiences that merc auto's are leagues apart from BMW auto's.

 

[garystu1965]

But I would;bt buy one, because it simply is too dear, would pay £18k for one tops, it just wasnt plush enough inside for a £30k car. Shame, the only fault I would pick in it was the plasticy dash but it was a laugh a minute, great car.

My missus's new Vauxhall Corsa Active has a better quality interior.